Calicut: In a pioneering move, the prestigious National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) has introduced a groundbreaking four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) offering a dual major undergraduate degree. This innovative program is set to equip students with a holistic education, focusing on three diverse disciplines - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The inaugural batch of 50 enthusiastic students embarked on their educational voyage on October 10, hailing from various corners of the country, driven by a shared passion for teaching.

The introduction of ITEP is poised to revolutionize the teacher education sector. The program, guided by the institute's esteemed faculty in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment, aims to empower students to meet global educational standards, according to a press release from NITC.

During her inaugural address, Shakila T. Shamsu, former officer on Special Duty (NEP), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, underscored the program's unique role in shaping professional educators. She emphasized that students who choose teacher education after their secondary education have the opportunity to cultivate a level of professionalism that is often elusive when one enters such programs after completing a traditional undergraduate degree. In essence, ITEP offers a path to professionalize teacher education.

Dr. Shamsu also drew attention to the evolving landscape of education in the 21st century, where the influences of artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies are pervasive. She emphasized the necessity of promoting multidimensional learning over unidimensional approaches to keep pace with the changing times.

NITC's current offering comprises the BSc-BEd (secondary level) program, featuring majors in three distinct disciplines, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and subsequent initiatives by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

The ITEP program at NITC is designed to empower students to explore the realms of science, technology, education, and management studies, fostering a deep understanding of multidisciplinary education. NITC's Director, Prof. Prasad Krishna, urged students to hone their observational skills, engage in active listening, question conventional wisdom, participate in meaningful debates, engage in self-reflection, and assimilate knowledge actively.

To acquaint ITEP students and their parents with the program's offerings, an orientation session was organized on Tuesday. Prof. Sameer S. M., Dean (Academic); Prof. J Sudhakumar, Dean (Faculty Welfare) and Registrar-in-charge; Prof. Sunil Jacob John, Chairman of ITEP; and Dr. Raman Namboodiri C K, Vice Chairman of ITEP were among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural session.

The program is further supported by Prof. Rajanikant G.K., Dean (Students Welfare); Prof. Satyananda Panda, Chairman, Council of Wardens; Prof. Parameswaran P., Chairman, Education Technology and Library; Dr. M. Yogesh Kumar, Assistant Professor and faculty-in-charge of Student Guidance Cell; and Dr. Vineesh Ravi, Assistant Professor and faculty-in-charge of Health Centre. They introduced the extensive facilities available to ITEP students at NITC.

NIT Calicut's new ITEP initiative represents a significant stride in reshaping teacher education, emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, and equipping the next generation of educators to thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. The program is set to become a hallmark of NITC's commitment to educational innovation.