A one-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) was organized by the Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Coimbatore Campus, on September 20, 2024. The event commenced with a prayer song. Dr. S. Logeshkumar, Assistant Professor and FDP Coordinator, welcomed the participants and introduced the objectives of the program. He then introduced the resource person, Dr. A. S. Mohanagiri, Associate Professor in the PG & Research Department of English at Government Arts College (A), Coimbatore.
Dr. Mohanagiri led an engaging session titled “Enhancing Effective Communication Skills in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching and Learning Success”. One of the key points of the session was the concept of the Spotlight Syndrome, where individuals feel they are the center of attention when speaking to a group, which often leads to heightened anxiety and self-consciousness. Another useful tool discussed was the Radio Scanner approach to communication, where educators are encouraged to tune into the "frequency" of their audience. Inhibition in communication was also addressed as a common barrier to effective teaching. Many faculty members may feel restricted or anxious when speaking, especially in large groups. Another communication tool highlighted during the session was the Rule of 3, a principle that states that information presented in groups of three is more easily understood and remembered. He also introduced the Template Method of Speaking, a structured approach that faculty members can follow to organize their thoughts clearly and effectively.
The session was highly interactive, with faculty members engaging in discussions, activities, and role-plays to practice these communication strategies. A total of fourteen faculty members (1 male and 13 females) attended the session, which concluded with an open forum for participants to share their experiences and ask questions. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. A. Divyapriya, Assistant Professor, with participants expressing their appreciation for the valuable insights and practical tips offered throughout the day.
| Faculty/Staff Name | Details |
|---|---|
| S Logesh Kumar (Primary Coordinator) | FDMSE – Coimbatore Campus |
| RKMVERI Faculty & Staff | 14 (Male: 1, Female: 13) |
