Abstract

Along with rapid changes in education patterns and processes there is a massive shift in teacher education as well. The process need to be analyzed and given implications to strengthen the teachers of the nation. It is found that in majority of universities the 'off campus program' is not included in the syllabus of the teacher education. However, the value of the program cannot be neglected while contemplating over the quality education and quality teacher education. The purpose of the study is to discover the impact of this program on the student trainees and to give some implications to the policy framers. The present study was undertaken in Saurashtra University (India), which offers this program. The randomly selected focused group was interviewed and the field notes submitted by them were analyzed in a qualitative tradition of analysis. The major finding was the positive attitude and multiple skill development of the student trainees. They were of the opinion that the ‘off campus program’ was quite beneficial in developing various qualities of an ideal teacher in them. The study also recommends the ‘off campus program’ to be continued in teacher education program and it should implemented where ever it's not.

Authors and Affiliations