Summary
A unique, first of its kind training program consisting of a blended learning model with salient features like Learning Management System (LMS), Online Attendance and Assessment etc.
Background of the Induction Program
As part of its efforts to improve teachers content knowledge and, thereby, student learning outcomes, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED) initiated Induction Program (IP) for newly recruited teachers.
Given the current quality issues with nation’s college level and professional education, the beginning teachers are likely to join the profession with significant deficiencies in both professional competencies and content knowledge. These deficiencies needed to be addressed early in their careers. Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED) envisaged the Induction Program (IP) as a mean of effectively addressing these deficits. PITE being a leading teacher training institute was assigned with the responsibility to train all the newly appointed teachers. In 2018-19 the basic condition of having professional qualification was waived off and all those willful candidates having the requisite academic qualification were given chance to apply for teaching. It was further decided that all the newly recruited teachers will be trained by PITE/RITEs in contents and pedagogy subjects.
To initiate this nine- month mandatory Induction Training Program (IP), the DCTE developed a comprehensive scheme of studies (SoS), keeping in view content and pedagogical needs of newly recruited teachers in the light of assessment results and focus group discussions (FGDs).
The provincial Institute of Teacher Education, Peshawar being responsible for executing IP course, developed training modules and session plans, using SoS. Following the design of IP, subject wise videos were curated and shared with teachers using a LMS with technical assistance of the KESP-TA.
On the completion of primary level training resources, the program was formally launched by selecting and training Subject Experts (Science, Math, English and IT) for more than 486 cluster centers for face to face sessions, across the province.
The trained SEs conducted regular sessions as per notified schedule, for primary school teachers.
The current IP training is a comprehensive nine-month course which is being offered to all school level cadres, in a phased manner.
The purpose was:
1. To enhance pedagogical skills of the teachers
2. To improve content knowledge of Newly recruited teachers in math, science and English
3. To orientate teachers on rules and regulations of service
4. To make teachers aware of teacher professional standards and code of conduct
To sensitize teachers to the issues related to equity and diversity