EPC2: Reading and Reflecting on Texts

EPC3: Art in Education

EPC4: Understanding the Self


EPC2: Reading and Reflecting on Texts

Objectives

The course will enable the student teachers to:

·         Develop proficiency in reading and responding to written texts.

·         Examine and appreciate authentic literary and non-literary texts.

·         Develop study and reference skills

·         Reflect on the ideas expressed in the texts.

·         Plan, draft, edit and present a piece of writing related to their understandingof a text.

The course shall be based on the use of multiple texts which address issues ofmulticulturalism, gender racism and texts which relate with current issues andcontemporary trends. The literary,educational and scientific texts shall also formpart of the course.


EPC3: Art in Education

Objectives

The course will enable the student teachers to:

·         Understand basics of different art forms

·         Develop artistic and aesthetic sensibility among learners to enable them to respond to the beauty in different art forms, through genuine exploration, experience and freeexpression

·         Acquire skills for integrating different art forms across school curriculum for betterlearning and development.

·         Develop awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the country.


EPC4: Understanding the Self

Introduction

What is self? Is self the experience of internal talk? What characterizes “self-ness”? Can identities change? Will the identity of a first generational learner belonging to a family of migrant labourer change when she is identified as a gifted child? What are the influences of parents and peers on the identity of a learner?

The above questions and many more similar questions trigger the exploration and need to understand the ‘self’. This course provides opportunity to the student teachers to gain an understanding about their own ‘self’ both as an individual and as a student-teacher.

Developing an understanding of the ‘Self’ is essential for an individual to utilise her/his optimal potential for the benefit of one’s own self as well for the society. As individuals in the society student teachers are integral part of it. As an integral member of the society an individual have various identities-gender, relational, linguistic, cultural etc. and it is essential to understand and address one’s implicit beliefs, stereotypes and prejudices resulting from these identities. The student-teachers need to become aware of their own selves and their identities as well as the political, historical, and socio-cultural forces that shape them. The course thus provides an interdisciplinary view in the development of the understanding of one’s own self. This exploration and understanding will enable the student-teachers to develop sensibilities, dispositions, and skills that will help in their personal and professional development and facilitate the personal growth of their students.

Objectives

The course will enable the student teachers to:

·         Gain an understanding of the central concepts in defining ‘self’ and ‘identity’

·         Reflect critically on factors that shape the understanding of ‘self’

·         Build an understanding about themselves , i.e. the development of self as aperson as well as a teacher

·         Reflect on one’s experiences, aspirations and efforts towards becoming ahumane individual and teacher

·         Develop effective communication skills including the ability to listen, observeetc.

·         Build resilience within themselves to deal with conflicts at different levels and learn to draw upon collective strengths to live in harmony with one’ssurroundings

·         Appreciate the critical role of teachers in promoting ‘self’ and students’ wellbeing.