CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL.

5: ISSUE: 3

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS AMONG TEACHER

TRAINEES
Baljitsingh, Research Scholar, Sacred Heart Int. College of Education Barnala
Dr. Tirathsingh, Principal, Sacred Heart Int. College of Education Barnala

Abstract: The present paper was an attempt to study human rights awareness among teacher trainees.The sample of 206
students of B.Ed was revealed from different college of Sangrur and Barnala District affiliated to Punjabi university
Patiala.Human Rights awareness test (2012) developed by Dr.Tirathsingh and Dr. Arjindersingh was used. The result revealed
thatFemale students possessed higher awareness level of Human Rights than Male students. Students studying in urban college
possessed higher awareness level of Human Rights than Rural college students. Students studying in rural college students
possessed higher awareness level of Human Rights than semi-urban college students. Students studying in urban college students
possessed higher awareness level of Human Rights than semi-urban college students.

Introduction Justice Ranganath Mishra (1999) made a fervent plea

A right is a claim, on other and reciprocated
among the principles associated with that
claim.Human Rights are those rights which we claim
because we are human beings. They include the
rights necessary to sustain life such as clothing,
shelters, food, right to freely speak ones opinion
etc.The Lexicon Universal Encyclopedia (1983)
describes the expression Human Rights as basic
political and social conditionsvariously defined to
which every individual is entitled as human
being.Basu (1994) defined Human Rights, as those
minimum rights which every individual must have
against the state or other public authority by virtue of
his being a member of human family, irrespective of
any other consideration. Human Rights do not lay a
separate set of rights for men and women, rich and
poor, higher caste or lower castes; they are equal for
all and include access to basic human needs: life,
food, shelter, work, leisure, education and liberty,
without bias or discrimination.Education is directly
concerned with human beings. Human Rights and
value education can alone create Human Rights
Culture and balance between individuals and
communal rights. Education alone can inculcate
Human Rights values and respect, not only among
functionaries, but in the entire population.
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to the University Grants Commission and various
State Government to introduce Human Rights, as a
subject in the academic curriculum in universities,
colleges and schools. World bodies like the United
Nations and several of its associate organizations, at
the global level, and the National Human Rights
Commission, at the national level, have been
stressing the importance of including Human Rights
education in the curriculum.
Literature
After reviewing literature related to present
study the investigator found that various studies had
been conducted on Human Rights awareness at
doctorate and master level. Both qualitative and
quantitative researches were conducted on Human
Rights further many researches were found on
attitude and awareness of Human Rights following
most relevant research findings related to awareness.
Chabra (2005) revealed that both rural and
urban areas students had almost equal level of
awareness but their level of awareness was very poor.
Kaur (2006) observed that there was no significant
difference in the awareness of male and female
secondary schools about human rights irrespective of
locality and stream. Urban students were more aware
about human rights as compared to rural students.
Jamwal(2007) examined that there was no significant
 CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL. 5: ISSUE: 3
difference in the awareness of male and female
elementary school teachers about human rights.
Urban and rural elementary school teachers differed
significantly. Urban teachers were more aware about
human rights as compared to rural counterparts.
Katoch (2011)explored that gender wise and locality
wise there was significant difference in the awareness
of college students about human rights. Male and
urban college students were more aware about
human rights as compared to their
counterparts.vithalrao (2011) explored that
significant difference was found in the awareness
level of male and female teachers. All the teachers
were aware with the child rights. Ashraf (2013)
explored that the level of human rights awareness
among prospective teachers was very low. The level
of awareness of human rights in B.Ed. Students was
more than the D.Ed. Students similarly the
awareness level in male teacher trainees whether they
were doing B.Ed. or D.Ed. They possess more
awareness towards human rights than the female
teacher trainees whether they are doing B.Ed. or
D.Ed.the results of this research inferred that
prospective teachers had no sufficient knowledge
about the human rights.
Objectives
1. To study the level of Human Rights awareness
among teacher trainees.
2. To compare the Human Rights awareness of
teacher trainees on the basis of Gender,
Location of Residence, location of college and
religion.
Sample
The population of the present study was
defined as all students of class B.Ed studying in
different college of Sangrur and Barnala District
affiliated to Punjabi university Patiala. The colleges
Analysis and Interpretation
Table 1: Comparison ofHuman Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of Gender
Gender N Mean SD
Male 37 28.49 6.955
Female 169 31.04 4.907
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were selected by stratified random sampling
technique. These students were taken from different
four colleges. The sample of 206 students of B.Ed
was classified into 169 female and 37 male
students;52 students from urban area and the 154
students from rural area;99 students from urban
college and 80 students from rural college and the 27
students from semi urban college; and177 students
from Sikh religion and 27 students from Hindu
religion.
Tool
Human Rights awareness was developed by
Dr.Tirathsingh and Dr. Arjindersingh was used in
the present study. The test contained 60 M.C.Q type
items with four alternatives under six dimensions.
The reliability of test was calculated by KR formula
which was .73.The content validity of the test was
ensured as each item was critically evaluated by the
persons whoeither experience of test construction or
have how mastery in Human Rights. Each right
answer was awarded one mark and wrong answer
was awarded zero marks maximum 60 marks one
individual can gain.
Data Collection
The data for the present study was collected
through personal visits by the investigator from
colleges included in the sample. After establishing
rapport with students, test booklets were distributed
and asked them to write personal information on the
title page and then instructions were given to them as
given in the manual of the test. On completion of
the test, the booklets as well as response sheets were
collected. After scoring was done according to the
instructions given in respective manual and then
tabulation and analysis of the data was done in the
light of framed objectives.
S.ED t Sig.
.967 2.637 .009
 CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL. 5: ISSUE: 3

Table 1 shows that the mean and standard
deviation of awareness of Human Rights between
male and female students. The mean score of male
students (N-37) is 28.49 with 6.955 standard
deviation. The mean score of female(N-169) is 31.04
with 4.907 standard deviation.The standard error of
difference is .967 and the t value for gender is 2.637
which is significant at .05 level with df 204. On the
basis of this null hypothesis There is no significant
difference in Human Rightsawareness of teacher
trainees on the basis of Gender is rejected. Further
mean score of female students is higher than
males.Hence, it may be concluded that female
students possessed higher awareness level of Human
Rights than male students.

Table 2: ComparisonofHuman Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of Location of

Residence (LOR)
LOR N Mean SD S.ED t Sig.
Urban 52 31.25 5.079
Rural 154 30.35 5.505 .866 1.038 .300
Table 2 shows that 52 students belong to significant at .05level with df 204. On the basis of
urban area and 154 students belong to rural area. The this null hypothesisThere is no significant difference
mean score of urbanstudents (N-52) is 31.25 with in Human Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the
5.079 standard deviation. The mean score of rural basis of location of residence isnot rejected. Hence,
students (N-154) is 30.35 with 5.505 standard it may be concluded that both urban and rural
deviation. The standard error of difference is .866 students possessed equal level of Human Rights
and the t value for (LOR) is 1.038which is not awareness.

Table 3: Summary of ANOVA for Human Rights awareness of Location ofCollege(LOC)

Sumof Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between 495.090 2 247.545 9.155 .001
Groups
Within Groups 5489.167 203 27.040
Total 5984.257 205
Table 3 describes that the F value for hypothesis There is no significant difference in
significance of location of college difference in mean mean scores of awareness among Human Rights of
score of awareness among Human Rights of students students on the basis of location of college is
is 9.155 which is significant at .001 level. It means rejected. Further in order to find difference between
that there is significant difference in mean scores of each pair posthoc test was applying the result is
awareness of teacher traineesresiding in rural,urban discussed in 4.8 to 4.10 tables.
and semi urban areas. In the light of this, the null

Table 4: Posthoc test for Comparison of Human Rights awareness of teacher trainees on the basis of
Location of College (LOC)
LOC N Mean SD S.ED t Sig.
Urban 99 31.91 4.581
Rural 80 30.05 5.226 .734 2.534 .012
Table 4 shows that the mean score of deviation. The standard error of difference is .734
students studying in urban colleges is 31.91 with and the t value for location of college (urban, rural) is
4.581 standard deviation. The mean score of students 2.534 which is significant at .05 level with df 177. On
studying in rural college is 30.05 with 5.226 standard the basis of this null hypothesisThere is no
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 CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL. 5: ISSUE: 3

significant difference in Human Rightsawareness of it may be concluded that students studying in urban
teacher trainees on the basis of location of college is college possessed higher awarenesslevel of Human
rejected. Further mean score of urban college Rights than rural college students.
students is higher than rural college students.Hence,

Table 5: Post hoc test forComparison ofHuman Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of
Location of College (LOC)
LOC N Mean SD S.ED t Sig.
Urban 99 31.91 4.581
Semi- 27 27.26 7.003 1.125 4.132 .001
Urban
Table 5 shows that 99 students belong to this null hypothesisThere is no significant difference
urban college and 27 students belong to semi in Human Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the
urbancollege. The mean score of students of urban basis of location of college isrejected. Further mean
college is 31.91 with 4.581 standard deviation. The score of urban college students is higher than semi
mean score of students of semi urban college is 27.26 urban. Hence, it may be concluded that students
with 7.003 standard deviation. The standard error of studying in urban collegepossessed higher awareness
difference is 1.125 and the t value forlocation of level ofHuman Rights than semi urban college
college (urban, semi-urban) is 4.132 which is students.
significant at .05level with df 124. On the basis of

Table 6: Posthoc test for Comparison ofHuman Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of
location of college (LOC)
LOC N Mean SD S.ED t Sig.
Rural 80 30.05 5.226
Semi-Urban 27 27.26 7.003 1.273 2.193 .031
Table6 shows that 80 students belong to rural There is no significant difference in Human
college and 27 students belong to semi urbancollege. Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of
The mean score of students of rural college is 30.05 location of college isrejected. Further mean score of
with 5.226 standard deviation. The mean score of rural college students is higher than semi
students of semi urban college is 27.26 with 7.003 urban.Hence, it may be concluded that students
standard deviation. The standard error of difference studying inrural college students possessed higher
is 1.273 and the t value forlocation of college (rural, awareness level ofHuman Rights than semi-urban
semi-urban) is 2.193 which is significant at .05level college students.
with df 105. On the basis of this null hypothesis

Table 7: ComparisonHuman Rightsawareness of teacher trainees on the basis of religion

Religion N Mean SD S.ED t Sig.
Sikh 177 30.36 5.488 1.080 1.422 .157
Hindu 29 31.90 4.723
Table 7 shows that 177 students belong to deviation. The standard error of difference is 1.080
Sikhreligion and 29 students belong to Hindu and the t value for religion is 1.422 which is not
religion. The mean score of Sikh students is 30.36 significant at .05level with df 204. On the basis of
with 5.488 standard deviation. The mean score this null hypothesis There is no significant
ofHindu students is 31.90 with 4.723 standard difference in Human Rightsawareness of teacher

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 CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL. 5: ISSUE: 3
trainees on the basis of religion is notrejected.
Hence, it may be concluded that both Sikh and
Hindu students possessed equal level of Human
Rights awareness.
Findings
1. Both male and female; urban and rural; teacher
trainees studying in urban, rural and semi-
urban areas; Sikh and Hindu teacher trainees
possessed average level of Human Rights
awareness. Irrespective these variables teacher
trainees possessed average level of Human
Rights.
2. Female students possessed higher awareness
level of Human Rights than Male students.
3. Students residing in Urban and Rural areas
possessed equal level of Human Rights
awareness.
4. Students studying in urban college possessed
higher awareness level of Human Rights than
Rural college students.
5. Students studying in urban college students
possessed higher awareness level of Human
Rights than semi-urban college students.
6. Students studying in rural college students
possessed higher awareness level of Human
Rights than semi-urban college students.
7. Both Sikh and Hindu students possessed equal
level of Human Rights awareness.
Discussion
The first finding of the study indicates
average level of Human Rights awareness among
teacher trainees. But previous researches indicate low
level of Human Rights awareness among teacher
trainees. Chabra (2005), Katoch (2011).Second
finding of this study female students possessed
higher awareness level regarding Human Rights than
male students. Some previous researches were found
with respect to gender differences such as Kumar
(2002) reported that there was significant difference
in the awareness of girls students of science and arts
stream about Human Rights. The girl students of
science stream and urban area had more awareness
about Human Rights as compared to girls of arts
stream and rural area. Jamwal (2007) reported that
19
there was no significant difference in the awareness
of male and female elementary school teachers about
Human Rights. Katoch (2011)explored that gender
wise and locality wise there was significant difference
in the awareness of college students about Human
Rights. Male and Urban college students were more
aware about Human Rights as compared to their
counterparts. Vithalrao (2011) explored that
significant difference was found in the awareness
level of male and female teachers. All the teachers
were aware with the child Rights.
Result with respect to location of residence
and location of college is somewhat
different.Students residing in Urban and Rural areas
possessed equal level of Human Rights awareness.
Students studying in urban college possessed higher
awareness level of Human Rights than Rural college
students. Students studying in urban college students
possessed higher awareness level of Human Rights
than semi-urban college students. Students studying
in rural college students possessed higher awareness
level of Human Rights than semi-urban college
students. Previous literature also support that people
living in urban area are more aware then rural people.
Kumar (2002) reported that there was significant
difference in the awareness of girls students of
science and arts stream about Human Rights. The
girl students of science stream and urban area had
more awareness about Human Rights as compared
to girls of arts stream and rural area.Chabra (2005)
revealed that both rural and urban areas students had
almost equal level of awareness but their level of
awareness was very poor.Kaur (2006) observed that
there was no significant difference in the awareness
of male and female secondary schools about Human
Rights irrespective of locality and stream. Urban
students were more aware about Human Rights as
compared to rural students.Jamwal(2007) examined
that there was no significant difference in the
awareness of male and female elementary school
teachers about Human Rights. Urban and rural
elementary school teachers differed significantly.
Urban teachers were more aware about Human
Rights as compared to rural counterparts.Katoch
 CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH IN INDIA (ISSN 2231-2137): VOL. 5: ISSUE: 3

(2011)explored that gender wise and locality wise Urban college students were more aware about
there was significant difference in the awareness of Human Rights as compared to their counterparts
college students about Human Rights. Male and

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Teachers Himachal Pradesh.M.Phil. Dissertation, Alagappa University.
Justice Ranganath Mishra, The Hindustan Times(October 4, 1999) Even Criminals have Human Rights says Ex
CJ. p. 5.
Katoch, K.S. (2011). Human Rights Awareness: A Study of College Students. Educational Herald.
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Kumar Rakesh (2002). A Study of the Awareness of Secondary Level Girls Students about Human
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