Jalandhar August 7 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- D.A.V. University, Jalandhar successfully organised a Three-Day Faculty Orientation Program focusing on the integration of modern technology and innovative approaches in teaching to address the educational needs of the 21st century. The program was specifically designed for the faculties of Humanities, Commerce, Business Management and Economics, and Psychology. Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar, Vice- Chancellor, D.A.V. University graced the inaugural session as the chief guest. University Registrar, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Arora was also present on the occasion. Dr. Geetika Nagrath, Dean, Humanities and CBME, extended a warm welcome to the guests.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Kumar underscored the importance of equipping educators with new skills to enhance teaching effectiveness in the technological era, emphasizing the value of practical-based education. He highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in shaping students’ futures. The Registrar Prof. S.K. Arora in his address described teachers as true role models and stressed upon their responsibility to guide students in alignment with contemporary demands.
After the inauguration, Dr. Geetika Nagrath engaged participants in a session on Student Engagement and Outcome-Based Education. She advised faculty to align teaching practices with the university’s vision and mission and highlighted the need for planning educational activities based on program outcomes, program-specific, and course outcomes. She also stressed the importance of designing engaging activities to deepen students’ understanding of the subject matter.
Teaching in the 21st Century: Engaging and Empowering Students for Active Learning
The second day began with Dr. Atul Madan, a renowned clinical psychologist, addressing the theme “Teaching in the 21st Century: Engaging and Empowering Students for Active Learning.” His interactive session covered concepts such as blended learning, flipped learning, need and use of ICT tools in teaching and he provided examples of effective mentoring by understanding students’ mindsets. In the next session, Dr. Namrata Joshi, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Guru Nanak Dev University, Regional Campus, Jalandhar, spoke on “Approaches to Modern Teaching: Enhancing Learning Through New Techniques.”
She discussed the critical role of education in life, the ideal teacher-student relationship, and the incorporation of concepts like gamification, project-based learning, peer learning, and mock interview preparations into teaching. The day’s final session featured Dr. Amit Kauts, Professor and Head, Department of Education, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, who elaborated on enhancing teaching effectiveness through research-based education, Bloom’s Taxonomy, problem-solving, student feedback, course planning, and more.
Dr. Monika extensively discussed the challenges faced by teachers
The final day of the program began with an interactive session led by Dr. Monika Dewan, Director, Adarsh Educational Solutions, Advisor, Khaitan Centre, and Global Consultant, Special Olympics, USA. During her address, Dr. Monika extensively discussed the challenges faced by teachers while dealing with the students of different mindsets and also highlighted the characteristics of 21st century learners. In the program’s final session, Dr. Jagwinder Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Management, NIT, Jalandhar was present as a resource speaker.
In his address, he discussed SWOT analysis, inclusive approach in teaching etc. and also elaborated on the importance of case studies, open dialogue and development of critical thinking in teaching and learning. Throughout the program, the stage was open for discussion on various issues to enhance and adopt appropriate pedagogical skills to improve teaching and learning. The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Kumar lauded the efforts of Dr. Geetika Nagrath and her team for successfully organizing such an important faculty orientation program.