Manav Rachna University (MRU) organized a Faculty Development Programme on Pedagogical Developments for all the faculty members in three different slots in the month of June 2019. More than 100 Faculty members of MRU & MRIIRS were benefited from the FDP and were updated on the latest pedagogical developments. Prof. (Dr.) I.K. Bhat, VC, MRU was the resource person for the FDP.

The interactive session on Outcome based education was conducted on the first day. The sessions included Program Educational Objectives and Outcomes related to various streams. Dr. I.K Bhat emphasized on the importance of educating students on the basics of a subject. He shared learning objectives, learning outcomes, program objectives, and program outcomes in detail, and guided faculty members on mapping the course outcomes and program outcomes with respect to learning outcomes. He shared that program outcomes have to be combined with program specific outcomes, and there are some quantitative methods to figure this out.

The second session was conducted on ‘Student Centric Education’ pointing towards nurturing students, encouraging them to think for themselves, students gaining analytical and critical thinking skills, cooperation among students, and self-value enhancement. He said, “Student Centric Learning” refers to individual and collaborative students, which ultimately enhances active learning”. He shared ‘In-class Practical implementation of SCL’ with the faculty members.

Other sessions of the day were conducted on Teaching Methods, Learning Styles, Blooms Taxonomy and Setting up Question Papers. Dr. Bhat also discussed the skills relevant in 21st century: Analytical, Reasoning and Complex problem solving skills. Barriers in learning and teaching were discussed during the session on ‘Active learning’. He emphasized on engaging students in the classroom by not just teaching but demonstrating and giving them a chance to demonstrate, analyze and apply. Addressing the faculty members, he said, “Be Creative & Leave Imprint”.

Right from defining the purpose of education in their respective fields to setting course goals, course content, and considering student goals, he gave some valuable inputs to the faculty members under course planning.

Dr. Bhat explained the concept of cooperative learning through a group exercise. He said, “Knowledge is the social construct”. The exercise was a way to promote learning and to collaborate, communicate and create. Dr. Bhat concluded the session by conducting an extensive as well as interesting session on ‘Need for Innovation’. He said that this is an era of Digital Darwinism and innovation is the result of creativity and Commercialization. He also discussed the aspects of incremental innovation and disruptive innovation.

Dr. Bhat shared some relevant skills to be inculcated in students as well as faculties: Learning, Innovation, Digital Literacy, Career & Life Skills. Addressing the faculty members, he said, “Research & Development must always play a primary and path finding role”.

The three-day FDP equipped faculty members with the skills to create an active learning environment in the classroom besides encouraging students to innovate and create.