Participants and others during the FDP at Sazolie College, Jotsoma.
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 4 (MExN): Faculty Development Programme on Enhancing Teaching, Learning, and Research was held at Sazolie College, in collaboration with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, hosted a One-Day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Enhancing Teaching, Learning, and Research” on October 3.
The event, which took place at Sazolie College, featured four prominent members from the United Board: Dr Pareena Gupta Lawrence, President of the United Board; Rev Dr Spurgeon, Director for South Asia; Dr Anita Tiphagne, Assistant Director for Administration and Partnership; and Dr Samrat from Scottish Church College, Kolkata.
In his welcome address, Sazolie College Principal Dr Gopal Chetri expressed optimism that the United Board’s intervention would elevate the quality of education in the region. He highlighted the need for innovation by integrating new ideas and emphasized the importance of combining intellectual development with moral, ethical, and spiritual values to address the challenges in the education sector.
Dr Pareena Gupta Lawrence, in her keynote address, underscored the United Board’s commitment to advancing Christian higher education in Asia. She described the current era as both challenging and exciting for higher education, especially with technological advancements in the post-pandemic world. While these innovations have made collaboration easier, Dr Lawrence pointed out the difficulties in adapting curricula to a rapidly changing world, especially with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She reiterated the United Board’s dedication to helping institutions navigate these changes.
Dr Spurgeon, speaking on whole person education, discussed the four pillars of human development: intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual. He emphasized fostering creativity, critical thinking, and empathetic communication in students. Dr. Spurgeon also spoke about the link between intellectual and moral capacity, urging educators to develop students’ social skills while guiding them toward finding purpose in life.
Dr Anita Tiphagne focused on the evolving roles of educators, encouraging the need to rethink teaching methods to make learning more practical and relevant.
The FDP saw participation from ten colleges. The inaugural program was chaired by Temsuakum, Head of the Sociology Department, with Nzanthung Kikon, Chaplain, offering the opening prayer.
The cultural troupe of Sazolie College provided entertainment with traditional performances, and the second session was moderated by Robin Temsu, Head of the History Department.