Week-long programme bridges values, pedagogy, and professional fulfilment

Mangaluru: The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, successfully hosted a week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from June 9 to June 14, 2025, centred on the theme “Balanced Approach to Purposeful Teaching.” The initiative brought together a distinguished panel of educators and experts who addressed diverse dimensions of teaching, pedagogy, values, and institutional leadership.

Foundation of the programme

The FDP commenced with Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C., Principal of St Agnes College, offering a reflective overview on “St Agnes College: A Journey and Value Orientation.” Her session framed the week with reflections on the institution’s legacy, mission, and the importance of aligning pedagogy with enduring values.

Sessions on institutional and academic processes

The week included deep dives into operational and academic roles:

  • Mrs Shubarekha, Registrar, offered insights on “Exam and Evaluation Administration,” highlighting tools, timelines, and responsibilities.

  • Mrs Shanthi Nazareth, Dean of Administration, detailed the nuances of academic coordination and institutional leadership.

    • Quality assurance and ethics in education

    • Dr Ita Dsouza, Associate Professor and former IQAC Coordinator, unpacked IQAC and NAAC frameworks essential for sustaining institutional quality.

  • Mrs Sheryl Preethika, Head of the MBA Department, guided participants on integrating “Human Values and Ethics” into the curriculum.

    • Inspirational leadership and pedagogical vision

    A highlight of the programme was the address by Sr Dr Doris Dsouza, retired Principal of Patna Women’s College, who delivered an impactful lecture titled “Echoes of Vision: Living the Founder’s Dream in the 21st Century.” Her words invoked the spirit of institutional commitment and leadership grounded in faith and service.

    Emerging paradigms and teaching excellence

    • Dr Flosy C.R. Dsouza, Professor and Controller of Examinations at St Ann’s College of Education, discussed “Pedagogical Paradigms in Higher Education” with emphasis on student-centric and adaptive models.

  • Prof. Demian Antony Dmello, Vice Principal of Canara Engineering College, explained the fundamentals of “Outcome Based Education”, stressing measurable goals and learner outcomes.

    • Spiritual and emotional dimensions of teaching

    Sessions on holistic well-being included:

    • Sr Dr Severine Menezes, President of CRI Mangalore Unit, who spoke on “Balancing Academics and Spiritual Well-being.”

  • Dr Preethi Keerthi Dsouza, Chairperson of the Department of Commerce, Mangalore University, addressed “Advancing Fulfilment and Unity in Professional Practice.”

    • Inner readiness and emotional intelligence

    The concluding session by Dr V. Premanand and Dr Kavyashree K.B. from the PG Department of Psychology, St Agnes College, focused on “The Prepared Educator.” They explored the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and mental preparedness in achieving professional excellence.

    Reaffirming the institution’s commitment

    The Faculty Development Programme received wide appreciation from faculty members, who found the sessions intellectually stimulating and personally enriching. The programme reaffirmed St Agnes College’s role in nurturing value-based education, promoting academic excellence, and empowering faculty as transformative educators.