Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 24: St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, through its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organised a faculty development programme from June 9 to June 14, on the theme “Balanced approach to purposeful teaching.” The week-long initiative aimed to equip faculty members with a deeper understanding of purposeful, value-driven, and reflective teaching practices, while also focusing on institutional processes, human values, and professional readiness.
The programme commenced with a session by Sr Dr M Venissa AC, principal of St Agnes College (Autonomous), who set the tone with a reflective presentation on “St Agnes College: A journey and value orientation.” Her address highlighted the legacy, mission, and vision of the institution, encouraging faculty to remain rooted in the college’s foundational values while navigating contemporary educational challenges.
Shubarekha, registrar, offered insights into the practical aspects of academic procedures in her session on “Exam and evaluation administration: Tools and responsibilities” This was followed by a session by Shanthi Nazareth, dean of administration, who addressed the roles and responsibilities in academic administration, underlining the importance of efficient academic coordination and leadership.
Quality assurance and accreditation were explored in depth by Dr Ita Dsouza, associate professor and former IQAC coordinator, in a session on “IQAC and NAAC: Frameworks for academic excellence.” She elaborated on key mechanisms and frameworks to sustain institutional quality in line with national benchmarks.
The significance of ethics and values in education was reinforced by Sheryl Preethika, head of the MBA department, who conducted a session on “Orientation for human values and ethics classes.” Her session provided approaches for weaving moral reasoning and value-based discussions into the classroom environment.
Bringing in a national perspective, Sr Dr Doris D’Souza, retired principal of Patna Women’s College, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Echoes of vision: Living the founder’s dream in the 21st Century.” Her reflections served as a powerful reminder of the role of vision and leadership in sustaining educational institutions grounded in faith and service.
The participants were then introduced to changing paradigms in pedagogy through a session by Dr Flosy C R D’Souza, professor and controller of examinations at St Ann’s College of Education, who spoke on “Pedagogical paradigms in higher education.” Her insights emphasised the need for adaptive, student-centric, and research-informed teaching practices.
Adding a spiritual dimension, Sr Dr Severine Menezes, SAP and president of CRI Mangalore Unit, spoke on “Balancing academics and spiritual well-being,” urging faculty to find harmony between intellectual pursuit and inner peace, a balance essential in the vocation of teaching.
A dynamic perspective on teaching effectiveness came from Prof Demian Antony Dmello, vice principal and dean – academics, Canara Engineering College, who elaborated on “Outcome based education,” stressing goal-oriented teaching and measurable learning outcomes.
Furthering the discussion on professional integrity and fulfilment, Dr Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, chairperson of the department of commerce, Mangalore University, addressed the theme “Advancing fulfilment and unity in professional practice.” Her session brought attention to collaboration, empathy, and personal growth in the educator's journey.
In an engaging and reflective closing session, Dr V Premanand and Dr Kavyashree K B from the Department of Psychology (PG), St Agnes College, explored “The prepared educator: Building inner readiness for professional excellence.” Their discussion encouraged participants to focus on emotional preparedness, self-awareness, and psychological well-being as essential aspects of impactful teaching.
The faculty development programme was well-received by participants across departments. It provided a holistic platform to reflect, learn, and evolve as educators, reaffirming the college’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and value-centred education.