In a major effort to update developments and enhance the quality of teaching, the Association of Pharmacy Teachers of India (APTI) has embarked on a comprehensive and intensive Training of Trainers (TOT) programme.
Prof BG Shivananda, secretary, APTI and former principal Al Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru who has been the brain behind this initiative views it as the only way to create a pool of qualified pharmacy professionals.
As part of the continuing education programme (CEP) by APTI, a 4-day TOT is being held at the Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Teh Dehra, Kangra in Himachal Pradesh from April 4 to 8, 2015. Dr. Ranjit Singh, president, APTI Himachal Pradesh state branch and Dr. Vinay Pandit who are representing the academia of Laureate Institute of Pharmacy are part of the local organizing team at Kangra to assist in the four day proceedings.
The absence of a dedicated course like B. Ed in pharmacy has led APTI to hold such intensive sessions for pedagogues. The key focus is to improve the quality and standards of pharmacy teaching and methods of evaluation of trainers, Dr. Kusum Devi, vice principal and HOD, Al Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru and the organizer of the TOT programme, told Pharmabiz.
Pharmacy teachers will be trained in all three branches of education technology. These cover education objectives, evaluation teaching and learning methods. In addition, micro teaching method will also be included. It will evaluate a teacher who would be required to make a five minute presentation that will be assessed by peers, experts and students. The team would revert with their views on the improvements needed. In fact, this a microscopic analysis of the teacher who is responsible to mould the pharmacy students of the future, added Dr. Devi.
Although the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has mandated TOT, APTI has been conducting it since 2010.
“The primary need for a formal training for trainers is indispensable going by the fast paced developments on the international pharmaceutical landscape not just in the industry but also in the academia,” she pointed out.
There is a need to keep tabs on the tutors knowledge and communication methods. Being merely articulate is not vital, but methods to put it across to students is seen to be a critical component in the current teaching technique. Therefore, TOT is also intended to delve into online teaching tools which covers effective power point presentations and interactive methods to ensure the interest of students is sustained during the entire class, said Dr Devi.
In order to ensure individual attention, only 25 teachers representing pharmacy colleges of Himachal Pradesh are brought under the ambit of this residential APTI TOT session at Kangra. Of the four days, three full days will focus on intensive training. On the final day, an open session is organized to clarify doubts.