FDP on “Balanced Approach to Purposeful Teaching” Organised by IQAC, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru

Mangaluru: St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, through its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), conducted a week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from June 9 to June 14, 2025, on the theme “Balanced Approach to Purposeful Teaching.” The programme aimed to enhance the faculty’s understanding of value-based, reflective, and student-centric pedagogy, while also addressing institutional processes, ethical dimensions, and professional effectiveness.

The programme was inaugurated by Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C., Principal of St Agnes College, whose opening session on “St Agnes College: A Journey and Value Orientation” offered a reflective insight into the legacy, vision, and core values of the institution. Her session set the tone for the week, encouraging educators to stay rooted in foundational ideals while meeting modern academic demands.

Mrs Shubarekha, Registrar, followed with a session on “Exam and Evaluation Administration: Tools and Responsibilities”, sharing practical perspectives on academic operations. Mrs Shanthi Nazareth, Dean of Administration, further elaborated on effective academic coordination in her talk on the roles and responsibilities in academic administration.

In a detailed session on “IQAC and NAAC: Frameworks for Academic Excellence,” Dr Ita Dsouza, Associate Professor and former IQAC Coordinator, emphasized the importance of structured quality assurance systems in meeting national educational benchmarks.

Addressing the moral fabric of education, Mrs Sheryl Preethika, Head of the MBA Department, led a session on “Orientation for Human Values and Ethics Classes,” proposing methods to integrate ethical reasoning and values-based education within academic settings.

Bringing a national outlook, Sr Dr Doris Dsouza, retired Principal of Patna Women’s College, presented a deeply inspiring talk titled “Echoes of Vision: Living the Founder’s Dream in the 21st Century.” Her words reaffirmed the enduring power of visionary leadership and faith-based education.

Shifting the focus to evolving teaching strategies, Dr Flosy C.R. Dsouza, Professor and Controller of Examinations, St Ann’s College of Education, spoke on “Pedagogical Paradigms in Higher Education,” emphasizing adaptive, research-informed, and student-driven instruction.

Adding a spiritual perspective, Sr Dr Severine Menezes, SAP and President of CRI Mangalore Unit, presented a session on “Balancing Academics and Spiritual Well-being,” highlighting the significance of maintaining inner peace and holistic well-being in the vocation of teaching.

Prof. Demian Antony Dmello, Vice Principal and Dean – Academics, Canara Engineering College, delivered a focused session on “Outcome Based Education,” encouraging teachers to embrace measurable learning outcomes and goal-driven teaching.

In an enriching talk titled “Advancing Fulfilment and Unity in Professional Practice,” Dr Preethi Keerthi Dsouza, Chairperson, Department of Commerce, Mangalore University, discussed the importance of collaboration, empathy, and continuous personal growth in an educator’s professional journey.

The programme concluded with an introspective session by Dr V. Premanand and Dr Kavyashree K.B. from the PG Department of Psychology, St Agnes College, on “The Prepared Educator: Building Inner Readiness for Professional Excellence.” Their session stressed emotional readiness, self-awareness, and psychological resilience as essential traits of effective teaching.

The Faculty Development Programme was enthusiastically received by faculty members across disciplines. It served as a valuable platform for self-reflection, professional enhancement, and collective learning. The initiative reaffirmed St Agnes College’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and value-centred education in a dynamic and ever-evolving educational landscape.