Professional Development Program on Becoming an Inspiring Teacher
We’re thrilled to share the resounding success of our recent
Professional Development Programme conducted at the Vinayaka
Missions Law School on 15th September 2023. We’d like to extend our
heartfelt gratitude to all our distinguished resource persons in
making this event a grand success. Throughout the programme, we
delved into essential topics such as the Craft of Pedagogy, the Art
of Writing, the Ethics of Teaching, Publishing in High-Impact
Journals, and Team-Building. Participants gained practical insights,
from innovative teaching techniques like flipped classrooms and case
study methods to the importance of maintaining ethical teaching
practices and effectively utilizing technology in education.
Below is the report of all the sessions and their key takeaways.
Opening Valedictory: 9.30 AM to 10.30 AM
In the opening valedictory session, Dean Dr. Ananth Padmanabhan, a
distinguished figure in the field of education, warmly introduced
our esteemed speakers. His gracious welcome set the tone for an
engaging and insightful session.
Prof. Dr. Sreejith, in his enthusiastic and inspiring speech, shared
his insights on becoming an inspiring teacher. He drew inspiration
from both real-life and fictional mentors, such as the legendary
Rick Brathwite and the wise Koboyashi Master. Prof. Dr. Sreejith
emphasized the significance of role models in shaping one’s teaching
philosophy and encouraged educators to aspire to be the kind of
teacher who leaves a lasting positive impact on their students.
Prof. Dr. B.S. Chimni, in his rousing address, delved into the
concept of leading a “life of the mind” as a crucial aspect of being
an effective educator. He underscored the importance of engaging in
intellectual discussions and cultivating a deep understanding of
ideas beyond the confines of a traditional teaching role. Prof. Dr.
Chimni also highlighted the relevance of the pedagogy of the
oppressed, especially during times of crisis, as a means of
empowering learners. He stressed the need for synergy between
teaching and research activities, as well as a modern teacher’s
proficiency in utilizing technology to enhance the learning
experience. Furthermore, he advocated for an environment of benign
neglect regarding dissenting and radical opinions within educational
institutions to foster a fruitful and diverse learning environment.
Prof. Dr. B.S. Chimni’s talk inspired attendees to not only be
educators but also intellectual leaders in their fields, promoting
an enriching educational journey for their students.
Technical Session I (10.30AM to 11.30AM) : The Craft of Pedagogy
During the session on the Craft of Pedagogy led by Prof. Dr.
Tanushree Sharma, participants delved deeper into innovative
teaching techniques. The concept of flipped classrooms, for
instance, was explored in detail, highlighting how it empowers
students to take ownership of their learning by engaging with course
materials before class. Case study methods were discussed as a
powerful tool for contextual learning, allowing students to apply
theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Activity-based
learning, an interactive approach that encourages hands-on
experiences, was demonstrated, illustrating its effectiveness in
promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Scaffolding,
a strategy for breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks,
was introduced as a means to support students’ gradual skill
development. The jigsaw method, a cooperative learning technique,
was also explained, showing how it promotes collaboration and shared
expertise. Furthermore, the session provided a comprehensive
breakdown of Bloom’s Taxonomy, helping educators align their
teaching objectives with the cognitive skills they aim to develop in
their students.
Technical Session II (11.30 AM to 12.45 AM): The Art of Writing
Prof. Deepika Jain’s session on The Art of Writing offered
participants a holistic approach to academic writing. Beyond
discussing the mechanics of thesis formulation and the critical
evaluation of existing academic discourse, the session underscored
the importance of maintaining a consistent writing practice
throughout the year. Attendees gained insights into effective time
management and goal setting to ensure continuous progress. The
discussion on citation management expanded to include guidance on
proper citation styles and the importance of avoiding plagiarism.
Prof. Jain also encouraged participants to infuse their writing with
a personal touch, emphasizing that maintaining the soul of their
work can make their contributions to the academic community more
compelling and memorable.
Technical Session III (2.45 AM to 3.45 AM): The Ethics of Teaching
The session on The Ethics of Teaching, led by Prof. Dr. Mousumi
Mukherjee, delved into the emotional dimension of teaching. Prof.
Mukherjee stressed that effective teaching goes beyond the
dissemination of knowledge; it requires building an emotional
connection with students. Educators were guided on how to achieve
this connection by being empathetic, approachable, and
compassionate. Vulnerability was highlighted as a strength, allowing
teachers to relate to their students on a human level and create an
atmosphere of trust and authenticity. Intellectual competence and
curiosity were presented as vital qualities, enabling teachers to
instill a passion for learning in their students. This session
served as a reminder that the ethical foundation of teaching lies in
fostering an environment where students feel valued, respected, and
inspired to excel.
Technical Session IV (4.00 PM to 5.00 PM): Publishing in High-Impact
Journals
In the session on Publishing in High-Impact Journals, Prof. Arjya
Majumdar went beyond the basics of selecting journals based on
citation scores. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the
publication process, from crafting compelling abstracts and
selecting appropriate journals to managing the flow of their
research papers effectively. Prof. Majumdar also shared valuable
insights on suggesting suitable reviewers for their submissions and
navigating the peer-review process. In addition to discussing the
importance of citing sources correctly, the session explored the
challenges posed by cloned and predatory journals, emphasizing the
need for rigorous scrutiny. Prof. Majumdar also addressed the
prevailing “publish or perish” culture in academia and encouraged
participants to strike a balance between crafting high-quality
content and ensuring its marketability to reach a broader audience.
The Team-Building Session (5.00 PM to 5.30 PM)
The Team-Building Session, led by Prof. Tanushree Sharma, provided
participants with a practical experience of team dynamics and
cooperation. Activities such as Charades (Dumb Charades) and verbal
football not only promoted teamwork but also demonstrated how such
engaging exercises can be utilized in a classroom setting to enhance
collaboration among students. The icebreaker sessions served as
effective tools for building camaraderie among participants,
showcasing the power of interactive and enjoyable activities in
fostering a positive learning environment. Overall, this session not
only delivered key insights into team building but also left
participants with memorable ideas for promoting collaboration in
their own classrooms.
