29. Do we properly evaluate our trainee-performance ?

[Kerala University English Teacher Educator’s Forum - KUETEF]

For years, Practice Teaching for BEd course in English in the universities in Kerala State meant “methodology in action”. While observing the classes of trainees, the teacher educator would expect the following from trainees :

•1. Speak English in simple and correct language with facility and within the comprehension (vocabulary and grammar) of pupils.

•2. Write English on the Black board or in teaching aids in legible and good hand writing.

•3. Read aloud with proper intonation , stress, speed and pause.

•4. Recite poems effectively.

•5. Plan lessons well in advance.

Ever since the introduction of the New English Curriculum in Kerala, Constructivist practices have replaced Behaviourist practices. Today, the emphasis is on an activity-based, learner-centred, process oriented curriculum. This had made the teacher educator’s job of observing and assessing trainee performance in the classroom, particularly difficult. For instance, when the trainee gives three to four activities for a particular teaching period of forty minutes duration, how can the teacher educator evaluate the trainee performance for 1 to 5 mentioned above? Yet, we make a sincere effort to do a proper job…

But are we satisfied? I would like to hear from you.

Do post your valuable comments.


C.Praveen
Secretary, KUETEF