The Faculty Development Cell, in collaboration with the MoU Cell and under the college’s MoU with the Global Chamber of Saraswat Entrepreneurs, organized a two-day Professional Development Programme (FDP) for faculty members on 2nd and 4th September 2024 from 12.30 pm onwards in the Smart Classroom. The session, titled “Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Through Teaching-Learning” was facilitated by Mr. Suhas Mallya from EMCO Goa Private Limited and an alumnus of the institution. Asst. Prof. Ainsley Bernard, Convenor of the MoU Cell introduced the resource person to the audience. The compere for the FDP was Asst. Prof. Lizzette D’Costa, Department of Economics & Banking.
The programme focused on the importance of critical thinking in analyzing and questioning information logically. Key areas included the building blocks of critical thinking, such as analysis, data interpretation, and self-regulation. Teachers were encouraged to foster creativity, open-mindedness, and logical reasoning while overcoming challenges like bias and misinformation. Real-life examples and practical applications showcased how critical thinking can improve decision-making and problem-solving in education.
Day 1 (2nd September 2024): Critical Thinking
During the session on Critical Thinking, the resource person covered several key areas essential for teachers. The session began with a clear explanation of what critical thinking entails, emphasizing that it involves carefully questioning and logically understanding information, rather than merely criticizing it. The fundamental building blocks of critical thinking, including analysis, interpreting connections between data, and self-regulation, were discussed to help teachers assess information accurately and maintain fairness in their thinking. The resource person also highlighted important skills, such as creativity, open-mindedness, and logical reasoning, which teachers were encouraged to foster diverse perspectives and avoid errors in judgment. Challenges to critical thinking, like biases, distractions, and false claims, were addressed, with strategies provided to recognize and overcome these hurdles. Practical applications of critical thinking were also explored, showing how it can help solve problems, reduce misunderstandings, and promote balanced decision-making. The vote of thanks was proposed by Asst. Prof. Sheryl Sanches, Dept. of Commerce & Management. A total of 55 (12 male, 43 female) faculty members attended the FDP session on day 1.
Day 2 (4th September 2024): Problem-Solving
The second day of Faculty Development Program on Problem-Solving, focused on equipping teachers with essential strategies to approach and resolve challenges effectively. Key areas covered included analyzing problems using a divide-and-conquer approach, categorizing issues into technical or human domains, and defining clear steps in the problem-solving process. Teachers were introduced to methods like root-cause analysis, stakeholder identification, and metrics definition for success. The session also emphasized dealing with change and setbacks, encouraging adaptability, open-mindedness, and continuous feedback to overcome obstacles. A total of 58 (12 male, 46 female) faculty members attended the FDP session on day 2.
Expected Outcome of the Activity:
On completion of the FDP, teachers were expected to improve their ability to logically analyze, interpret, and question information. They learned to incorporate critical thinking strategies that enhance student engagement and problem-solving skills. Additionally, teachers were trained to recognize and address biases, leading to more objective decision-making and fairer assessments. Overall, the FDP equipped teachers with essential skills to refine their teaching methodologies, fostering a more critical and solution-oriented approach in the classroom.
