St Alphonsa's College of Education, Vice-Principal: Mrs. Madasu Phebe Interview

Mrs. Madasu Phebe is presently the Vice Principal of St Alphonsa's College of Education in Hyderabad. She has 16 years of experience and holds a masters degree in Zoology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, AP. Furthermore, she has an M.Ed. degree from Acharya Nagarjuna University and has qualified for the SLET as well. She has experience as a Junior College lecturer for two years, a degree college lecturer for four years, and three years of experience as a teacher educator in the AMG India International Organisation.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I strongly believe education is a sharp weapon to build a nation. I love to teach students, and I'm very happy to have been connected with the education sector since the start of my career. Seeing my students learn and become successful teachers themselves is highly motivating for me. Being able to create the next generation of teachers is what keeps me connected with this field.

How does the curriculum ensure the best practice of the industry?

We are affiliated with Osmania University, and the university provides the curriculum we teach the students. In the first semester, we provide both theory subjects and practical classes. We teach psychology and two teaching methodology subjects besides the regular subjects like Physics and Biology. During the later semesters, students have to go through internships, before which they complete micro teaching and reflective teaching. We focus on giving the students teaching skills so that they can be the best educators.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

We always try to remain oriented to new changes such as the NEP 2020. We try to include all that is happening in the curriculum and in the education system. We try to consider the needs of the students, interact with them and try to meet their needs through the curriculum. This is how we come to know how to present or how to deliver actually the programme. The internet today and new technologies help teachers a lot to stay connected with the latest teaching methods and updates in their fields.

What are the challenges faced as the Head of the department?

Our biggest challenge is retaining student attendance in the classrooms. We face issues completing the syllabus which pushes back our course completion dates. Another major issue is regarding balancing theory classes and practical classes. It is pertinent for the students to have hands-on experience in their field before they graduate. We try to arrange internships, industry visits and expert talks at regular intervals for this. 

What career options can a student choose after doing this course?

We are training our students to work as teachers. So most of our graduates go on to work in that capacity at all education levels. There are jobs in private and public schools. For some jobs, there might be a need to attempt a public examination for which we prepare the students too. Some other job profiles our students work as are psychologists, guidance experts and professors. Others also attempt higher education degrees also like M.Ed.

Are there career counseling and guidance services available to students to help them make informed career choices?

Our college has a counselor, Dr.Sushrut Pradhan. He is a medical practitioner, who holds sessions with the students every three months. He is also open to one on one discussions if someone feels the need to do so. Our counselor can dispel doubts, help students gain confidence and fill up any gaps they have for a well-rounded education. We also have guidance services for the students. As most of our students do not have work experience, they need guidance on what to expect and what to do when they start working. This is where our guidance services from a trained expert come in.

What are the key facilities that are available for students in college? 

We have very experienced faculty who have experience working in their industry. They bring in expertise that is essential to teaching the students hands-on practical experience. We also have good infrastructure on our campus. Students have access to spacious classrooms, laboratory facilities for each and every subject, and a fully stocked library.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

My suggestion for students is to do hard work and stay committed to it until they achieve it. They must be able to develop good ideals towards their interests. Develop a mindset of continuous learning so that you always remain competitive and can keep progressing in your career.