Future of a country will surely depend on its teachers not only for knowledge but also values and skills to be inherited by the next generation. Importantly, for that, India has established District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) as an institution to make teacher education practical and effective. They are working under the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
DIET is designed not merely to train future teachers, but to keep the present teachers updated from time to time regarding various new educational methodologies.
Importance of DIET
The major feature of the DIET is that it works at the grassroots level in teacher preparation through terrain-based training according to local needs. Many such institutions are in every district, and hence they understand all local needs regarding languages, diversities, and communities and organize their training according to that.
Main objectives of DIET
Consequently, their main thrust would be on quality improvement in teacher education as well as on promoting inclusive, child-centered education. Thus their basic objectives are as follows:
- Preparing quality teachers: training in subject-based learning, teaching-learning methodologies and classroom management techniques.
- Development of working teachers: retraining and short-term refresher courses.
- Curriculum Development Assistance: Providing constant improvement of the curriculum in accordance with new education principles and policies.
- Research and Innovation Promotion: Discovering solutions to practical problems through educational studies and research.
Establishment and functioning of DIET
DIETs had commenced with the assistance of The Indian Government along with the State Government so as to ensure that the teachers working in primary as well as secondary schools received proper training in quality. There is one DIET in every district.
Pre-Service Teacher Training
DIETs provide training courses such as D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) and B.Ed. Through these courses, the future teachers are trained on topics like child psychology, assessment techniques, inclusive education, and subject-based teaching.
In-Service Teacher Training
DIET conducts training workshops and orientation programs for already working school teachers from time to time. Some of the training include:
- Curriculum Updating
- Digital Education and ICT Integration
- Innovative Teaching Techniques
- Student Assessment and Outcome-Based Education
Curriculum Development and Resource Support
DIET not only does training but also has an active hand in developing the curriculum along with SCERT and some other institutions. It provides all necessary instruments, books, and digital resources to the teachers.
Research and Innovation
To improve the sector of education, DIET engages itself in several types of research projects, surveys and action-based studies. The outputs will help in making teacher training even more effective and practical.
Networking and Collaboration
DIET is the connection between the teachers, the policy makers, and various NGOs or educational institutions. It shares the latest research, teaching methods and experiences through workshops, symposia and seminars.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Teaching is always learning. DIET keeps teachers on their toes through short courses, refresher programs, or upgradation courses for continuing professionalism. This both improves efficiency in the class and makes teachers self-reliant.
Curriculum and Training Program of DIET
DIET curriculum covers several areas in education, such as:
- Theory of Education: Wherein philosophy and psychology of education are explained.
- Pedagogical Methods: Classroom management, assessment, group based learning, and experiential learning.
- Subject Based Training: Concerns the practical aspects of how to teach each subject.
- Educational Technology (EdTech): Use of digital tools, videos, smart classes, and online resources.
Conclusion
DIET has proven to be present a milestone in the field of teacher education for the country of India. Local reach, emphasis on practical training, and the continuous development approach alone differentiate it from the rest of the institutions. Whether it is training the new entrants to the teaching profession or upgrading the knowledge base of working teachers, DIET occupies a very exclusive role.
Today in the discussions of implementing National Education Policy (NEP 2020), DIET holds all the more significance. Teacher preparation has ceased to be, merely, a course-completion exercise, rather it is a continuous, practical, and holistic process – and DIET is a very strong step in that direction.
