INTEGRATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE THROUGH TEACHERS TRAINING & TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: STATUS & FUTURE INTERVENTION

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is a knowledge which is spatially and/or culturally context specific, collective, holistic, and adaptive. The existing knowledge can be used or it can be developed when the user are familiar with, are well trained and able to use the appropriate technology to facilitate the learning. It was observed that it is largely ignored in the educational system and its incorporation into existing education system is essential. . In the era of technology in all the educational institutions it is essential to take into consideration that teachers should be adequately prepared to use ICT in their teaching learning process by incorporating the indigenous knowledge. This study aimed to investigate development and training needs of the teachers of primary and higher secondary and secondary schools in Meghalaya talking into consideration the usage of traditional knowledge. The study was descriptive in nature, and a survey research design was used for collecting, analyzing and presenting the data. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 440 respondents comprising 364 teachers two teacher from each school and 76 head teachers from 182 schools. It was found that the teachers in various levels of education, possess inadequate knowledge and they are not completely aware of the appropriate teaching-learning methods with reference to the use of indigenous knowledge. The lack of this information causes problems in imparting knowledge and information to the students. Therefore, it is vital for the teachers to possess adequate knowledge and be well aware of teaching-learning methods and instructional strategies with reference to the indigenous knowledge that they have and that they need to be put into practice. Improvements need to be bought about in the training programs of the teachers. They need to be well-prepared in terms of all areas and fields that are an integral part of their teaching jobs.