PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEACHERS: AN OVERVIEW

Professional development of the teachers for the quality education is an important factor which by any standard can’t be ignored by the policy makers in Higher Education. Teacher is a reflection of the educational system in a country and with quality and committed teachers, quality education paves the way towards excellence in higher education.

Teacher is the key figure in the entire educational set-up and a effective teacher can mould the entire system in a positive direction, provided he/she gets a proper orientation and an opportunity to upgrade his knowledge and skills on a continuous basis. All the Commissions and Committees on higher education and teacher education, appointed from time to time have emphasized the need for the professional development of the teachers. Radha Krishnan Commission (1948-49) recommended change in the teaching methods, emphasized the Quality Education and need to promote research. Kothari Commission (1964-66) recommended quality education and emphasized the need for quality, competent with excellent character. Sen Committee (1969) recommended Faculty Improvement Programme (FIP). The National Commission on Teachers (1983) for quality improvement in higher education recommended for the skill improvement and proper training of the teachers. Mehrotra Committee (1983-87) among other things recommended for professional development of the teachers, incentives for good governance and career advancement of the teachers.

The Government of India for the first time, through National Policy on Education (1986) gave due recognition to the observations and recommendations of various Committees and Commissions on Higher Education and the Task Force Report (1988) emphasized Code of Professional ethics for the University and College Teachers. Rasthogi Committee (1994-1997) endorsed recommendation of the Mehrotra Committee on PATA. UGC Committee (1997) also recommended for over-all professional development and quality control in higher education. Chadda Committee (2007-2008) while recommending 70.0 percent hike in pay package of the teachers, observed that
excellence in Higher Education Institutions depends to a great extent on the Quality, Competence and Work Culture of the Teachers & hence the availability of the talented and motivated teachers is crucial to the development of quality in Higher Education.

The professional development is to produce teachers with professional skill and competence to cope up with the challenges of the modern changing society, as the role of the teachers is not confined to teaching only, but they have to work for the over-all development of the society. They need to be well versed with up-date knowledge in the K-based society. They must be equipped with the pedagogical skills with high academic standard in tune with the global parameters.

There is a dire need that the top priority is to be given to the professional development of the teachers in higher education and for this purpose the Academic Staff Colleges should be re-oriented and Refresher Courses and other programmes should be organized in a meaningful and effective manner. It is imperative that the teachers should be encouraged for innovative programmes. The teachers should be given incentives for creative and innovative contribution and should be encouraged for their research activities.