Mrs. Sajini Deena Mathew is an Assistant Professor and the Head of the Department of Malayalam at Bishop Moore College. She has dedicated her career to imparting knowledge and nurturing young minds. Mrs. Mathew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from C.M.S. College, Mahatma Gandhi University along with a Master’s degree in Malayalam from N.S.S. College, Changanassery. Post that, she completed her Bachelor's and Master of Education at M.S.M. Training College and the School of Pedagogical Studies.

Bishop Moore College

Being the head of the Malayalam Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the Head of the Malayalam Department, my primary roles and responsibilities revolve around ensuring the highest quality of teaching and learning experiences for our students. I strive to create a positive and stimulating learning environment where students feel motivated to engage actively with the subject matter. I believe in the importance of incorporating innovative and interactive teaching techniques to enhance student's learning experiences. 

I am committed to regularly assessing students' progress and providing constructive feedback that helps them improve. I design assessments that align with the curriculum objectives, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge and skills. Ultimately, my overarching aim as the Head of the Malayalam Department is to empower students to have a strong foundation in Malayalam language and literature. 

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

To bring a practical and industry-oriented approach to the Malayalam course, I emphasize the relevance and application of the subject in real-world contexts. I incorporate industry-related examples, case studies, and projects into the curriculum. I also encourage students to actively engage with current affairs and societal issues through the lens of Malayalam language and literature. 

Furthermore, I integrate technology and digital tools into the curriculum to enhance the practical aspects of learning Malayalam. This includes utilizing language learning apps, online resources, and digital platforms that enable students to practice language skills in interactive and industry-relevant ways. 

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

As the Head of the Malayalam Department, I recognize the importance of providing students with extracurricular activities and programs that enhance their skills and expose them to real-world challenges. We offer a range of extracurricular activities like literary competitions, debates, public speaking events, drama and theatre workshops, writing contests, and language clubs. 

We also actively seek collaborations with external organizations and industry professionals through internships, industry visits, and partnerships with local businesses, media organizations, publishing houses, and cultural institutions.

Recognizing the significance of English language proficiency in today's globalized world, we have also initiated a certificate course for English learners with the support of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (M.H.R.D). 

What are your views upon the placements and higher education about the students from your department and How is your department prepare students for Higher education?

In my department, we prioritize both placements and higher education opportunities for our students. We understand that each student has unique aspirations and goals, and we strive to prepare them for a variety of paths they may choose after completing their undergraduate studies. Around 40% of our students pursue higher education like MA programs in Malayalam language and literature, B.Ed or D.Ed courses to become educators in the field. 

We encourage students to choose specialized courses or certifications that are in demand in various industries. We facilitate their exploration of these options by organizing career counselling sessions, inviting industry professionals to share insights, and connecting students with relevant resources and opportunities. We provide mentorship, connect them with business networks, and offer guidance in areas such as marketing, finance, and operations. 

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

One of the major challenges we face in uplifting the quality of education in our department is the language barrier. Many students who have studied in Malayalam medium schools struggle with English proficiency, which can hinder their college-level education. To address this issue, we have taken proactive measures by arranging special classes and offering a certificate course for English learners.

In addition to these specific challenges, there are broader obstacles that impact the quality of education in our department. These include limited resources, such as updated textbooks and reference materials, as well as a need for professional development opportunities for faculty members. 

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

One of the greatest strengths of our department and college is our students. They are enthusiastic, talented, and actively participate in various activities. To further enhance this strength, we can focus on providing more platforms and opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and engage in diverse activities. 

In addition, highlighting the achievements of our students is crucial in boosting their confidence and motivating others. Furthermore, building strong connections with alumni who have excelled in their respective fields can be a valuable asset. Engaging successful alumni as mentors, guest speakers, or facilitators of workshops provides students with valuable insights and industry exposure. To further enhance this strength, we can focus on providing more platforms and opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and engage in diverse activities. Organizing workshops, such

as sculpture workshops and screenwriting workshops in collaboration with renowned institutions like the KERALA STATE CHALACHITRA ACADEMY, allows students to gain practical skills, learn from industry experts, and broaden their horizons. These workshops provide hands-on experiences and foster creativity and innovation among our students.

How does the department enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

The department, college, and university are committed to enhancing the skills of the faculty and preparing them according to industry standards. To achieve this, several initiatives and opportunities are provided to the faculty members. One of the ways faculty skills are enhanced is through online courses and refresher courses. These courses cover various aspects of teaching methodologies, research methodologies, subject-specific knowledge, and emerging trends in the field. 

The availability of online courses has become especially prominent since the lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has allowed for greater flexibility in accessing and participating in these courses. Moreover, scheduling and planning play a crucial role in facilitating faculty skill enhancement.

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

Helping students cope with the high level of competition in the outside world is a priority for our department. Firstly, we focus on fostering a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Our curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Malayalam language and literature. We emphasize the development of essential soft skills that are highly valued in the professional world. We offer workshops and training programs on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. 

We provide career guidance and counseling to help students identify their strengths, interests, and career goals. We encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as literary events, debates, cultural programs, and competitions to build their confidence. Moreover, we encourage a growth mindset among our students, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and perseverance. 

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

In addition to the curriculum, we employ various interventions and approaches to enhance the training and teaching of our students. These initiatives aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience and equip students with practical skills and real-world exposure. We also invite guest speakers, industry experts, and alumni to deliver lectures, conduct workshops, and share their experiences with students. This enables students to gain insights from professionals, learn about industry trends, and expand their networks. By integrating these interventions and approaches into our teaching methods, we create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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

My valuable advice to students for a prosperous career ahead is to focus on both what they learn and how they learn. Find subjects and topics that genuinely interest you, and explore them with enthusiasm. Additionally, I advise students to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges. Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process and should be viewed as opportunities for growth and improvement. 

Maintain a strong work ethic, discipline, and perseverance in your studies. Stay organized, manage your time effectively, and set realistic goals for yourself. Remember that success is not solely defined by grades or accolades but by the impact you make and the satisfaction you derive from your chosen career path.