An international research conference on ‘Higher Education in India: Issues & Challenges and Way Forward’ was held recently. Higher Education Forum (HEF) collaborated with Patuck Gala College of Commerce & Management for this function. A daylong event that was hosted in the Gala Auditorium of the Patuck Campus resulted in productive dialogue and intense discussion.
The opening address and welcoming remarks were given by Adil Patuck, Chairman, Patuck Polytechnic Trust. The session was well convened by A K Sengupta, Founder and Convener, HEF. The presence of Peter Cunningham, Emeritus Professor, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa and Professor Z Polkowski from JW University, Poland, gave an international perspective to this ‘need of the hour’ discussion.
The day witnessed 10 paper presentations authored by researchers coming from reputed colleges and institutes. Enthusiastic participation of 50 attendees across industry and academia made the event a huge success. The conference deliberated on three sub themes, ‘New Generation Teachers: Skills and Competencies, Innovations in Teaching Learning Process and Building Academic Corporate Linkages’, each elaborated and moderated well by renowned educators and management professionals.
The first session that focused on adoption of information and communication technologies that play a propounding role in transforming higher education to increase and improve access, quality, equity, pedagogy, efficiency and control. The intent was to enhance attractiveness and retention dimension of learning. T3 framework contextualising its use into three stages: Translational, Transformational, and Transcendent and inferences based on the ‘Theory of Connectivism’ definitely struck a chord.
The presentations spoke volumes about the relationship between the social media and students’ academic efficiency and performance. Researchers levied stress on role of teachers as agents of change as they have unique and influential position in the education system’s communication structure.
Another interesting session on innovations in teaching learning process highlighted on effective methodologies. Collaborative learning and educational tours are progressive methods involving students in real world tasks and linking new or unknown topics with the ones which are already known to the students.
The students thereby not only work on academic assignments but also get to develop their social skills and learn together, which improves their relationships with others in the class. It allows them to engage and involve themselves more actively in the learning process rather than just be passive students.
The vote of thanks was given by Meeta Pathade, Principal, Patuck- Gala College of Commerce & Management, where she expressed her gratitude to all those who made the Conference possible.
