Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College prioritizes the professional development of its staff, offering substantial opportunities to enhance their expertise and competencies.
To this end, a meticulously planned three-day orientation programme was conducted, aimed at preparing the staff for the new academic year.
The orientation began with Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, the Finance Officer of St Aloysius PU College, delivering a session on integrating Jesuit educational principles and spirituality in contemporary classrooms.
His presentation covered several key areas, including an introduction to Jesuit education, the values and four pillars of Jesuit education, the Integrated Pedagogical Paradigm, and the Universal Apostolic Preferences.
The next speaker, Dr Deepa Kotari, a renowned psychologist and freelance mental health trainer based in Mangalore, shared her insights on fostering inclusive learning spaces.
Her session focused on navigating diversity and equality in the classroom to create a harmonious educational environment.
She emphasized the theory of multiple intelligences and the importance of recognizing that students have different learning styles.
Dr Kotari stressed that teachers need to consider each student as an individual and adapt their teaching methods to create a conducive learning environment for all.
Following Dr Kotari’s session, Roshni Goveas, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Roshini Nilaya, spoke on empowering positive connections by mastering the art of positive communication and body language for effective interpersonal dynamics.
She highlighted the crucial role of body language in conveying thoughts and feelings. Roshni Goveas also discussed how individuals interpret communication based on their unique perspectives and emphasized the importance of appreciation in fostering positive interactions.
On the second day of the orientation, Dr Rameela Shekhar, a mental health professional from Manashanthi, Mangalore, provided valuable insights into how teachers can create a learning environment that fosters positive teacher-student relationships and enables the development of cognitive, social, emotional, and psychological skills in teenage learners.
She presented strategies that teachers can use to create a classroom environment where students feel welcomed, empowered, and inspired to realize their full potential.
Following Dr Rameela’s session, Prasad, a psychotherapist and facilitator since 2015, conducted an elaborate session on the importance of teachers enhancing their own self-awareness and development to enrich their students’ learning experiences.
Through discussion and role-play, Prasad explained how the untapped potential of a human being can be developed by overcoming the shadows and burdens that deter positive self-growth and hinder the initiation of fulfilling student-teacher relationships.
The last session of the second day on Cyber Safety and Awareness was conducted by Robinson Dsouza, founder and CEO of Cyber Sapiens.
During his informative session, Robinson elucidated the identities of cyber criminals and the mechanisms behind cybercrime. He also shed light on social engineering, its types, and how to protect ourselves from perpetrators.
On the third day of the orientation, Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, delivered a session on the importance of reflection in the life of a teacher.
He emphasized the concept of ‘Cura Personalis,’ which involves caring for others, and highlighted various strategies for handling students with difficulties.
During the last session, Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, the principal of St Aloysius PU College, addressed the staff members, emphasizing the importance of teachers continually renewing and reviewing their work based on their experience, learning, contribution, and growth.
He asserted that great teachers are not born but made, outlining the key factors that contribute to becoming an exceptional educator. Additionally, he discussed the three poles of Jesuit education and its defining characteristics.
The orientation program proved to be highly enriching, offering avenues for staff members to acquire fresh insights, expand their skill sets, and stay abreast of the latest developments in their field.
It facilitated meaningful connections among colleagues, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
It underscored the institution’s dedication to nurturing the professional growth of its employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and advancement.
The program served as a catalyst for fostering a dynamic and thriving work environment, empowering staff members to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to the institution’s mission and objectives.
