Odisha State Open University, Jamia Millia Islamia collaborate to launch BEd learning support centre in Sambalpur

In order to increase the supply of teacher education, Jamia Millia Islamia has approved the establishment of BEd and MA (Education) Learning Support Centre (LSC) at Odisha State Open University (OSOU) in Sambalpur.

This collaboration is expected to bring great benefits to the future teachers of Odisha, as they will have the opportunity to do accredited courses under the academic supervision of a central university. OSOU had reached out to Jamia Millia Islamia for an academic partnership to bolster its teacher education ecosystem and thus better prepare students for teaching as a profession.

On getting the nod for the Learning Support Centre, it will be possible for the youngsters in the state to register for BEd and MA (Education) programmes while getting the benefit of a well, structured curriculum, guidance and academic supervision from the institution based in Delhi.

The collaboration is an essential step as OSOU is still in the process of seeking independent recognition for offering BEd programs by itself. The partnership will therefore serve as a lattice of cooperation, providing uninterrupted running of teacher training and upholding the quality in standards of distance education, at least till that period.

Officials pointed out that the Learning Support Centre would be a venue for counselling sessions, study guidance, academic workshops and examination, related support for the learners on the rolls. It is estimated that such an arrangement will help to make teacher training more accessible to the learners in the most backward districts who, due to their remoteness, lack of transport facilities and poor infrastructure, are often denied the opportunity to get trained teachers in a conventional manner.

The approval meeting was attended by M.The Education experts are of the opinion that the partnership can effectively strengthen the teacher training system in Odisha by leveraging the huge potential of open learning while at the same time, following the academic framework of a well established central university.