Education has as one of its fundamental aspects, the imparting of culture from generation to generation. The school of Teacher Education, under Dr. Vinaitheerthan and his team of proficient faculty, is engaged in drawing out the latent teaching and learning abilities in every student.

Curriculum

Crafted to produce outstanding educators and researchers, the curriculum teaches students to think from multiple viewpoints, relate it to other subject areas and seek to understand the subject matter accurately. The program uses interdisciplinary instruction and effective questioning as appropriate tools. Teachers are trained in critical thinking and problem solving strategies as well as in oral and written communication.

Assessment

Students are periodically assessed with standardized and teacher-constructed tests. Their progress is tracked throughout the program to ensure they gain the maximum benefit.

Teacher Education Portfolio

As they proceed through the teacher education program, students maintain a portfolio that relies on the concept of reflective action as its principle of organization. This portfolio offers a process of self-assessment in four broad areas: curriculum, assessment, relationships, and environment. This promotes growth through analytical and critical evaluation, regarding the goals and objectives of the program.

Academic environment

The faculty creates a positive and caring environment for student development and learning. A variety of teaching methods and materials are employed, utilizing media and technology to the maximum. The faculty also plan informative sessions that involve individual development and teamwork.

Specialization

The program trains teachers to meet global requirements and standards, and prepares them for ICT and ET-enabled classroom environments.

The program also offers several specializations including:

• 100 hours of intensive computer training in collaboration with Intel
• Health education
• Live media exposure
• Intra and Interpersonal communication skill development
• Community services
• Enhancement of language skill through SRM FM radio
• Educational projects
• Environmental awareness
• Educational extension services

Research

Presently, over 12 research scholars are pursuing their doctorate in Education. Competent supervisors guide them through their research projects. Apart from academic research, the department takes part in projects with various national and state level teacher education organizations.

The school has established relationships with various organizations, at national and international levels, that are committed to education. This has a positive bearing on research outcomes, learning opportunities and all round development of the student.

Working with Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA)

The school took the initiative to implement several cooperation projects involving SRM Institute of Science and Technology (formerly known as SRM University) and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) at various levels.

• Activity Based Learning project - defined and implemented on the foundation of the institutional and pedagogic needs of the Tamil Nadu State, and the competence and capacity of the Primary, Upper Primary and High schools to meet the present day changes and needs in the education system.
• Cooperation based training programs - through Block Resource Teacher Education (BRTE) and Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs) on activities related to pedagogical research and development work, adapting the best practices in education, action research and community participation; among other innovations focused on achieving the Minimum Levels of Learning (MLL) - one of the framework conditions for learning.
• Acquired sufficient experience in the event of establishing a long term program for teacher education in collaboration with Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) - by providing orientation and in-service training programs for the teachers in government schools at various levels

Activities

The school actively takes part in various humanitarian activities including community participation through Health education, Adult literacy, Youth Red Cross (YRC), Adolescent education, Functional literacy, Telugu minority school, Computer training, Radio participation through SRM-FM radio, Social relevant projects etc.

Linkage cell

The linkage cell was set up in response to the national needs and cultural, social and economic context of teacher education. The objectives of the cell are:

• To maximise the benefits of the comparative advantages of teacher education by the School Linkage Cell and find out how these strengths can contribute to promoting cooperation among the various schools
• To support partnership models - some of the joint applications include Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Directorate of Teacher Education, Research and Training (DTERT), National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT)
• To include cooperative research and development work relevant for improving the quality of the teacher education among the various other State and National Universities
• To offer computer training in collaboration with Intel - covering various schools in and around Kattankulathur block, Chengalpattu District.

SRM School of Teacher Education & Research (SRM STE&R) has adopted some of the schools in the Kattankulathur Block and the best practices were put into experimentation and development. Placement opportunities are provided to all the students of SRM STE & R. Some of the recruiting boards include: Indian Council for Secondary Education (ICSE), Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) and other private and aided schools across the globe.