‘Teacher should be first a student’

Emphasising on the need to change the way teachers teach, former chairman of UGC Dr Arun Nigavekar has asked the teachers themselves to be good students first. Dr Nigavekar, who is also known for introducing National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), said, "First, teachers must learn to learn, because a teacher is essentially a lifelong student first."

Dr Nigavekar was speaking at the second Dr KR Shroff Memorial Lecture at NID organised by Calorx Teachers University. The academician shared his views on 'Emerging Challenges in Teachers' Training Programs'.

Speaking on the occasion, Nigavekar stressed on the need to understand the needs of 21st century. According to him, strength of any nation lies in the creation of new knowledge. He also pointed out the key responsibilities of a teacher, who helps cultivate knowledge into young minds.

"In this era of internet, a teacher should be able to tell the student about authenticity of available information" he said while urging teachers to adopt a holistic approach in providing education. "You are not just teachers, but also facilitators, treat the students equally and provide them space to grow" he added.

He also gave suggestions for professional development of teachers.