Extension Programs

Certificate in Primary Education (CPE) :

A specially designed six months package for
untrained primary school teachers of
North-Eastern states and Sikkim

Certificate in Primary Education (CPE) is a six months specially designed package for untrained in-service teachers working in primary/ elementary schools of North-Eastern States and Sikkim .  The programme has been developed on the initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Govt. of India and National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE).  

The main purpose of the programme is to cover the backlog of large number of untrained teachers working in primary/ elementary schools of North-Eastern states and Sikkim and provide them minimum training required in the essential areas of teaching and learning.  The need was felt after taking in to account the damage that can be done to the cause and quality of education by the untrained teachers.   It was thought that through two years full-fledged teacher training programme it may not be possible to train large number of untrained teachers in a short period.  Therefore, the need of short course, which is comprehensive with an appropriate practical component, could help these untrained teachers who are working for many years to develop basic skills and competencies important for teaching and learning process.
The programme, however, is not equivalent to any regular teacher training programme available in the country.  This does not qualify the teachers for appointment etc. outside these states.  However, as agreed by the state governments concerned and recognized by the NCTE, teachers who under go this special package of teacher education programme may be declared as trained in their respective states.
The School of Education , IGNOU was assigned the responsibility of designing and developing this programme through distance mode.  An attempt has been made to prepare a package of courses that comprises blocks and units to cover the main topics essential for primary school teachers to know.  Apart from this a comprehensive practical component has also been included in the package.  The complete details of the programme are given as under:  

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The following four broad objectives have been envisaged in the programme:
(i)       to develop knowledge and understanding in the primary school curriculum.
(ii)      to develop skills in transacting the prescribed curriculum effectively.
(iii)     to acquaint the participants on factor affecting child development, individual differences
         in the classroom, learning and motivation process etc.
(iv)    to appreciate the role of teacher in the socio-cultural and political context of the country
        in general and in the primary education system in particular. 

In specific terms, the programme is linked to five aspects of teaching-learning process:
(a)      knowledge base  (school curriculum)
(b)      understanding of child development process
(c)      strategies and skills to transact the curriculum
(d)      awareness of the socio-cultural context in which the teacher functions, and;
(e)       developing a sense of commitment in teachers towards educating children.  

TARGET GROUP

The target group for the programme are the untrained or under-trained teachers teaching at primary/ elementary level schools.  However, they should fulfil the eligibility criteria prescribed for admission.

ELIGIBILITY 
The untrained or under-trained permanent teachers having passed matric/HSC/+2 standard in new pattern of education or above and teaching at the primary and elementary level (standard I to standard VIII) in the recognised schools.  The teachers should have a minimum of two years teaching experience at the time of seeking admission.

DURATION                           :           6 Months

WEIGHTAGE                        :           18 Credits       

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

Media of instruction are English and Hindi.   The programme will also be available in Assamese and Bengali languages from January, 2003.   

PROGRAMME    FEE         :           Rs. 3000/-

COURSE STRUCTURE   : The programme comprises four courses and practical component.

 C – 1: TEACHING LANGUAGE                            (3 – Credits)

                        Block – 1:       Development of Language Skills

                                    Unit-1:  Development of Listening and Speaking Skills
                                    Unit-2:  Development of Reading Skills
                                    Unit-3:  Development of Writing Skills
                                    Unit-4:  Minimum Levels of Learning (MLLs) in Language

                        Block – 2:       Curriculum Transaction

                                    Unit-5:   Using the Course Content
                                    Unit-6:   Using the Audio-Visual Aids
                                    Unit-7:   Language Development Through Co-curricular Activities

                        Block – 3:       Language Teaching  -  A Few Aspects

                                    Unit-8:  Content Enrichment for Improving Language Teaching
                                    Unit-9:  Identification of Language Problems
                                    Unit-10: Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation 

C – 2:              TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS   (3 – Credits)

                        Block – 1:       Curriculum Planning and Instruction in Mathematics

                                    Unit-1:   Curriculum of Mathematics at the Primary Stage
                                    Unit-2:   Unit and Lesson Planning
                                    Unit-3:    Methods of Teaching Mathematics

                        Block – 2:       Teaching of Basic Mathematical Concepts

                                   Unit-4:  Number System, Numeration and Four Fundamental Operations
                                   Unit-5:  Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

                        Block – 3:       Evaluation and Enrichment in Teaching Mathematics

                                    Unit-6: Competency Based Evaluation in Mathematics 
                                    Unit-7: Diagnostic Testing and Remedial Teaching in Mathematics
                                    Unit-8:  Mathematics Programme for Fast Learners
                                    Unit-9: Development of Teaching Material and their Use in Mathematics                                               Teaching 

C – 3:              TEACHING OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES    (2 Credits)

            Block-1:  Concept and Methodology

         Unit-1:  Concept and Need for Teaching EVS at Primary Stage

         Unit-2:  Objectives of Teaching Environmental Studies

         Unit-3:  Curriculum Organisation and Transaction of EVS

         Unit-4:   Evaluation in Environmental Studies

            Block-2:  Sample Unit

         Unit-5:   Our Living World

         Unit-6:   Our Body, Food and Health

         Unit-7:   Matter and Material Around Us

         Unit-8:   Air, Water and Weather

            C-4:            UNDERSTANDING THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD  (2-Credits) 

              Block-1:    Child Development: An Introduction

       Unit-1:  Introduction to Child Development
      Unit-2:  Physical and Motor Development

      Unit-3:  Cognitive and Language Development  

                    Block-2:     Child Development: Basic Issues

Unit-4:  Basic Issues in Child Development

Unit-5:  Needs of the Primary School Child

Unit-6:  Play and its Significance

PRACTICAL COMPONENTS (total 8redits)  

Three different categories have been envisaged under practical activities.  These are: 

EVALUATION 

The evaluation system of theory and practical of CPE programme is indicated separately as follows:

Theory:           (10 credits)

For theory courses, the evaluation comprises three aspects.

a)         Self-assessment exercises within each unit of study (non-credit)

b)         Continuous evaluation in the form of periodic assignments carries weightage of 30%

c)          Term-end examination carries a weightage of 70%

Practicals:       (8  credits)

For practical component, the evaluation comprises three aspects. 

a)          Continuous evaluation of practical assignments and school based activities (2 credits)
b)          Evaluation in workshop based workshop                                           ( 3 credits)
c)          Evaluation of practice teaching by the team of examiners                   ( 3 credits)

(All the three aspects of the practicals are compulsory)

A student will have to obtain at least D  grade in both continuous and terminal evaluation separately.  However, the overall average grade for the successful completion of a course should be at least C grade.

IGNOU uses the system of "grading" for evaluating learners' achievement (assignment responses, practical work, etc.) on a five point scale using letter grade A, B, C, D, and E.  The notional correlates of the letter grades are as follows:

          Letter Grade           Qualitative Level                     Point Grade

            A                                 Excellent                                              5
            B                                 Very Good                                            4
            C                                 Good                                                    3
            D                                 Satisfactory                                          2
            E                                 Unsatisfactory                                       1

 Grade Z (zero) is awarded for no answers or incorrect answers.

PROGRAMME    DELIVERY

The methodology of instruction in this University is different from that of the conventional Universities.  The Open University system is more learner-oriented, and the learner is an active participant in the teaching and learning process.  Most of the instruction is imparted through distance mode rather than face-to-face communication. 

The University follows a multi-media approach for instruction.  It comprises:

a)                  Self-instructional Written Material 

The printed material (written in self-instructional style) for both theory and practical components of the programme is supplied to the learners, which comes in the form of a booklet usually comprising 3 to 5 units.

b)                  Audio-Visual Material Aids

            The learning package contains audio and video cassettes which have been produced by the University for better clarification and enhancement of understanding of the course material given to the student.  A video programme is normally of 25-30 minutes duration.  The audio tapes are run and video cassettes are screened at the Programme Centres during the hours of the counselling sessions which are duly notified by the Co-ordinator of Programme Centre.
The video programmes are telecast on National Network and enrichment channel of Doordarshan.  Some of the selected stations of All India Radio also broadcast the audio programmes.  Learners can confirm the dates for the programme from their Programme Centres.  The information is also provided through the National Newspapers and IGNOU Newsletters sent to the students regularly.  

c)                  Counselling Sessions

            Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn beforehand by the Co-ordinator.  They are held on weekends, that is to say, Saturday and Sunday of the week.

d)                  Contact Programme

            The University organises contact sessions for selected programmes to meet specific learners needs.  This also gives an opportunity for face-to-face interaction of students with the members of the faculty and other experts in the subject.

e)                  Teleconferencing

            Live sessions are conducted via satellite through Training and Development Communication Channel (TDCC), the schedule for which is made available at the Programme Centres.  The learner will have to go to the nearest reception centre at the scheduled time for taking the benefit of this facility.

f)                    Distance Learning Facilitator

            If the number of learners for a particular programme at a Programme Centre falls below 10 (ten) then usual counselling sessions will not be conducted.  The support services may be handled by a Distance Learning Facilitator (DLF).

g)                  Practicals

            Practicals are held at designated institutions for which schedule is provided by the Programme Centre.  Attendance at practicals is compulsory.

h)                  Practical Handbooks

            The practical handbooks are specially prepared for the students who enrol for CPE programme and for the Resource Persons who are involved in the programme.  These handbooks provide the complete information and guideline about the Practical Component of the Programme.  These handbooks further explain the role and responsibility of the learners and the Resource Persons and other functionaries involved in the delivery of the programme. 

INSTRUCTIONAL  SYSTEM 

The University follows the multimedia approach in instruction.  It comprises:

•   Self-instructional printed course material packages
• Assignments for assessment and feedback
• Supporting audio-video programmes
• Face-to-face interaction with Academic Counsellors at  Work Centres/ Programme Centres and depending on programme requirement.
• Practicals at designated institutions.
• Work-related field project/ functional assignments as per programme requirements
• Telecast of Video Programmes on National Network of Doordarshan.
• Broadcast of Audio Programmes by Akashvani (All India Radio) (Selected Stations).
• Tele-conferencing with a two-way audio and one-way video facility.

Programme Coordinator - Prof. M.L. Koul - drmlkoul@yahoo.com, mlkoul@ignou.ac.in