NEW DELHI, Sept 5:
Observing that improving quality of education is vital for building a strong nation, President Pranab Mukherjee today advocated application of new technology in curriculum development for all stages of education.
“Adaptation to and application of new technology should be an integral part of the curriculum development for all stages of education. New methods and teaching aids must equip the younger generations to learn more, explore more and contribute more to the society,” he said.
Mukherjee, who himself was a teacher in his early days, said it was necessary to design appropriate learning experiences for students as learning processes has ceased to remain confined to classroom-based curriculum.
The President said teachers should also give themselves a new orientation and evolve an enhanced institutional capacity.
He said qualified and competent teachers, continuously renewing their capabilities and excellence through research, experimentation and innovation would be the nation’s strength.
“We must work for long term goal of setting performance standards and creating top class institutional facilities for innovative training and professional development of teachers,” Mukherjee said.
He was speaking on the occasion of the presentation of national awards to teachers on Teacher’ Day here.
Mukherjee also reminded of his assertion made while assuming office as President that “education is the key alchemy that can bring India to its next golden age. Our motto should be: all for education and education for all”.
The President noted that a teacher’s duty is to enable the pupils to construct knowledge, help them discover their talents and develop their physical and interpersonal skills, cognitive abilities and subject-matter expertise.
“Education must enrich their minds, broaden their horizons and give them ever lasting hunger for exploring new ideas and vistas of opportunity,” he said.
Mukherjee said in a nation whose demography is young – both in age and spirit, teachers have the responsibility of providing education which is rich in values and modern in content.
As many as 310 teachers from across the country were conferred the national teacher award at the function. Besides, 20 teachers were also awarded under Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said education is the only way forward in bringing people together and contributing to happiness in this age of “discord where the ugly head of violence disturbs peace”.
“Education is not about being literate and acquiring degrees. It is about facing the world. It is about bringing us together and contribution to the happiness of all. That can only be provided by the institution of teachers,” he said. (PTI)
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