Prof. (Dr). Jyoti Prakash Swain is a Principal and Dean of Research at Netaji Subhas Institute of Education, Jamshedpur. He has completed M.A. and Ph.D. in Education. He has fifteen years of teaching experience. His eleven research publications are in reputed journals and books. He has also guided thirteen M.Ed., ten M.Phil, and eight Ph.D. scholars.

Netaji Subhas University

Being H.O.D. of the University teaching departments, what are your role and responsibility toward students?

I counsel the students in fulfilling their aspirations through the choice of courses as per their abilities. I motivate and guide them in acquiring knowledge, learning skills, developing professional attitudes, and shaping their character. I also evaluate students’ performance and provide feedback about learning progress. Maintaining discipline inside the institute’s premises and sparking curiosity in students for research work is my other fundamental role. 

As the head, I encourage students to participate in different co-curricular activities, developing new audio-visual aids, new methods of teaching strategy, etc. I ensure continuous evaluation of students' training reports, presentations, and co-scholastic activities with transparency. I also promote the use of the library by students. 

How do you establish healthy relationships with the students and fellow faculty members?

I develop a personal rapport with students and faculty through friendly communication, polite behavior, mutual respect, positivity, and trust. I create a safe environment by promoting their mental health, self-esteem, and self-worth. I am always there for them in difficult times and show a willingness to help.

As a head, I provide directions toward students' and teachers' success. I boost their motivation, efforts, engagement, happiness, and confidence. Also, I collaborate with them in problem-solving activities and resolving conflicts. 

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain the necessary skills?

In our department, we conduct morning assemblies to start our day. We organize study tours and expose students to real-life situations. We organize TLM (Teaching Learning Materials) exhibitions and microteaching sessions. Additionally, we use multiple teaching methods to help students grasp content effectively. Our PTs teach poor students voluntarily any no cost. We assign extra assignments for absenteeism in class. 

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What extracurricular activities/programs do you have to enhance students’ skills or expose them to real-world challenges?

We organize craft works workshops, drama competitions, debates, discussions, poetry recitations, etc., for intellectual and emotional development. We also publish college magazines with the literary works of students.

For social skill development, we organize TLM exhibitions and study tours and celebrate food festivals, Goonj and Udan. We also encourage our students to participate in inter and intra-university competitions like sports and games, cultural programs, treasure hunts, cooking, skits, literature, etc. 

How does your curriculum ensure the best practice in the industry?

We involve people knowledgeable about learners’ interests, needs, resources, and society in curriculum design. Our curriculum is evolving according to the regulation of NCTE and the needs of students, stakeholders, and people. It is a product of the minds, energies, and efforts of professionals from different sectors. Also, It is the product of the long-time effort of our internal and external subject experts and is well-planned, managed, and evaluated.

We have also included student teachers relationships, guidance and counseling programs, health services, school and community projects, library and labs, and other school-related work experience. We have arranged concepts in a continuous, systematic, and logical sequence. We maintained smooth transition and continuing achievement of learners from the subject matter, classroom, and grade.

How does the department enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to industry standards?

We conduct microteaching sessions where both PTs and teacher educators work collaboratively. The teacher educator, as an observer, takes notes in chronological order of all teaching behavior of PTs. After the micro-lesson, the supervisor makes a brief presentation about the experience. Supervisors invite each participant, in turn, to say what they learned and how they felt. Then, the teacher educator suggests improvements in the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. Besides this, our department shares the best videos of teaching for professional development. 

We show different educational movies, like Chalk and Duster, and circulate duties every six months to develop managerial and leadership behavior. Provide quality professional development programs, continuously praise their work and contribution, motivate them in perfect approach, standing together for stress management, and encourage them to share ideas and opinions. We provide them with the best resources possible and monitor teacher burnout by supporting their decision consistently and acknowledging their experience, expertise, and professional autonomy.

What are the department's greatest strengths, and how can they be enhanced?

Our department has a conducive learning environment and a team of dedicated faculty members who promote positive teacher-student communication in the institutions. It has effectively nurtured self-discipline and good habits among the students. Additionally, we have a learner-centered approach to teaching that helps students identify, articulate and apply individual skills relevant to their learning needs. We also involve parents and community members to improve the department’s working styles. 

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What valuable advice would you like to give the students for they to have a prosperous career ahead?

I have a simple message for students’ prosperous careers ahead. Believe in yourself, prioritize your relationships, find and connect with people who inspire you, embrace not knowing everything, and you can make a difference.