Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT) is a key institution at the state level that focuses on enhancing the quality and innovation in education. It plays a significant role in improving the standards of primary and secondary education across Gujarat.
Historical Background
- GCERT was initially established as the State Institute of Education (SIE) in 1962.
- In 1988, it was upgraded to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) under the resolution of the State Education Department.
- The institution was later renamed GCERT and became a fully structured State-Level Academic Institution.
- It is controlled and guided by a Governing Body (GB) and an Executive Committee (EC) formed by the Government of Gujarat.
- In 1998, GCERT acquired autonomous status after being registered under the Society Registration Act of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust Act of 1950.
Objectives of GCERT
GCERT aims to enhance the quality of education through various academic and research-based initiatives. Some of its major objectives include:
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualitative Enhancement | Support for Educational Institutes |
| Academic and Training Support | Offer research, extension, and training support to schools across Gujarat. |
| Policy Implementation Assistance | Support the Department of Education, Government of Gujarat in implementing educational policies. |
| Content and Practice Improvement | Guide and provide leadership for updating educational content. |
| Support to Educational Institutes | Assist DIETs, CTEs, IASEs, BRCs, CRCs, and SVS in achieving their goals. |
| Innovation and Modern Approaches | Organize and promote the latest trends in education. |
| Monitoring and Guidance | Oversee the functioning of various educational institutes. |
| Educational Publications | Publish literature catering to different stakeholders. |
| Student Development Programs | Conduct events such as Maths-Science and Environment Exhibitions, Balmela, Life Skill Mela, Ramatotsav, and Kala Utsav. |
Teachers’ Training Programs
GCERT plays a crucial role in training teachers to ensure the best educational practices are implemented. The training is provided through online and offline modes to various stakeholders, including:
- Primary, secondary, and higher secondary school teachers
- BRC Coordinators and CRC Coordinators
- Head Teachers and Education Inspectors
- DIET Lecturers and DIET Principals
- District Education Officers and District Primary Education Officers
Functions of Teachers’ Training
The teachers’ training programs focus on the following key areas:
| Training Function | Description |
| Pre-service & In-service Training | Conduct training sessions for teachers before and during their service period. |
| New Trends in Education | Educate teachers about modern approaches in the field of education. |
| Leadership Training | Train Head Teachers, Principals, DIET Principals, and Education Officers. |
| Mentorship and Advisory Role | Provide mentorship and advisory services to teachers. |
| Training Material Development | Create materials for teacher training programs. |
| Capacity Building | Strengthen the skills of State Resource Groups (SRGs) and Key Resource Persons (KRPs). |
| DIET Training Programs | Support and encourage training programs organized by DIETs. |
| Curriculum-based Training | Provide new curriculum-based training to D.El.Ed. faculties. |
| Creative Student Engagement | Organize events such as Balmela, Life Skill Mela, and Innovation Festival. |
| Yoga Training | Conduct Yoga Training to promote holistic development. |
New Dimensions in Teachers’ Training
GCERT has introduced several new dimensions in teachers’ training at the primary school level. These include:
- Implementing modern teaching methodologies.
- Encouraging innovative classroom practices.
- Integrating technology in education.
- Enhancing assessment and evaluation techniques.
- Developing activity-based and experiential learning strategies.
Supportive Educational Institutions for Teachers’ Training
Several institutions at the national and state levels support GCERT in implementing effective teachers’ training programs.
National Level Support
| Institution | Location |
| Ministry of Education (MOE), Government of India | New Delhi |
| NCERT | New Delhi |
| NUEPA | New Delhi |
| CCRT | New Delhi |
| Ed-CIL | New Delhi |
| RIE | Bhopal |
| CIEFL | Hyderabad |
State Level Support
| Institution | Location |
| Director of Primary Education | Gandhinagar |
| Commissioner of Schools | Gandhinagar |
| SSAM | Gandhinagar |
| UNICEF | Gandhinagar |
| SPIP | Ahmedabad |
| IIM | Ahmedabad |
| H.M. Patel University | Gujarat |
| B.Ed. Colleges & Universities | Various locations |
| State Examination Board | Gandhinagar |
| Secondary & Higher Secondary Examination Board | Gandhinagar |
| M.S. University | Baroda |
| NGOs working in the Education Sector | Gujarat State |
Summing Up
GCERT plays an important role in education in the state. The GCERT organization focuses on teacher training, research, innovation, and student development. The organization ensures that all the modern standards and technologies are available for the school, whether it is a primary school or a secondary school. aligns with modern standards. The organization also collaborate with other state and national level organization for better education.
