 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 8: The five-day Capacity Building Program on Integrating Cultural Competence in the Teaching of Languages successfully concluded today at the Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (JKSCERT), Jammu.
The program, held from February 4 to February 8, 2025, was designed to enhance teachers' understanding of cultural integration in language education.
The programme commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by the esteemed Joint Director SCERT Jammu Division, Prof. Dr Sindhu Kapoor including Smt. Shailash Kumari, Mtr. Sultana Kouser, Associate Profs., Smt. Pushpa Kaith, Head, Language Wing, Coordinator of the workshop and other faculty members.
A warm welcome address was given by Ms. Shamim Nazki, coordinator of the program, who highlighted the importance of capacity building program on integrating cultural competence in teaching of languages.
Fifty teachers from ten districts of Jammu participated in this intensive training, which focused on fostering inclusive and culturally responsive teaching methodologies. Experts from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds including Dr Vandana Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Central University Jammu Dr Bhagwati Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, University of Jammu, Dr Parshotam Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Hindi, University of Jammu, Dr Jaspal Singh, Associate Professor Centre for Distance and Online Education University of Jammu Mr. Balwan Singh, Asstt.Prof.,GCOE, Jammu, Dr Sehnaz Qadri, Asstt. Prof GDC Majalta, Dr Sapna Devi Asstt. Prof GDC Mahanpur, Dr Musarat Jahan Senior Lecturer GHSS Malothi and Dr Alka Sharma, Teacher GHSS Domana and Dr. Sanjeevani Sharma, Dr. Sushma Rani, Ms. Pooja Sharma, Ms. Manisha Chun, Ms. Manu Vasudeva, Ms. Monica Sharma, Dr. Sandeep Singh, Mr. Paawan Vivek, Ms. Arsh Kour & Ms. Lakshmi Puri faculty of JKSCERT Jammu facilitated interactive sessions, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing language teaching within local and global cultural frameworks.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Prof. Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, JKSCERT, Jammu commended the initiative, highlighting its significance in promoting intercultural awareness among students. She emphasized that such capacity building programs equip educators with the necessary tools to create dynamic and culturally enriched learning environments. She, in her address, reiterated the commitment of JKSCERT in fostering professional development opportunities for educators. She emphasized that integrating cultural competence in language teaching not only enhances students' linguistic skills but also nurtures empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures.
The program featured lectures, hands-on activities, discussions, and demonstrations aimed at equipping teachers with practical strategies for incorporating cultural elements into language teaching. Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, noting that it provided them with valuable insights and innovative teaching approaches. |
