CLUJ hosts 2-Day Faculty Orientation Workshop at PSPS Gandhi Nagar

JAMMU: A Two-Day Faculty Orientation Workshop on “Strengthening Project-Based Learning & Design Your Degree (DYD) Pedagogy” was successfully organized by Cluster University of Jammu at PSPS Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar. The workshop aimed to familiarize faculty members with innovative teaching methodologies under the Design Your Degree (DYD) framework and promote experiential and project-based learning practices in higher education.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu in the presence of Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, who attended as Guest of Honour. Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Ankur Mahajan, Registrar, CLUJ; Dr. Twinkle Suri, Dean Academic Affairs, CLUJ; Dr. Shobha Baghai and Dr. Alpana Vohra.

Faculty members and Principals from various colleges across Jammu division participated enthusiastically in the programme. Welcoming the participants, Dr. Twinkle Suri highlighted the growing need for learner-centric and interdisciplinary approaches in higher education. Principal of GCW Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Kulvinder Kour, encouraged faculty members to actively adapt to evolving educational practices that promote creativity, collaboration and critical thinking among students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir emphasized the significance of project-based learning in making education more practical, skill-oriented, and meaningful for students. Dr. Shobha Baghai shared valuable insights into the implementation of the Design Your Degree framework and stressed the importance of flexible and interdisciplinary learning models for holistic student development.

Speaking on the objectives of the DYD initiative, Dr. Alpana Vohra elaborated on how the pedagogy empowers students to design their academic pathways in accordance with their interests, abilities and career aspirations.

During the event, the Vice Chancellor formally unveiled the banner of the Design Your Degree initiative and appreciated the efforts of faculty members working towards academic innovation and excellence. In his address, Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar underlined the importance of transformative education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He remarked that project-based learning and the DYD framework would help students emerge as independent learners, critical thinkers and socially responsible citizens.

The workshop also featured a series of academic sessions conducted by eminent experts. Prof. Shobha Baghai delivered a session on “Introduction to DYD: Pedagogical Challenges in Adopting DYD,” focusing on the conceptual framework and institutional challenges in implementing learner-centric education.

Another session by Mohammad Saleem Mir, Assistant Professor, University of Kashmir, explored “Experiential and Community-Based Learning under DYD,” highlighting the role of community engagement and experiential methodologies in strengthening practical understanding among students. Prof. Alpana Vohra further shared the successful implementation strategies of the DYD model at GCW Parade.

The workshop witnessed active participation from faculty members of various colleges and provided a meaningful platform for academic exchange and collaborative learning. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Vijender Sharma, Head Department of Sanskrit, followed by the National Anthem.