If we want to improve the quality of education in a large and diverse country like India, then first of all we have to strengthen those who are the backbone of this education system – that is, our teachers. Taking this thought forward, in 1986, the Government of India took a visionary step and established District Institute of Education & Training i.e. DIET (District Institute of Education & Training) in every district under the National Policy on Education (1986).
Why was DIET Established?
In the 1980s, India’s education system was facing many challenges. There were schools in rural areas, but the teachers teaching in them did not get adequate training. Many teachers were teaching children in schools without any special training. This was affecting the quality of education.
The government understood that if teachers are trained properly, then both the learning ability of children and the results will be better. With this objective, DIETs were established in 1986 under the National Education Policy. Its main objective was to provide quality training to teachers and introduce them to changing educational methods over time.
What was the Initial Objective of DIET?
Initially, DIET was created for two major functions:
Pre-Service Training
This means training those who want to become teachers in the future before becoming teachers. They are trained in subjects like teaching methods, child psychology, understanding of curriculum and classroom management.
In-Service Training
This is for those teachers who are already teaching in schools. From time to time, they are given information about new teaching techniques, evaluation methods and changes in the curriculum so that they can teach children in a better way.
How Does DIET Work?
DIET is not like any normal government office. It is a training institute where teachers come, learn and then use the things learned in their classes. DIET faculties are experts in various subjects such as mathematics, science, social sciences, languages, etc.
Another important function of DIET is research and innovation. That is, they study which teaching methods are more effective, what children have difficulty learning, in which areas teachers need more help, etc.
Contribution of DIET in Today’s Education System
Over time, the role of DIET has become even more extensive. Now these institutes are not limited to just giving training, but:
- Formulate policies to improve quality in education
- Prepare curriculum in collaboration with the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
- Do research and evaluation at the classroom level
- Develop innovative teaching methods
For example, many DIETs have recently prepared teaching-learning materials (TLMs) in local languages so that children can understand easily. Some DIETs have created digital lesson plans and online training modules using ICT (Information & Communication Technology).
Teachers and DIET: A Trusted Relationship
DIET not only trains teachers but also provides them a platform where they can share their experiences, find solutions to problems and learn from each other.
Suppose children in a school are facing difficulty in mathematics. The teacher of that school can contact the mathematics expert of DIET and get suggestions on how to explain to the children in a simple way. Not only this, DIET also regularly organizes workshops, seminars and refresher courses.
Current Challenges and Future Path
Although the role of DIET is very important, but in many districts even today these institutes are deprived of adequate resources. At some places there is a shortage of trainers, at others there is a lack of digital facilities. At many places the condition of DIET buildings is not good.
But despite this, many DIET institutes are changing the face of education in their districts. For example:
- DIETs in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh developed curriculum materials tailored to the local context
- Some DIETs started special training programmes on Happiness Curriculum and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)
If we want to further empower DIETs in the future, we need to take the following measures:
- Strengthen digital infrastructure
- Promote research and innovation
- Provide technical skills to teachers
- Engage the community and parents
Conclusion
The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) is not just an institute, but a powerful tool for change in education. It was established in 1986 with a dream – that every child gets quality education and every teacher is competent. Today, almost 40 years later, this institute is infusing a new energy in the field of education in every corner of India.
We must recognize the power of DIET and support it more strongly so that every teacher becomes a powerful guide and every child touches new heights of education.
