Research is critical to solving complex social challenges: academic

Srinagar, October 4: Kashmir University (KU) is organizing a two-week ‘Refresher Course in Social Sciences’ for faculty members of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which was held here on Thursday.

The event was organized by the University UGC Malawi Mission Teacher Training Center (MMTTC) and involved participants from various higher education institutions including universities and colleges, NITs, IITs and agricultural universities from within and outside J&K.

On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobeen emphasized the importance of professional training and the urgent need for social science research.

“Social science research is critical to understanding and solving the complex social challenges we face today. Through rigorous research we can develop better policies and create a more informed society,” reiterated Professor Maubin.

He also stressed the importance of recognizing the roles, responsibilities and rights of teachers while adapting to new teaching trends and technologies.

Professor Shahid Rasool, Director, Academic Affairs, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), highlighted the role of thinking in teaching and the growing role of technology in education.

“Teaching is more than just a profession; it’s a profession.” It’s an art and an attitude. A positive mindset improves the learning environment, and technology has become an important tool in modern teaching practice. We must harness its potential to improve student engagement and learning outcomes,” he insisted.

Professor Aneesa Shafi, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Kansas, emphasized the importance of such programs for faculty development and institutional growth.

“The exchange of ideas in such forums is vital to improving our academic practice and making significant contributions to society,” she said, reaffirming the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

Earlier, Professor Fayaz Ahmad, Director, UGC-MMTTC in his welcome address highlighted the importance of various training courses offered by MMTTC.

“These projects are critical to improving educators’ teaching capabilities and ensuring they stay current with contemporary educational practices,” he said.

He also spoke about the critical role that teacher development programs play in producing effective educators, saying: “Continuous professional development is the foundation of effective teaching. While online learning has its benefits, it cannot replace rich face-to-face interaction.”