The Internal Quality and Assurance Cell in collaboration with the Research and Faculty Development Committee of Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, Ludhiana, commenced one week Faculty Development Programme titled ‘A Paradigm Shift in Teaching, Learning and Evaluation’ on 7th Feb, 2022 with a grand opening, and participants from India and abroad. This FDP, with an overwhelming response from the researchers and educators, will conclude on 12th Feb, 2022. The first day of this highly enriching FDP started with an introductory speech by Dr Pooja Mehta, Organizing secretary of the FDP. Next, the welcome address was delivered by the secretary, governing body, SACCM, Mr D K Sindwani, followed by a formal address by the college Principal, Prof (Dr.) Vishal Kumar. In his address, Dr. Kumar acquainted the young learners with the rationale of organising this FDP. He said that, we are witnessing the change at a meteoric speed in the arena of teaching-learning. Therefore, the educators need to equip themselves with the latest technology. The FDP overview was presented by Dr. Robin Kaushal, the convener of FDP.
he much-appreciated Keynote Address was delivered by Prof Ashwani Bhalla, Deputy Director Colleges, Higher Education, Punjab. Prof Bhalla emphasised the need for “training the trainers” by highlighting the role of mentorship program, connection building, case method of teaching, effective library usage and industry-academia interface. The guest of Honour for the inaugural session was Prof. I M Kapahy, Ex-member, UGC, New Delhi. Prof Kapahy explained the relevance of this FDP, particularly in post pandemic period, by highlighting the requirement of constantly upgrading the teaching, learning and evaluation processes. The inaugural session was presided over by honourable Chief Guest, Prof S P Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharmshala. Prof Bansal emphasized the role of technology in new normal situation. Prof Bansal further mentioned various challenges faced by teachers, including technology enabled teaching, teacher-student gap and research-oriented teaching. At the conclusion of inaugural session, a formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr Marinal Gupta, IQAC member, SACCM.
The first technical session of this one-week FDP was moderated by Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Joint Organizing Secretary. The eminent speaker of the session was Prof. K. Srinivas, Head, ICT & Project Management, Unit of NIEPA, Govt. of India, Ministry of Education, New Delhi. Professor Srinivas, very interestingly, delivered a talk on ‘Building the competencies of teachers in Blended Teaching & Learning: A Step-by-Step Approach’ as the expert speaker of the day, and responded to various queries of the participants. Finally, Dr. Dilraj Kaur, Assistant Professor presented a vote of thanks.