According to PEF, "Cluster" may be termed as "selection of a venue for conducting training, and inviting the teachers of 7-10 private schools falling in close proximity (walking/transportable distance), thus making a group of 35-40 participants having similar training needs, though diversified educational background".

The CBT is being conducted mainly on the content knowledge of Mathematics, English, Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The primary thrust is in urban, semi-urban and rural areas of the province. In addition few sessions are also held to meet the training needs related to classroom management, teaching slow learners, lesson planning, group work, use of AV aids, joyful and activity based teaching etc.

The rationale and basic objectives of CBTs’ are to:

• Create a richer learning environment.

• To introduce newer educational methods and offer teachers in these schools a chance to share the most innovative ideas and concepts being explored today. To make their teaching/training methodology more effective.

• To provide more shareable resources for the cluster schools in outlying areas where the schools heads and teachers should meet together to share ideas, training and resources since it is understandable that these activities cannot be provided easily in their own schools. Overcoming isolation and making training accessible to more teachers at one focal point is advantageous. The value of working together and sharing the feedback builds support network.

It is expected that as a result of CBT the:

• Teachers will feel more confident in using materials and as a result their teaching/ training methodology would improve, making lessons and learning more effective.

• Teachers will develop pedagogical skills through participation in the program in school.

• Indirect beneficiaries would be peers and families of those who have participated in the program.

Following is the selection criteria for the schools:

• Fee structure of the institution, less than Rs.400/-.

• Willingness of the institution for collaboration and partnership.

• The level of education i.e. Primary, Elementary or Secondary.

• Geographical contiguity of the institution in the cluster, with private and government institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

Clusters / CBTs done by ITA

• Total number of trainings From 2006 to 2009/10 = 319

• Number of teachers have been trained in trainings = 9944

• Number of districts:  Muzaffergarh, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Khanewal, Chakwal, Toba TekSingh, Attock , Bahawalnagar, Lahore, Chiniot, Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Bhawalpur, Sahiwal, Multan, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Sialkot.