M.D. GUNASENA | TEACHING SCHOOL
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OUR MISSION
The mission of the Institution is to create, for students from various backgrounds, every possible avenue to intellectual achievement, personal development, and leadership potential in teacher education without compromising academic excellence.
OUR AIM
Our main aim is to produce well - rounded teachers, backed by a good training coupled with a positive value system, which motivates them to give their best for the benefit of the future generations of our country. All our efforts are directed towards bringing out the best in every student teacher.
Our Purpose
The main purpose of the Teacher Training Institute is to meet the unique curriculum and reform needs of schools throughout the country. Today's teachers are expected to play a variety of roles in the classroom: educators, motivators, guides, counselors, coaches and disciplinarians. In addition, teachers must continually educate themselves, learning about new advances in education, new technologies and new ways to encourage their students to reach their full potential. The Institute meets the above demands through its curriculum.
CURRICULUM
This one year Diploma course is designed to prepare teachers of professional quality to teach both the national and British syllabi in the English medium using effective teaching skills.
The course consists of carefully structured units of study to impart a thorough training in the teaching of the following subjects:
Core Subjects
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics
- Science
- Health and Nutrition
- Environment and Social Studies
- English Communication Skills
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology - skills
Professional Studies
- Psychological Foundation
- Principles of Assessment
- Elements of Educational Guidance and Counseling
General Studies
General studies will include teaching of special children and the use of information technology skills in integrated teaching activities.
Resource Centre - A state of the art resource centre features modern audio and video facilities to assist trainee teachers to attain proficiency in spoken as well as written English.
Library and Reading Room - A quiet and comfortable library and reading room with resource material, study guides and magazines are available for lending and reference purposes.
Science Laboratory - A well equipped Laboratory to facilitate the learning of practical teaching skills in Physical and Biological Sciences.
Computer Centre - Features hi-tech computers including CD - ROM, internet and email facilities for the advancement of Computer Literacy.
Human Resources
The academic team of our school comprises permanent and visiting lecturers, qualified and experienced in the field of teacher training. These professionals will guide the trainee teachers to be effective student - centered teachers. These lecturers will bring out the best from every student teacher and will prepare these students to face the new challenges in the modern classroom.
Assess and Adapt
At the college of teacher training the lecturers will adapt their instructional practices to meet the needs of the student teacher trainees. A variety of assessment methods will be used to monitor the individual progress of the teacher trainee. They will be continually monitored and reviewed. Their performance will be judged through viva -voce and written tests.
Teaching Practice
The most important learning is gained at teaching practice. The trainee will get an opportunity to teach a variety of lessons in a classroom, and check and observe their level of understanding. Discussions with students during and after learning activities will help monitor their level of comprehension. Reflective questioning will help retention. To distinguish themselves as quality teachers emphasis will be given to the methods of planning lessons. This teaching practice will provide students with the general principles related to teaching methods, classroom management, teaching and the use of learning aids.
Through the core subjects the teachers will be able to understand and develop knowledge of the factors that influence the growth and development of children, recognise the individual differences among students in terms of learning activities, the role of educational psychology when working with students in a classroom.
The student teachers will be provided with special training to handle students with special educational needs. Training will be provided in guidance and counseling of parents of children with special needs.
Course Duration
The course duration is 12 months inclusive of teaching practice.
Term 1 - January to April
Term 2 - May to August
Term 3 - September to December
Examination - July and December
Location
The institution is located in the heart of Colombo, at 5, M.D. Gunasena Mawatha, Colombo 12. The Pettah bus stand and the Fort Railway Station are only minutes away from the school and provides easy accessibility. The modern, spacious complex includes state-of -the-art classrooms, computer centre, air-conditioned library resource centre, students' lounge and a well equipped science laboratory.
Who should apply
Those below 36 years of age.
Basic academic Qualifications
Minimum of two passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination with a credit pass in English at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination. Exemptions would be granted in respect of the above qualification for applicants already in the teaching profession. 