International Colloquium on “Emerging Trends in Education”

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Date: 21st February, 2015

International Colloquium on Emerging Trends in Education emerged with the theme that Knowledge is no more confined to the four walls of our conventional classrooms. Learning environment has transcended boundaries and its tributaries have led to self paced and self spaced learning. Our classrooms today need to focus on knowledge construction thus paving way to innovative teaching trends. The educational institutions should model best practices to meet the ever changing global society. Moreover today the learner is observed to be having altogether different mental configuration thereby making him a fast thinker and decision maker.

 

The Objectives of the Colloquium were to:

  • Identify key areas that enable knowledge construction – redesigning pedagogy.
  • Share innovative teaching – learning strategies towards experiential learning
  • Discuss the best practices of the institution towards student support and progression.
  • Introduce new concepts into action through real-life case studies and simulated projects

Sub – Theme 1: Construction of knowledge:

Today students need opportunity to construct their own knowledge through multiple levels of meaning. The hierarchy of knowledge is well planned during curriculum construction. Hence the onus lies on policy makers, curriculum framers, teacher educators and teachers to identify key areas towards knowledge construction.

Sub – Theme 2: Transformative pedagogies:

Innovative teaching learning strategies embed interactive and integrative learning environment for students. Teachers need to share their teaching – learning trends to transform and change themselves, students and communities.

Sub – Theme 3: The role of educational institutions:

Educational institutions shoulder a huge responsibility in implementing best practices for student support and progression. They should share best practices for a successful learning community. Every educational institution should provide opportunities for the changing landscape.

Sub – Theme 4: Assessment strategies in the new learning scenario:

With the new teaching-learning scenario, the role of assessment also needs to be modified. It should be more comprehensive in evaluating the learner needs and learner profile.

The International Colloquium began with the dignitaries on the dais, Principal (Dr.) Sunita Wadikar, Mr. G. T. Ochani (Deputy CEO, MES Chembur), Ms. Elizabeth Mehta (Founder of Muktangan Schools) and Ms. Swapna Jare, Founder and Director of Mind 1 Mind, invoking the blessings of our Almighty God for the success of this event. Dr. Reni Francis- Asst Professor introduced Mahatma Education Society, Pillais’ College of Education and Research, Chembur to the gathering. Ms. Jaya Cherian- Asst Professor oriented the gathering on the Theme and Sub-theme of the International Colloquium and Ms. Vinita Desai introduced the dignitaries on the dais.

The Colloquium proceedings were then released and it marked the publication of the papers to be presented during the International Colloquium on the various sub-themes.

The Keynote address was given by Ms. Elizabeth Mehta. Muktangan is an organization, who along with municipal schools, is running a child-centric model of innovative and community based learning methods of education. Ms. Mehta spoke at length about experiential learning. She focused on how pedagogy can be redesigned to enable knowledge construction by all. She further elaborated that ‘curriculum is an on-going process.’ The most important message that she conveyed was that teachers, students and student-teachers need to be in constant professional interaction. She shared her rich experience in Muktangan through an immensely inspirational video.

After the keynote address, Ms. Swapna Jare conducted a workshop on the Emerging Trends in Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Ms. Jare, who is an alumnus of Pillais’ College of Education and Research, Chembur, beautifully explained the IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) process of learning. As a hands on experience, she encouraged the participants to figure out their entry points, understand the concept of knowledge harvest, learning goals, learning activities, reflective journaling, and ensured that it all culminated into a ‘Media Project’ in the form of Charts and post-its.

Her method of questioning and eliciting answers for some really thought provoking questions were a hit.

The participants then dispersed for lunch and the afternoon session was dedicated to seminar and paper deliberations.

Seminar Session I was based on sub-theme I: Construction of Knowledge and sub-theme II: Transformative Pedagogies. The session was chaired by Dr. Agnes D’Costa, Associate Professor, Pushpanjali College of Education, Vasai. The theme was discussed through a panel discussion and was moderated by the Chairperson who summed up the proceedings.

The Seminar Session II was based on sub-theme III: The Role of Educational Institutions and sub-theme IV: Assessment Strategies in the New Learning Scenario. This session was chaired and moderated by Dr. Judy Andrews, Associate Professor at Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan’s Smt. Surajba College of Education.

The Valedictory Session was a culmination of the entire day’s efforts. Dr. Vasundhara Padmanabhan, Principal, K.J. Somaiya College of Education Training and Research delivered the Valedictory Address and she spoke about the need for dialogue and intellectual deliberations among teachers and teacher-educators in the light of the changing teaching-learning scenario. Dr. Sarah Mathew graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The Valedictory session also shared the glimpse of the International Colloquium in the form of a Movie. The programme ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Convener:
Dr. Sunita Wadikar

Co-ordinator:
Dr. Reni Francis
Ms. Jaya Cherian
Ms. Vinita Desai