Navrachana University hosts a two-day national conference on critical thinking in education, aiming to increase awareness and discuss strategies for implementing critical thinking as a skill in the curriculum.
Navrachana University Hosts National Conference on Critical Thinking in Education
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Navrachana University recently hosted a two-day national conference on critical thinking in education. The event aimed to increase awareness and discuss strategies for implementing critical thinking as a skill in the curriculum.
The conference, organized by the School of Liberal Studies and Education (SLSE) at Navrachana University, comes in response to the National Education Policy, 2020. The conference provided a platform for experts and luminaries in the field of education to share their thoughts and strategies on critical thinking as a skill.
Emphasizing Critical Thinking as a Skill in Education
Dr. Vaibhavi Govarikar, the Program Chair of B.Ed., highlighted the need to introduce critical thinking as a skill that helps students analyze, interpret, and come up with solutions to various issues. The conference aimed to discuss strategies and implementation of critical thinking as a skill rather than a random trait.
The Bachelor of Education Program at SLSE has already taken steps to incorporate critical thinking into its curriculum, aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020.
Keynote Address on Neuroscience and Critical Thinking
Dr. Vishal Bhadani, Provost of Lokbharti University for Rural Innovation, delivered the keynote address at the conference. He focused on the intersection of neuroscience and critical thinking, exploring the biological foundations of human cognition and their implications for education, policy-makers, and researchers.
Dr. Bhadani discussed topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the mind, 'digital dictatorships and neurocriminology,' and the influence of stories, myths, and ideologies. He also touched upon practices like mindfulness training for fostering positive social interaction.
Creating an Inclusive Classroom and Enhancing Teaching Methods
Prof Maithili Ramachand from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive classroom and refining teaching methods. She highlighted the epistemic and moral roles of teachers in enhancing students' decision-making abilities.
Prof Ramachand stressed the need to bridge the disconnect between different sectors of the education system and promote critical thinking as a means to empower students in making informed choices.
Stimulating Thoughts and Fostering Lifelong Learning
Prof K Pushpanadham from the MS University in Vadodara spoke about the need to stimulate children's thoughts rather than just teaching them. He advocated for education that focuses on lifelong learning and uses the human mind as a medium to shape the future.
Prof Pushpanadham emphasized the importance of critical thinking in generating creative learners and driving societal innovation.
Aligning Curriculum with National Education Policy
The conference was inaugurated by Ms. Tejal Amin, Chairperson of Navrachana Education Society, along with Provost Prof Pratyush Shankar, Registrar Dr. Sandeep Vasant, and Dean of SLSE Dr. PV Xavier. They highlighted the significance of critical thinking in education and its potential to transform the learning experience.
Overall, the conference provided a platform for educators and experts to exchange ideas, strategies, and insights. Navrachana University's SLSE is taking steps towards aligning its curriculum with the National Education Policy, 2020, and preparing students for the challenges of the future.