The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has set a transformative vision for India’s education system, aiming to overhaul the current structure to better prepare students for the future. Among its various recommendations, the emphasis on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers and school heads stands out as a critical element. In alignment with this vision, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is rerunning the NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) courses on the DIKSHA platform for the academic year 2024-25, specifically focusing on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).
The Importance of Continuous Professional Development:
Paragraphs 5.15 and 5.16 of the NEP 2020 highlight the need for CPD to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators, recognizing them as the most fundamental pillar of the education system. With the target of achieving 50 hours of CPD annually, these initiatives ensure that teachers and school heads are well-equipped to handle the evolving educational landscape. This rerun of the NISHTHA ECCE and FLN courses is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
NISHTHA Courses: A Brief Overview
NISHTHA, an acronym for National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement, is an integrated teacher training program launched by NCERT. It aims to build competencies among all the teachers and school principals at the elementary stage. The courses offered under NISHTHA cover various aspects of teaching and learning, ensuring that educators are up-to-date with the latest educational trends and practices.
To date, several NISHTHA courses have been launched across the country, including NISHTHA Elementary, NISHTHA Secondary, NISHTHA FLN, and NISHTHA ECCE. These courses are available on the DIKSHA platform, making them accessible to a wide audience.
The Rerun of NISHTHA ECCE & FLN Courses:
In an effort to maximize outreach and ensure that all teachers and school heads have the opportunity to complete these essential courses, NCERT is rerunning the NISHTHA ECCE and FLN courses for the academic year 2024-25. This rerun is particularly aimed at those who were unable to join or complete the courses in the previous academic year.
The rerun schedule is as follows:
– *Course Start Date*: 20th April 2024
– *Enrollment End Date*: 31st August 2024
– *Course End Date*: 15th September 2024
What Are ECCE and FLN?
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): This course focuses on the developmental needs of young children from birth to the age of eight. It covers a range of topics including child development, pedagogical processes, and learning environments that are conducive to the holistic growth of young children.
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): This course is designed to ensure that children in the early grades (up to grade 3) develop the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The FLN course equips teachers with the strategies and techniques necessary to foster these critical skills in young learners.
How to Enroll?
To enroll in the NISHTHA ECCE and FLN courses, teachers and school heads need to register on the DIKSHA platform. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring that all educators can easily access the courses.
1. Visit the DIKSHA platform: The courses are hosted on DIKSHA, which can be accessed via the web or the DIKSHA mobile app.
2. Sign up/Login: Teachers need to sign up or log in using their credentials.
3. Search for the Courses: Use the search functionality to find the NISHTHA ECCE and FLN courses.
4. Enroll: Follow the instructions to enroll in the courses before the enrollment end date, 31st August 2024.
Benefits of Enrolling in NISHTHA Courses
1. Professional Growth: These courses provide an excellent opportunity for teachers to enhance their professional skills and knowledge.
2. Updated Pedagogical Practices: Stay updated with the latest educational practices and methodologies.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with other educators and share best practices.
4. Certification: Upon completion, teachers receive a certificate that acknowledges their effort and commitment to professional development.
Dissemination of Information
District Institutes of Education & Training (DIETs) across all districts have been requested to disseminate information about the rerun of these courses to all stakeholders, including teachers and school heads. This ensures that everyone is informed and has the opportunity to benefit from these courses.
Conclusion:
The rerun of the NISHTHA ECCE and FLN courses for the academic year 2024-25 underscores the commitment to enhancing the quality of education in India through Continuous Professional Development. By providing teachers and school heads with the necessary tools and knowledge, NCERT is paving the way for a brighter future for the country’s education system.
As we move forward, it is crucial for all educators to take advantage of these opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern education. The rerun of these courses is not just a chance to catch up but a call to commit to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
For further details and course specifics, educators can refer to the attached Annexure-1, which provides a comprehensive outline of the course schedule and content.
Let’s embrace this opportunity for growth and development, and work towards creating an enriching learning environment for our students.
