FIELD VISIT๐ซ
A field visit is an integral part of the B.Ed curriculum as it helps prospective teachers to gain practical experience and knowledge in real classroom settings. It allows them to observe teaching techniques, interact with students, and understand the challenges and complexities involved in the teaching profession.
To begin with, a field visit in the B.Ed curriculum refers to planned and structured visits to schools or educational institutions where students get the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced teachers in action. These visits provide a platform for prospective teachers to apply the theoretical concepts they have learned in their coursework. The duration of field visits may vary depending on the curriculum, but usually, they are conducted for a specific period, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
The importance of field visits in the B.Ed curriculum can be seen from various perspectives. First, field visits offer an opportunity for students to directly engage with the teaching-learning process in a real-life scenario. They can observe effective teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and innovative instructional strategies deployed by experienced teachers. This hands-on experience not only broadens their understanding of teaching but also helps them develop their own teaching styles and approaches.
Secondly, field visits provide future teachers with insights into the diverse needs and abilities of students. They can observe how teachers adapt their instruction to meet the individual learning requirements of students. This exposure sensitizes prospective teachers to the unique challenges faced by students with different abilities, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds. This understanding is crucial in building an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Furthermore, field visits enable B.Ed students to develop essential practical skills, such as lesson planning, classroom organization, and effective communication. They get the opportunity to interact with students, asking questions, and observing their responses to various teaching strategies. These interactions enhance the students' ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts, gauge students' understanding, and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.
Apart from the direct benefits to the students, field visits also foster collaboration and professional networking. By visiting different educational institutions, students can interact with fellow teachers, school administrators, and educational experts. These interactions provide an excellent platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and gaining insights into various aspects of the teaching profession. Such networking opportunities can be beneficial for future career prospects and professional growth.
Additionally, field visits contribute to developing a reflective and critical mindset among B.Ed students. Through observation and reflection, students begin to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different teaching practices. They learn to identify effective teaching strategies and analyze their impact on student learning. This process of critical reflection is essential for continuous professional development and improvement as a teacher.
Field visits can also serve as an eye-opener for students who may have preconceived notions about the teaching profession. It allows them to witness the realities, complexities, and rewards of being a teacher. This exposure helps them make informed decisions about pursuing a teaching career and reinforces their commitment to the profession.
In conclusion, field visits play a crucial role in the B.Ed curriculum by providing practical experience and exposure to real classroom settings. They enhance students' teaching skills, broaden their understanding of diverse student needs, and foster professional growth and networking. Moreover, field visits instill a reflective and critical mindset among B.Ed students, preparing them to be effective and adaptable teachers in the future. Therefore, field visits are an essential component of the B.Ed curriculum that bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring the holistic development of future teachers.
The department of physical science, natural science, geography, commerce and mathematics conducted a field visit to MILMA dairy plant Ambalathara on 26/09/2023.We reached there at 10 AM. One of the Assistant dairy officer explained the working and processes in the plant.The Milma dairy plant in Ambalathara is a well-established facility that plays a crucial role in the milk processing industry.
The Milma Dairy plant in Ambalathara Established in 1980, Milma is Kerala's federated milk cooperative society.It is under the coordination of Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF).The cooperative society is owned by farmers who supply milk and operate through various regional unions. Milma plays a vital role in the procurement, processing, and distribution of milk and milk products in the state.Milma procures milk from the dairy farmers in Thiruvananthapuram district. The milk collection centers are located in several villages and towns across the district.The farmers deliver milk in bulk containers to these centers, where it undergoes quality testing.Upon successful quality testing, the milk is accepted, and the farmers are paid based on the fat content and quantity of milk supplied.
1. Milk Collection: The process begins with the collection of raw milk from nearby dairy farmers. Milma has a vast network of milk collection centers spread across the region. Farmers bring their milk to these centers, where it undergoes quality testing to ensure it meets the required standards.
2. Transportation: Once the milk is collected, it is transported to the Ambalathara dairy plant using specialized milk tankers. These tankers are designed to maintain the milk's freshness and quality during transit.
3. Milk Reception: At the dairy plant, the milk is received and checked for quality once again. This step ensures that only high-quality milk is further processed.
4. Milk Processing: The milk is then processed using various machines and equipment. The exact quantity of milk processed at the Ambalathara plant may vary depending on the demand and season. However, on average, the plant processes around 1,00,000 liters of milk per day.
5. Pasteurization: Pasteurization is a crucial step in milk processing, where the milk is heated to a specific temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria while retaining its nutritional value. Milma uses advanced pasteurization techniques to ensure the milk's safety and quality.
6. Product Manufacturing: The processed milk is then used to manufacture various dairy products. The Milma dairy plant in Ambalathara produces a wide range of products, including:
a. Pasteurized Milk: This includes standardized milk, toned milk, and double-toned milk, which are available in different fat percentages to cater to various consumer preferences.
b. Curd: Milma produces high-quality curd, which is a popular dairy product consumed by a large number of people.
c. Ghee: The plant also manufactures ghee, a clarified butter widely used in Indian cuisine.
d. Ice Cream: Milma's dairy plant produces a variety of ice cream flavors, catering to the sweet tooth of consumers.
e. Butter and Cheese: The plant also manufactures butter and cheese, which are widely used in households and the food industry.
7. Packaging: Once the products are manufactured, they are packaged using automated packaging machines. The packaging ensures the products' safety, extends their shelf life, and maintains their quality.
8. Distribution: The packaged products are then distributed to various retail outlets, supermarkets, and Milma booths across the region. Milma has an extensive distribution network to ensure its products reach consumers in a timely manner.
9. Workforce: The Milma dairy plant in Ambalathara employs a significant number of workers who are involved in various stages of milk processing and product manufacturing. The workforce includes skilled technicians, machine operators, quality control personnel, packaging staff, and administrative staff.
Farmer Welfare Programs:
Milma Dairy Plant focuses on the overall welfare of the farmers by providing them with various support programs. It offers technical assistance, training, and guidance on dairy farming practices and animal health management. Milma facilitates the supply of cattle feed and veterinary medicines to the farmers.Regular meetings and workshops are conducted to educate the farmers about the latest developments in the dairy industry.
Employment Opportunities:
The Milma Dairy Plant in Ambalathara provides employment opportunities for a significant number of people.It offers both skilled and unskilled jobs, including positions in production, quality control, administration, and distribution. The plant also employs veterinary experts and skilled technicians to maintain the machinery and equipment.
Contribution to the Economy:
Milma plays a crucial role in the economy of Thiruvananthapuram by providing income generation opportunities for the farmers.The dairy plant contributes to the overall growth of the dairy sector in Kerala. Milma's products have a significant market share, indirectly benefitting the overall economy of the state.
Science involved in the processes in the dairy plant
The Milma dairy plant in Ambalathara presumably involves various scientific principles and processes to ensure the production of high-quality dairy products. Some of the key scientific aspects involved in the activities at the dairy plant include:
1. Microbiology: Dairy products are vulnerable to spoilage caused by microorganisms. Therefore, the dairy plant would have microbiologists who monitor and control the growth of microbes by implementing hygienic practices, using sanitizers, and performing regular microbial testing to ensure product safety and quality.
2. Milk Collection and Testing: The plant procures milk from various farmers, which needs to undergo rigorous testing. The dairy plant would have laboratories equipped for conducting microbiological and chemical tests to ensure milk quality, including parameters such as fat content, solids-not-fat, total solids, bacteria count, etc. These tests are essential for quality control and determining the suitability of milk for further processing.
3. Pasteurization: Pasteurization is a heat treatment process used to eliminate harmful bacteria from milk. The dairy plant would employ scientific principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics to ensure the milk is heated to the correct temperature and held for the appropriate duration to destroy pathogens without affecting the quality of the milk.
4. Homogenization: Homogenization is a process that reduces the size of fat globules in milk, preventing cream separation and providing a smooth texture. Homogenizers use scientific principles of fluid dynamics and pressure to achieve homogeneous dispersion of fat globules throughout the milk.
5. Fermentation: In the production of dairy products like yogurt and cheese, fermentation is a crucial step. Fermentation involves the action of specific bacteria or yeast that convert lactose in milk into lactic acid or other by-products. The dairy plant would control factors such as temperature, pH, and inoculum concentration to create an ideal environment for the growth of desired microorganisms.
6. Packaging and Storage: Proper packaging and storage of dairy products play a significant role in retaining their freshness and extending shelf life. Scientific principles of food packaging, including materials selection, barrier properties, and modified atmosphere packaging, would be applied to ensure product safety and quality.
7. Quality Control: The dairy plant would have a dedicated quality control department responsible for monitoring and implementing scientific methodologies to assess various aspects such as pH, acidity, moisture content, sensory attributes, and nutritional composition of the dairy products. This involves analyzing samples using techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and microscope analysis.
It is important to note that the specific scientific processes involved in the Milma dairy plant in Ambalathara may differ depending on the exact nature of their operations and product range.
Mobile phones are not allowed inside the plant.So we couldn't take any photo of the plant.
It was a great journey..We enjoyed a lot..........
Keep it simple!!!
Comments
Post a Comment