Loreto College hosts week-long faculty development programme on higher education excellence

Organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Loreto College, the programme was titled “Capacity Building for Enhancing Excellence in Higher Education: Aligning Teaching Practices with NEP and NAAC Guidelines.” Dr. Kaustuva Banerjee served as the convenor.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Lakshminarayan Satpati, Director of UGC-HRDC at the University of Calcutta, who lauded Loreto College for its efforts in aligning with India’s higher education reforms. Other speakers included Dr. Maher Spurgeon, Director of South Asia Programs, United Board, and Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala, Teacher-in-Charge of Loreto College, who emphasized holistic, student-focused approaches to education.

Over the week, faculty members from across Kolkata participated in a series of interactive sessions led by eminent educators and resource persons. Themes ranged from psychology of learning, outcome-based education, and leadership training to pedagogy, curriculum design, and the role of research for social good. Notable contributors included Dr. Spurgeon, Dr. Vijay Solomon of Madras Christian College, and Dr. Sandra Joseph of the United Board.

A highlight of the programme was a virtual session by Dr. Hope Antone, Director of Faculty Development, United Board, Hong Kong, who introduced the concept of Whole Person Education. Faculty also explored innovative practices such as “Slow Looking” with Dr. Alphy Geever of St. Stephen’s College, while sessions on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital innovation were delivered by Prof. Subhadip Basu of Jadavpur University and Dr. Mona Khare of NIEPA.

On the concluding day, Dr. Anjan Chakrabarti, Director of MMTTC, North Bengal University, and Dr. Indrila Guha, Principal of Basanti Devi College, discussed strategies for aligning institutional goals with NEP guidelines and NAAC accreditation frameworks. They stressed leadership, documentation, and long-term planning for quality enhancement.

Participants engaged in workshops centred on the 4Cs of 21st-century education—Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. The programme concluded with faculty members presenting action plans aimed at advancing student development, institutional excellence, and social responsibility, marking a successful week of collaboration and capacity building.