An inaugural session of Deans’ Dialogue Forum organized by Institute of Professional Development was held here at the Faisal Masjid campus of the International Islamic University.
According to the organizers Deans’ Dialogue forum has been envisioned as a forum for scholarly discourse, information sharing, debate educational management models and discussion on innovative and best practices in higher education in Pakistan and across the world in an informal and personalized environment. Acclaimed leaders from academia and industry will be invited to have a close contact and result oriented reflective sessions with the esteemed members of the forum. It has been envisioned to become an engine for change and reformation of the IIUI. At the moment, these sessions are scheduled quarterly while in future it is expected to become a monthly event.
It was joined by Prof. Dr. Syed Zulfiqar Gillani program specialist HEC as Chief Guest, Dr. Jess Boresma Associate Dean, UNCW USA as Keynote Speaker, Rector IIUI, Dr. Massom Yasinzai as Guest of Honour, Vice President AF&P Dr. N.B. Jumani, Vice President Academics Dr. Ayaz Afsar and Deans of the faculties.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Gillani apprised of the new approach of HEC and procedure of the yearlong deliberations for the formation of new policy. He said there is an urgent need of competency based education and universities must inculcate analytical and creative skills into young minds.
Dr. Jess shared his career experiences and valuable thoughts pertaining to professional development especially in the field of academics. He discussed attributes such as leadership, management and importance of collaborations.
Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, in his speech said that traditional academic methods are getting obsolete as the technology has been changing the course of life by every passing day. He urged that teaching fraternity must benefit from the technology . Stressing the critical thinking he said instead of checking memory of the students , teachers must test the analytical and creativity skills and approach of the students. He said problem solving approach with the attribute of critical thinking is key to success and Deans are the doors to knowledge as they are the vital and integral sources of bringing about change in the approach. “ We need to produce sell-able graduates who may have best knowledge of technology and contemporary challenges.
Dr. Faiz ur Raheem , Incharge IPD thanked the participants for joining the session and vowed that the institute will continue such efforts. Earlier, Kashif Sohail Malik and Saneha Khalid coordinators and master trainers , apprised of the outline, schedule, objectives and theme of the forum.