Dr. Lizmitha Godwin is the HOD of the Home Science Department at Morning Star Home Science College, Ernakulum. She obtained her Ph.D. from Mahatma Gandhi University, specializing in areas such as nutrition, family resource management, and child development. Additionally, she has more than two decades of experience in teaching and research. Beyond her academic pursuits, she actively engages in shaping educational policies and practices. She serves on various academic committees and associations, where she champions initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of home science education across institutions.

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What is the latest program that you are offering in your department? 

The latest programs we are offering in our department aimed at helping students outperform and stand apart are a BSc in Home Science, an MSc in Family and Community Science, and a PhD in Home Science. These programs integrate cutting-edge research in nutrition and dietary sciences, textile sciences, interior decoration, family resource management, and child development. These programs help students gain expertise in addressing prevailing health challenges in society, develop skills in dietary cooking, nutrition planning, budgeting, and home management, and improve communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Opportunities in interior and fashion design allow the students for artistic expression and creativity. Practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge are given focus so that graduates will emerge with a fulfilling career in home science with a wide range of benefits. This program helps individuals enjoy diverse career opportunities and personal growth by making meaningful contributions to society.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

As an academic discipline, the Home Science program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which makes it an appealing choice for students. A variety of subjects are offered under home science, such as nutrition, health, family resource management, human development, fashion, and textiles. This helps the students to develop a versatile skill set and a broad knowledge base. Starting from diet planning and sewing to financial management and child care, the programs emphasize hands-on learning and practical applications. This equips students for real-life situations and everyday problem-solving. The students can leverage to start small businesses or freelance careers using the skills acquired in product development, fashion design, event management, and the like. These skills foster an entrepreneurial spirit among the students. As people become more aware of health issues, it becomes relevant for them to learn about nutrition, hygiene, and healthy living. Therefore, this program is vital in the current-day society. On completion of the program, students develop expertise in managing households, budgets, and finances and methods to improve living environments. This helps them to enhance their own lives and also to assist others in leading a better quality of life. The research program in home science unfolds the opportunities for academic research, allowing them to contribute through their innovative ideas. Overall, Home Science is an excellent choice of program that provides a comprehensive education. This equips the students with essential life skills. It also provides a wide range of career options and the ability to contribute positively to society.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

All the programs in the Home Science course are designed with a comprehensive curriculum that covers nutrition, human development, family relations, textiles and clothing, resource management, and extension education. All these courses are aligned with the latest research findings, technological advancements, and contemporary issues. It is this multidisciplinary perspective that generates a well-rounded knowledge base and an array of skills among the students. We focus on active learning through group discussions, projects, case studies, as well as practical activities. We integrate technology into the teaching process by employing online resources alongside simulation software to improve learning experiences. Hands-on experience is provided through field trips or internships for experiencing real-life situations. Interactive workshops in association with industry and academic experts will keep students conversant with issues on relevant topics. Cross-institutional research collaboration is being promoted to enable knowledge exchange among partners and the development of innovative projects. We aim to get the research findings published and disseminated in the journals of repute in the field and also present our findings at conferences to enrich the body of knowledge. Our laboratories in food science, textiles, and human development are well-resourced through modern equipment and materials. We also have a resource library supporting information on home science that contains current books, journals, and digital resources. 

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our Home Science program is well planned to provide students with a foundation that ensures successful careers and personal development by blending academic and practical subject content. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a broad and balanced understanding of home science and cover the key areas of nutrition, human development, textiles and clothing, family resource management, and extension education. The use of modern teaching technology, including online material, virtual laboratories, and adaptive learning, ensures that students are prepared for the digital age. Through the use of technology, we provide personalized feedback for students, which helps them to improve continuously. The use of field visits and internships allows students to put their knowledge into a professional context and to make contacts in the workplace. By conducting research and publishing and presenting findings, we can raise the profile of home science. Students are encouraged to be active participants and to enhance their own research and professional profiles. The conduct of regular webinars and guest lecturers to interact with industry and academic experts encourages students to follow changes in the discipline. Career counseling and placement services meant for students enable them to explore career paths and opportunities further. The program offers skill development opportunities in event management, fashion design, and entrepreneurship skills, so the students can start working on their business projects on a freelance basis. By accumulating these aspects, students will be able to meet future challenges and limits, both professionally and for their personal development.

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How did you train yourself/your faculty to deliver this program to the students?

To be effective in delivering Home Science programs, faculty members must undergo rigorous training that involves several important steps. First, faculty need to know the curriculum inside out, including learning outcomes, content, and assessment criteria, to adapt their teaching strategies accordingly. Training regarding teaching pedagogy is necessary and they should focus on context-specific strategies like practical demonstrations, hands-on approaches, and application of theory to practice, especially in the fields of Home Science such as nutrition, textiles, or family studies. Faculty members are adequately prepared to show students how theories can be applied practically by providing practical training sessions in laboratories or simulated environments. Cross-linking ideas among different Home Science disciplines offers a comprehensive understanding of these distinct yet interrelated fields of study. Student-centered approaches such as discussions, group work and case studies make students more involved in the learning process. Moreover, faculty members also guarantee that ethical issues and professionalism are infused into their courses so that they instill responsibility in themselves.

How do you tend to build an industry connected with this program?

To develop a connection with the industry, the Home Science program requires building strong partnerships and initiatives that bridge the gap between what academia has to offer and what industries need. One of the ways to achieve this is through fostering collaborative relationships with industry leaders by forming advisory boards or partnerships. Besides giving students chances for internships, placements, or collaborative research initiatives, these actions greatly enhance their practical experience and expose them to real-world issues in areas like nutrition, textiles, or family studies. Visiting guest speakers from various fields within the industry, whom students can relate to regarding projects connected to their areas of specialization enriches their knowledge, hence increasing their employability rate. Students also benefit from experience-based training sessions such as seminars or workshops conducted at the institution or even job fairs, which allow not only students but also faculty members to interact with people employed in different industries.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

When it comes to introducing home science programs within a curriculum, several unique challenges require one to tread carefully. First and foremost, getting support from institutions and obtaining adequate resources, such as exotic labs and equipment for practical training on nutrition, textiles, etc., could prove to be a big hindrance. The problem of finding money to keep the labs running and upgrading their facilities in line with business requirements persists. Secondly, developing a syllabus that harmonizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences is demanding since students need both in-depth understanding and related skills. Furthermore, keeping pace with contemporary market developments and technological breakthroughs calls for regular revisions, which are usually time-consuming as well as expensive. Faculty professional development programs in specific areas of home science, such as nutrition science or textile technology, are important but could face challenges because of scheduling issues and the unavailability of resources. In addition to that, making sure that the program complies with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements adds a level of trouble since it requires following rules while having room for flexibility to new educational demands and trends regarding home science. Strategic planning, constant engagement with stakeholders, and commitment to innovation and adaptation during curriculum development as well as delivery are part of overcoming such challenges.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Undergraduate programs in Home Science offer students a variety of projects from several disciplines that gear them for careers related to nutrition and dietetics, family resource management, textiles and clothing, child development and family studies, home furnishing and interior design, consumer education, food preservation, and processing, as well as environmental science and sustainability. In nutrition and dietetics, for instance, learners become skilled at designing personalized meal plans while conducting nutritional assessments for their families or communities. On the other hand, those taking family resource management classes learn how to create budgets apart from exploring sustainable living practices. Designing garments as well as upcycling fashion products are aspects of textile and clothing projects, while educational activities concerning children’s growth form the basis of child development projects. Interior design is concerned with creating functional spaces while promoting eco-friendly solutions. Lastly, there is an emphasis placed on waste management as well as water conservation when it comes to environmental sciences, hence providing holistic learning experiences through these important Home Science fields.

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What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

The career options after pursuing this course are diverse. Being a dietitian or nutritionist, graduates can provide dietary advice and promote healthy eating habits in hospitals, clinics, or private practice settings. Family counselors, child development specialists, or early childhood educators are all roles found within family and child development. In terms of interior design, for example, they can work as designers or consultants towards designing companies, and architectural firms or work independently to create both practical and beautiful living and working spaces. A career path in fashion and textiles can be developed through fashion design, textile technology, and apparel merchandising, where one could either be a creator/designer at clothing lines’ shops, textile manufacturers; or retail outlets selling apparel products. Educational pathways include teaching positions in schools, colleges, and universities, where Home Science graduates educate and mentor students in nutrition, child development, textiles, consumer science, and related fields. In food science and technology, careers can be developed focusing on things such as food processing; quality control; managing food safety systems, and developing new products. Research and development opportunities exist in research institutions, universities, and corporate R&D departments, allowing graduates to conduct innovative research in nutrition, food science, child development, textiles, and consumer behavior.

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

I would offer several pieces of valuable advice for the students of Home Science to ensure a prosperous career ahead. The domains within Home Science are dynamic and evolving, so it is necessary to stay updated with the latest research, trends, and technological advancements. Participate in seminars, conferences, or workshops on subject-specific domains, which will make you more knowledgeable by becoming a part of a network of professionals from the same industry. Gain practical experience either through internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs related to what you want to do. In addition to that, practical experiences develop your skills and give insight into real-life applications and challenges. Strong communication skills as well as interpersonal skills are also essential aspects that one should build on. When dealing with clients, patients, colleagues, or members of the community; effective communication is important. In addition, one should have an impeccable ethical foundation together with an unwavering commitment to maintaining professional integrity. It is also important to look at specialization or further education, such as postgraduate studies or certifications. You may choose to specialize in a niche area like geriatric nutrition, sustainable design, or food safety to distinguish yourself in the job. Continuously assess your career goals and adapt your skills and knowledge accordingly to stay competitive and fulfilled in your chosen field within Home Science.

When you came to college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

When I first set foot in this college, my vision regarding the Home Science department was to create a hub of excellence in education, research, and community service. Being transitioned from a guest faculty role to that of the head of the department, I strived to develop a very active learning atmosphere that not only provides students with hands-on skills but also fosters creativity and concern for others. I have relied on various mechanisms to achieve this vision. I've emphasized curriculum enhancements that blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Priority has also been given to faculty development activities such as supporting them to achieve higher credentials like PhDs attending conferences or performing research. Through this, we've enhanced our department's academic credentials and brought cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom. Community outreach programs are at the heart of what we do. These activities not only serve the populace but also exhibit our commitment to graduating individuals who have a sense of social obligation and participate constructively in society. My development path from guest lecturer to department head has always been driven by determination towards quality education, student upliftment, and societal change.