BMC to get teaching staff to take IQ tests; depending on result, will customise training programmes to help improve their skills
A teacher in a class at Woolen Mill BMC ICSE school, Mahim, on January 24, 2022. Pic/Ashish Raje
To upgrade the skills of the teachers at BMC-run schools, the civic corporation will ask its teaching staff to take IQ tests. Depending on the results of the intelligence quotient assessment, officials said, they can go for tailormade training programmes for the teachers. The aim is to improve the level of education at civic schools, said officials. There are about 10,000 teachers in BMC schools.
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“BMC has started upgrading teaching patterns in schools. BMC also started various training programmes that are being imparted to teachers,” said a BMC official. “Recently, teachers completed an English course and technology-based teaching.”
“We have already organised various training camps for our teachers. But now we are going to take the IQ test of the teachers,” Joint Municipal Commissioner Ajit Kumbhar said, “According to the result, we can frame the training programmes as per the teachers’ needs.”
While some teachers have excellent pedagogical skills, others need to be upskilled. “From this [IQ] test, we will get information about each teacher. Schools can also benefit from the knowledge and skills of teachers who are more proficient,” said the officials.
A senior civic official said BMC has been upgrading its school infrastructure with better teaching methods, virtual classrooms and facilities for e-learning. On the proposed IQ test, a former civic education officer said, “With the new generation, teaching and communication patterns need to change. This exam can help BMC know what kind of training is needed to develop the skill of teachers.”
Plan for principals
The BMC has also planned to help its school principals improve their leadership skills. “The principal is just not a teacher, he is the leader of the school. They have to manage education, school infrastructure and other issues. So we decided to develop the leadership qualities in principals,” said Kumbhar.