Dr. Neelam Singh is the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Training at Scope Global Skills University. She holds an M.A. degree in Sociology and Economics along with a B.Ed. and M.Ed. degree. Thereafter, Dr. Singh earned a PhD in education and a BPRC. She has been in the education field for 24 years.

SCOPE Global Skills University

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department, or how does your department prepare students for higher education?

The primary focus of our department is educating B.Ed. students with the primary objective of preparing them to become proficient and skilled teachers. To ensure our students are well-equipped for their teaching careers, we establish partnerships with a variety of schools. These collaborations create opportunities for open placements, benefiting not only our students but also students from other colleges. This approach allows students to secure job placements in educational institutions. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive preparation for a teaching career and facilitate job opportunities by establishing connections with different schools and organising open placement initiatives. This strategy aims to equip our students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience required for a successful career in education.

How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

To assist our students in coping with the high competition prevalent in the outside world, we adopt several measures. We focus on fostering a supportive environment that encourages and motivates our students to perform at their best. Emphasising the value of teamwork, we encourage collaborative efforts among students, enabling them to work together to achieve common goals and enhancing their problem-solving and communication skills. Both teachers and learners collaborate to find solutions. This approach encourages active participation from both sides, creating an environment where knowledge exchange and collective problem-solving are encouraged. The college ensures a positive atmosphere that supports students' growth and development. Creating a positive learning environment helps nurture students' confidence and encourages them to face challenges with a positive mindset. Through these steps, we aim to equip our students with not just academic knowledge but also the essential soft skills and a positive mindset necessary to thrive in a competitive external environment.

Do you have any extracurricular activities or programmes to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

It appears that the department has a structured curriculum, as outlined by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), for B.Ed. students spanning two years. This curriculum is designed to encompass various subject matters that aim to enhance multiple skills. In alignment with this curriculum, the department focuses on teaching diverse skills to students, such as communication skills, technical skills, stimulus variation, and reinforcement skills, supported by practical examples. Moreover, the department places emphasis on imparting technical knowledge to students, recognising its significance. To provide a holistic understanding and exposure to real-world challenges, students are engaged in practical experiences. They are sent to schools and child development programmes in rural areas, bal bhawans, and slum areas. These experiences are intended to offer students a firsthand encounter with the diverse realities of the world, complementing their academic learning with practical, real-world experiences.

Check SCOPE Global Skills University Courses & Fees

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in, apart from curriculum, to train and teach the students?

In addition to the structured curriculum for B.Ed. students, the department employs a range of supplementary interventions and approaches to enrich the educational experience. Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, fostering a more holistic educational experience. These activities promote creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills. Involvement in community work allows students to understand societal needs and challenges, instilling a sense of social responsibility and empathy. The department creates an inclusive environment, embracing diversity and accommodating the needs of all students, ensuring equitable access to education. Partnerships with different educational institutions provide students with diverse perspectives and learning opportunities, broadening their understanding of education. Providing educational support for special children ensures an inclusive approach to education, catering to diverse learning needs. Allowing flexibility in the education system enables students to tailor their learning experiences, promoting adaptability and personalised learning. By integrating these approaches into the educational framework, the department aims to not only educate students but also nurture socially conscious, adaptable, and well-rounded educators who can contribute positively to society.

What do you see as the department's or college’s greatest strengths, and how can they be enhanced?

The department's or college's greatest strength lies in the transformative power of education. Education serves as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to transform the world positively. Additionally, it offers the ability to alleviate the fear of the unknown, instilling confidence and curiosity in individuals, thereby enabling them to confront challenges and uncertainties with courage. To enhance this strength, fostering an environment that actively encourages critical thinking and logical reasoning is essential. Emphasising these skills can further empower students to approach various situations with a thoughtful and analytical mindset. By nurturing an environment that values critical thinking and instills a love for learning, the department or college can amplify its strengths and better equip students for the challenges they might face in the ever-evolving world.

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

Engaging in consistent practice, seeking guidance, and undergoing necessary training are crucial for skill development and professional growth. Recognising the significance of technology and its impact on various fields, students are advised to incorporate and adapt to new technological advancements within their learning and future career paths. Prioritising skill development alongside academic pursuits is essential for holistic growth. Focusing on acquiring practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge contributes significantly to academic excellence and future career success. This advice is centred on encouraging a balanced approach where skill development, technological adaptation, and academic excellence are seen as pivotal components for a successful and prosperous career ahead.