Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, May 18: The Punjab government on Monday sent its third and largest batch of 72 government school teachers to Finland for specialised training in modern education practices as part of efforts to transform the state’s education system.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann flagged off the delegation from Chandigarh in the presence of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
The teachers will undergo a 15-day intensive training programme at University of Turku, known globally for its innovative teaching methods and education model.
During the programme, the teachers will receive exposure to advanced teaching methodologies, smart classroom management, student-centric learning techniques and internationally recognised education systems.
Addressing the gathering, Mann described teachers as “nation builders” and said the government was committed to giving a new direction to education in Punjab.
He said the impact of earlier training programmes was already visible in government schools, with students recording exceptional academic performances.
Highlighting recent board examination results, the Chief Minister said several students from government schools secured marks above 98, 97 and 96 per cent. He also noted that three Class 12 girl students had recently achieved a perfect score of 500 out of 500 marks.
According to Mann, these achievements reflect the positive impact of reforms introduced by the state government in the education sector.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the government’s focus was not limited to improving infrastructure but also aimed at enhancing the quality of education and classroom learning.
With the latest batch, the total number of Punjab government teachers trained in Finland will rise to 216.
Bains further said that 234 principals had already received training in Singapore, while 199 headmasters underwent leadership and management training at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the rapid modernisation of government schools in the state, stating that more than 99 per cent of schools now have computer facilities and improved educational infrastructure.
He added that Parent-Teacher Meetings had significantly increased parental participation in children’s education.
Teachers selected for the Finland programme expressed enthusiasm before departure and said they hoped to bring back innovative ideas to improve classroom learning in Punjab.