The Valedictory Function of the three-day workshop on “Capacity Building in Innovative Pedagogy for Implementation of NEP-2020” was successfully held today at the Seminar Hall, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu. The event marked the conclusion of an insightful and engaging workshop aimed at equipping educators with innovative teaching methodologies aligned with NEP-2020.

The Chief Guest, Jb. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Honorable Chief Minister, J&K UT, delivered a compelling address emphasizing the vital connection between education and employability. He pointed out that in today’s rapidly evolving job market, academic knowledge alone is insufficient. Highlighting the importance of skill development, adaptability, and innovative thinking, he urged educators and students to adopt a forward-looking approach. He spoke about the transformation in education and employment landscapes over the years, underscoring the need for timely and informed decision-making. He advocated for a holistic education system where degrees serve as gateways to real-world opportunities rather than just academic credentials.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies elaborated on the core values of the Design Your Degree (DYD) program. She emphasized the program’s focus on liberty, flexibility, and informed decision-making, allowing students to take charge of their academic journey. She stressed the need for nurturing critical thinking and enabling students to make well-informed choices.

Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIEDC, University of Jammu, provided an insightful overview of the DYD program. She highlighted its objective of integrating skill-based learning within a societal and cultural framework, moving away from traditional blackboard teaching and emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning.

Earlier, the event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. S.K. Pandita, who extended warm greetings to all dignitaries, resource persons, and participants. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu, Prof . K. S. Charak, Dr. Jitender Manhas, office bearers of associations.

The day featured engaging sessions. The first session, titled “Beyond Traditional Exams: Exploring Evaluation Methods under NEP 2020,” was led by Prof. Jyoti Sharma. She explored the transition from conventional examination methods to a more holistic assessment framework under NEP-2020, integrating domain-specific knowledge, vocational skills, professional aptitude, and soft skills. She underscored the crucial role of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in promoting students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth. A key takeaway from her session was the distinction between "Assessment" and "Evaluation," with assessment being a continuous learning process and evaluation serving as a final measure of progress. The use of rubrics was emphasized as an effective tool for structured and transparent assessment.

The second session focused on group presentations, where participants showcased their projects, outlining abstracts, objectives, expected outcomes, and evaluation criteria. These presentations received valuable feedback from resource persons. Following this, an exclusive one-hour interaction with DYD students allowed for a deeper exchange of ideas and insights.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of participation certificates, acknowledging the attendees’ active involvement. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Sh. Ranjeet Kalra, Deputy Director MMTTC, who expressed gratitude to all contributors for making the event a resounding success. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Prof. Sarika Manhas.