Mr. Sheikh Afridi is an Assistant Professor in the English Department at D.L.S. P.G. College Bilaspur (C.G.). He holds a master's degree in English. He has a teaching experience spanning over 3 years. He has published two research papers. His areas of interest include teaching and integrating technology with education. Additionally engaging in the art of creative writing, nurturing students and abilities to craft their own stories, poetry, and literary works. He loves to delve into literature from former colonies to understand the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and cultural interactions.

DLS PG College

Being a Faculty of the English Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As a faculty member of the English Department, my roles and responsibilities toward the students are multi-faceted and are crucial for their academic and personal development. As a teacher, my primary responsibility is to deliver effective and engaging instructions in the english language, literature, and related subjects. I design and implement lesson plans, create course materials, and deliver lectures that cater to different learning styles and abilities. Here are some of our roles and responsibilities towards our students. 

  • Curriculum Development through collaborating with my seniors and colleagues and ensuring it aligns with current educational standards, emerging trends in English studies, and the needs of the students.
  • Providing guidance to students on their academic progress, course selection, and career paths. 
  • Giving them mentorship that involves offering insights, suggestions, and support to help students succeed both academically and personally.
  • Evaluating student assignments, projects, exams, and presentations fairly and consistently. 
  • Providing constructive feedback to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Creating a positive learning environment in a classroom atmosphere that is inclusive, respectful, and conducive to learning. 
  • Encouraging open discussions, critical thinking, and creative expression among students. 
  • Recognizing that students have diverse learning needs and adapt my teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
  • Promoting communication skills by helping students enhance their communication skills in written and spoken English, preparing them for effective communication in various contexts.
  • Ethical Behavior to set an example of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior for my students to emulate.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

Establishing healthy relationships with both students and fellow faculty is essential for a positive and productive academic environment. We are creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking your guidance and asking questions. We believe in active engagement with students inside and outside the classroom. Participating in discussions, providing feedback on assignments, and attending extracurricular activities to show support, clear communication, understanding and empathizing with the challenges students may face are some of the initiatives we have been undertaking. Talking about fellow faculty we tend to share ideas, resources, and best practices amongst ourselves. We collaborate on projects, curriculum development, and research initiatives. We respect our colleague's expertise, opinions, and contributions. I personally believe in maintaining open lines of communication with other faculty members. We always keep each other informed about departmental matters, changes in curriculum, and upcoming events.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards English subjects and make it industry-oriented?

I often incorporate real-world examples, case studies, and scenarios related to different industries. For instance, when teaching language skills, use examples from business communication, marketing, or journalism to demonstrate how language is used in professional settings. I usually assign them projects that require students to apply their language and analytical skills to solve practical problems. These projects can simulate real workplace tasks, such as writing reports, creating marketing materials, or crafting persuasive presentations. We invite professionals from various industries to speak to our students. They can share their experiences, challenges, and insights, giving students a first-hand look into how English skills are used in the workforce. I also introduce them to industry-specific vocabulary and terminology related to various fields. This helps students develop the language skills necessary to communicate effectively in specific professional contexts.

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What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain the necessary skills?

The English Department offers a range of best practices to help students gain the necessary skills for success in their academic pursuits and future careers. The department designs a well-rounded curriculum that covers various aspects of English studies, including language, literature, writing, and communication. This comprehensive approach ensures that students acquire a diverse set of skills. Faculty expertise, workshops and seminars, guest speakers, and regular assessments, quizzes and assignments ensure that students are consistently engaged with the material and have ample opportunities to apply what they learned.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

The institution develops a curriculum for students by assessing needs, establishing clear outcomes, structuring interesting courses using a variety of teaching approaches, and using industry insights. Ongoing relevance is ensured via regular input, alignment with industry trends, and technology integration. The curriculum & effectiveness in educating students for changing challenges and opportunities is maintained through a cyclical process of review and improvement, as well as collaboration among educators and professionals.

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?

English departments typically focus on developing critical thinking, strong communication skills, analytical abilities, and an understanding of various literary and cultural contexts. These skills are valuable for success in higher education, as they contribute to effective research, writing, and participation in academic discourse. English departments often encourage students to engage with complex texts and write persuasively, and think critically about cultural and historical contexts, all of which are foundational for success in advanced studies. Additionally, exposure to a range of literary genres and theoretical approaches provides a solid intellectual basis for further academic pursuits. To support students & transition to higher education, English departments offer guidance on academic writing, research methodologies, and how to engage with scholarly literature. We also provide faculty mentorship and collaboration with career services which help students explore various academic and career paths aligned with their interests and strengths.

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

We help our students face external competition by providing rigorous academic programmes that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability - skills necessary for success in any competitive field - combined with personalized mentorship and character development by empowering students to identify their strengths, set goals, and chart a clear path forward. Our college encourages industry connections, workshops, and real-world experiences, ensuring that students are armed with knowledge as well as adaptability. We empower students to flourish in a competitive environment by promoting a growth attitude and providing an integrated education that combines competence with adaptability for long-term success.

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

Absolutely, we are committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience in the English department of our college. To enhance student's skills and expose them to real-world challenges, we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities and programs. These include literary writing competitions, workshops, and public speaking forums that encourage creative expression and effective communication. We organize guest lectures and panel discussions featuring industry experts, authors, and professionals to expose students to current trends and real-world insights. Collaborative project and community engagement initiatives. We also urge students to participate in theatrical performances. Through these extracurricular activities and programs, we strive to nurture not only academic excellence but also the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed for success beyond the classroom.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

Uplifting the quality of education in our English department has been a dynamic journey, accompanied by certain challenges. One challenge we have faced is aligning our curriculum with the ever-changing demands of the job market and industry standards has been an ongoing effort, requiring regular updates and collaboration with professionals from various fields. Ensuring inclusivity and diversity in our curriculum is another challenge, as we strive to represent a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement, harnessing them as opportunities to enhance the quality of education we provide in our English department.

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

My objective when I first joined D.L.S. P.G. College was to create a dynamic and fulfilling educational atmosphere that provides students with not only academic knowledge but also critical life skills. I hoped to cultivate a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity in my students so that they would be inspired to explore beyond the constraints of textbooks. To achieve this objective, I have been using a student-centered approach to teaching, creating dynamic and hands-on learning experiences based on real-world events. I attempt to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the issues students will encounter in their future employment by incorporating modern technologies, collaborative projects, and guest speaker sessions.

How does the curriculum of your department/college ensure the best practice of the industry?

The curriculum offered by the English department promotes industry relevance by including contemporary literature, communication skills, and analytical methodologies. We interact with specialists in the field, hold workshops, and offer hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. This gives students abilities that are in line with contemporary industry standards.

How does the department/ college/University enhance the skills of the faculty and prepares them according to the industry standards?

In our college, we prioritize faculty development to align with industry standards. Regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions are conducted to enhance teaching methodologies, incorporate modern technologies, and stay updated on industry trends. Collaborative partnerships with professionals and organizations offer insights into current industry practices. Furthermore, peer evaluations, constructive feedback, and mentoring contribute to continuous improvement. By fostering an environment of growth and learning, we ensure that our faculty remains well-prepared and equipped to provide students with an education that meets the demands of the industry.

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

Being a teacher, I believe in a comprehensive approach to education that goes beyond the classroom. I use a variety of methods and approaches to effectively train and instruct students. To connect theory with application, I use real-life instances, scenarios, and practical projects. Critical thinking and active engagement are encouraged through interactive conversations, group activities, and debates. Through presentations, writing tasks, and public speaking chances, I also emphasize communication skills. Specialists in the field give guest lectures to provide insights into current trends and issues. In addition, I establish a positive learning environment that encourages cooperation, creativity, and a growth mentality. I hope to empower students with skills and knowledge that transcend beyond the classroom by customizing teaching approaches to varied learning types and promoting self-directed learning.

What do you see the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

In my opinion, D.L.S. College’s greatest strengths lie in its diverse student body, dedicated faculty, and commitment to academic excellence. These strengths can be enhanced by fostering a stronger sense of community through more interactive and collaborative platforms, facilitating mentorship programs that connect students with professionals in their fields of interest, and creating more interdisciplinary opportunities that allow students to explore connections between different subjects. Additionally, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, technology, and resources will further support students & learning experiences. By continuously encouraging innovation, adaptability, and a student-centered approach, the college can continue to build on its strengths and provide an even more enriching educational environment.

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

As a teacher, my advice to students for a prosperous career ahead is to prioritize continuous learning and adaptability. Embrace curiosity and be open to exploring new ideas and opportunities. Develop strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any field. Seek out mentors and build a professional network to gain insights and guidance. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't fear failure but rather view it as a stepping stone towards improvement. Always set clear goals and work diligently towards them, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Finally, remember that success is a journey, not a destination, so remain persistent, resilient, and passionate about what you do.