Diet Institute (Tti) Teacher Training In Andaman And Nicobar Islands: The Journey Of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

In 1958, a notable change occurred in the education system of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the creation of the Teacher Training School located at the Govt. Boys High School campus in Port Blair. Initially, this initiative involved 20 in-service teachers who served both as learners and educators. Over time, this modest beginning blossomed into the esteemed Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Training (DIET).

The DIET has been instrumental in molding the educational framework of the Union Territory. It has been particularly dedicated to elevating the standard of elementary education. Through various programs and initiatives, it has aimed to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality education to students across the islands.

Inception and Evolution:

• The journey commenced in 1958 with the Teacher Training School, initially functioning at the Govt. Boys High School campus, Port Blair.
• In 1975, the institution was renamed as the Teachers Training Institute, signifying its growing significance in teacher education.
• The shift from a school to an institute was further underscored in 1993 when the institution was upgraded into a DIET, as approved by the Union of India.
• The DIET was strategically located at Garacharama village, 10 km away from Port Blair, encompassing an area of 7.5 acres provided by the UT Administration.

Objectives and Focus Areas:

• The primary objective of DIET is to enhance the quality of education at the elementary level, thereby ensuring learners’ holistic development.
• It offers both pre-service and in-service training programs to prepare primary and pre-school teachers, aligning with the evolving needs of the education sector.
• DIET plays a pivotal role in formulating district-level plans to achieve Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) and evaluates curriculum and teaching-learning materials.
• The institute extends support to resource centers across different educational zones and implements centrally sponsored schemes aimed at elementary education.
• Special emphasis is laid on developing creative skills among children through work experience programs and imparting practical knowledge in information technology from the grassroots level.
• DIET facilitates proper planning and management systems at the primary level, aligning with the goals of initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for universal access, retention, and achievement.
• The institute fosters a culture of action research among primary school teachers to identify areas of improvement and deliver quality education to all learners.

Structure and Wings of DIET:

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan DIET comprises seven wings, each dedicated to specific aspects of elementary education:

• Pre-Service Teacher Education (PSTE)
• In-service Programme Field Interaction and Innovative Coordination Branch (IFIC)
• District Resource Unit (DRU)
• Planning and Management (P & M)
• Education Technology (ET)
• Work Experience (WE)
• Curriculum Management Administration (ADMN)

Among these, the PSTE wing stands as the only fully operational wing, offering comprehensive training to aspiring teachers.

Conclusion:

The establishment and evolution of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Training mark a significant milestone in the educational journey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From its humble beginnings as a teacher training school to its current status as a multidimensional institute focusing on elementary education, DIET has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the region. With its multifaceted approach and dedicated wings, DIET continues to strive towards the overarching goal of providing quality education to every child, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the Union Territory.