REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TWO YEARS M. ED PROGRAMME: ARE WE FAILING YET AGAIN!

Abstract

This paper is an outcome of reflecting and brainstorming on the emergent need to bridge the gap between policy and practice on ground zero i.e the curriculum on one hand and the implementation and transaction of the curriculum in the teacher education departments/colleges offering the M.Ed programme on the other hand .The reflection is based on the professional experiences of the author as a critical pedagogue and further includes the views of some experienced peers engaged in teaching the M.Ed programme in teacher education institutions across the country . The paper was given shape based on focus group discussions with a number of teacher educators and student-teachers based in departments of education in universities in Delhi . There is no doubt that the one year M.Ed programme was not adequate to hone the professional skills of M.Ed students as future teachers ,teacher educators , policy analysts ,curriculum planners, e content developers , researchers etc .But the disturbing aspect which needs to be put across is that the implementation of the two year M.Ed course too is mechanical, dehumanizing ,structured with no flexibility and far from any emphasis on the development of curiosity, creativity ,scientific temperament, empathy, care ,democratic citizenship which are critical aspects to the evolution of a humane and competent teacher educator to begin with .Well, if it was so simplistic then an increase in duration and a model curriculum were enough .It is high time we accept that the stark reality on the ground which is right opposite is staring back at us, it is high time we acknowledge it and take measures to put the house in order .This paper is an attempt to present a critique of the implementation and transaction of the two year M.Ed programme on ground.