Along underlines crucial roles of educators to foster intellectual growth

DIMAPUR — Noting that Nagaland is currently experiencing a critical period in Higher Education, the minister of Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, emphasised that the assertions made by educators today would carry substantial weight as they transcend mere teaching to foster the development of critical thinking and intellectual growth.

He stated this during the launch of the first three-day entry level induction programme for the newly recruited assistant professors of the Higher Education department through a virtual mode on Wednesday which was simultaneously held at Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu, Mokokchung, and State College of Teacher Education (SCTE), Kohima.

He commended both the principals of SCTE and MCTE for the exceptional initiative they took to induct the new recruits. He also congratulated the newly recruited assistant professors.

Describing teaching as a noble profession, he stated that educators not only impart their knowledge but also engage in a reciprocal learning process, shaping young minds to become true architects of the nation in every regard, stated an update from the Higher Education department.

He further called upon all educators to persist in their endeavours in working tirelessly to build and take the state forward.

“During this initial phase of induction, the other educators will teach the new recruits the methods, strategies and ways to connect with students, address any obstacles one may have during your 20–30 year’s career as a teacher,” Along said.

He concluded by highlighting the enormous and boundless influence that teachers have on those around them.

The resource persons comprised of faculty members from MCTE and SCTE respectively and some guest faculty pooled from various other colleges.

On day-one, the topics included ‘Four year under graduate course: an overview, and teaching as a profession’ and ‘Professional ethics and accountability.’

The topics on day-2 would include ‘Contemporary approaches to teaching,’ ‘Objective-based question framing’ and ‘Teaching skills,’ while the topics on day-3 would include ‘Practice of skills, planning and presenting a lesson’ and ‘Office procedures: higher education service rules and career progression.’

It mentioned that the programme aims to provide new recruits with a solid foundation for further professional development, focusing on teaching processes and fundamental competencies, thereby equipping them with the necessary resources to join the state higher education service.