How relevant are we? Upskilling and reskilling
How relevant are we? Upskilling and reskilling
-By Janaki Narayan
At Brindavan Education Trust, the academic year end meetings were going on . New roles of teachers for the upcoming term were being discussed with much enthusiasm
The Brindavan philosophy is that all teachers be comfortable in all roles. While some teachers felt apprehensive, they also realized the need to get out of comfort zones and use opportunities to learn.
Two words flashed across my mind … Upskilling and reskilling, and their importance
Upskilling is about “adding new, targeted competencies to existing expertise to increase value” not necessarily changing entire competencies. For example, learning new technologies, about new application programs, updating oneself with developments in the relevant field.
Reskilling is the process of training employees to take on entirely new roles, usually because their current ones are changing or fading out. Ex Roles may change due to processes or technology.. One has to morph seamlessly into new roles
Both these have become very important for any kind of organization due to technological advances and the emergence of AI as a dominant force.
So what can we do to upskill/ reskill?
Highly qualified and skilled teachers are required especially in the field of special education. The educational landscape today is fast paced and ever changing. Attending workshops and conferences help teachers network with like minded professionals, and become aware of new teaching techniques, classroom management strategies and incorporation of educational technology. It helps us understand current trends and advances in the field.
So, who is the onus on? I would say both the Heads of institutions and the teachers.
Heads of institutions should identify gaps in skills among their staff and address it through in house workshops as well as seminars conducted by prestigious bodies. They should be forward looking and understand the big picture. They should create an enabling environment for continuous learning.
Teachers should be given some time off to attend education related seminars.
On their part ,teachers should have the motivation to attend workshops, and be excited to attend engaging, relevant, and rewarding training programs. They should be open minded to learn from juniors also.
This also raises an important life lesson.. Change is a part of life. We need to let go of the old and make room for the new. Adapting could also mean that we get rid of old systems that no longer serve us.
-Janaki Narayan
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