School Experience Program- Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Knowledge and technology which is relevant today may become redundant tomorrow. In this, ever-changing, fast-paced world, individuals should be equipped with skills and competencies which will facilitate them for lifelong learning. To develop these skills or qualities in the present
generation, schools or educational institutions need to provide appropriate learning experiences to learners. The main torchbearer of a school, who is responsible to provide a conducive learning environment to students is teachers. To fulfill these requirements of good quality teachers, a comprehensive and quality teacher training program is required which aims teachers to be a 21st-century teacher instead of a certified one. To equip teachers with required competencies and skills NCFTE (2009) has laid emphasis on extensive school experience program in pre service teachers training. School experience program gives an opportunity to the
student- teachers to blend theories of education into practice. To make teacher training effective, NCTE introduced two years B.ED program all over the country from 2015-16 academic session and duration of school experience program was increased from 20 days to 12-16 weeks. To
provide this extensive school experience to student- teachers, partnership with schools is a prerequisite. This study intends to identify and focus on the barriers in the implementation of the School Experience Program. It also intended to seek suggestions for the effective implementation of School Experience Program.