Building Bonds and Teams: Staff Enrichment Programme Held at St Aloysius PU College

Mangaluru: “In a world of constant change, the spoils go to the nimble and adaptable—those who can learn and unlearn with equal ease.” – Tom Flick

The field of education is in constant flux, making it essential for teachers to stay updated and equipped to meet its evolving demands. At St Aloysius PU College, Staff Enrichment Programmes are conducted throughout the year to empower faculty with the skills required to face the challenges of the times. The academic year 2025–26 commenced with a two-day orientation programme for the staff.

Day 1

Following a soulful rendition by staff members, the morning sessions were led by soft skills trainers Ms. Shavina Soans and Ms. Divyashree Gatti, who engaged the teaching staff in interactive and informative sessions on group dynamics and team building.

In her session titled ‘Bond and Beyond: Understanding Group Dynamics’, Ms. Shavina Soans demonstrated the process of group formation and explained the dynamics that contribute to building successful teams. Staff members were divided into groups and, through well-planned activities, learned how a collection of individuals transforms into a team—leaders emerge, roles are defined, and tasks are accomplished efficiently.

The session by Ms. Divyashree Gatti focused on effective ‘Team Building’. She began by explaining how it takes both ‘you’ and ‘I’ to make a team, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in determining where one fits in and contributes most effectively. Group activities facilitated the creation of a comprehensive list of attributes that help build strong, cohesive teams.

The afternoon session, titled ‘Bridging the Gap in Understanding and Connecting with Gen Z’, was conducted by noted academic and mental health professional Dr. Rameela Shekar. She addressed the challenges educators face in relating to and mentoring the Gen Z generation. In her interactive and engaging session, Dr. Shekar highlighted traits observed in today’s students, including narcissistic tendencies, a desire for fame, aggression, disordered eating habits, body image concerns, and sleep disorders. She noted their obsession with trendy clothing and brand consciousness—often driven by a fear of social exclusion. Despite having many “friends,” many students report feelings of loneliness, as technology has increasingly replaced books and genuine human connection. Dr. Shekar offered practical strategies for educators to better mentor and guide Gen Z learners.

Day 2

The second day of the orientation programme began with a solemn prayer by the staff members, followed by a session titled “Reach and Teach Gen Z and Gen Alpha” by Dr. N.V. Vijayan Karippal, Principal of Expert PU College, Valachil.

Dr. Karippal emphasized that a student is the sum of their birth era, family environment, and socio-cultural upbringing. He introduced Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and highlighted the need for educators to appreciate the uniqueness of each child.

He described Gen Z as digital natives with extreme emotional and dietary tendencies, who often struggle to trust parents and teachers. He also discussed the shift in values—from hard work and cultivation in previous generations to different expectations among today’s learners.

Dr. Karippal introduced a variety of contemporary learning strategies, such as flipped classrooms, gamification, hybrid learning, project-based learning, and personalized learning. He elaborated on pedagogical approaches including the Advanced Organizer Model (AOM), BIPS (Behavioral, Information Processing, Personal, and Social Learning Models), Cooperative Learning Strategy (CLS), Scientific Inquiry Model (SEM), and Jurisprudential Inquiry Model (JIM). He also recommended quick informal discussion groups as effective tools for student engagement.

A video on the Rat Park Addiction Study was presented to underscore the role of environment in influencing behavior and learning outcomes.

The two-day enrichment programme successfully equipped the staff with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of the upcoming academic year, while fostering the right mindset to engage with Gen Z and guide them through effective team-building strategies.