Professors play an important role in higher education institutions, combining their duties as educators and researchers to make a profound impact on academia and society. They are vital in advancing knowledge and developing critical thinking, which is essential for the academic and professional development of students.
Through their expertise and mentorship, professors help shape the next generation of leaders and innovators. Their research drives academic inquiry and leads to significant advancements across various fields, addressing local and global issues. In addition to their academic responsibilities, professors serve as change agents, actively engaging with societal challenges and contributing to community development.
Dr. Soheli Ghose, the Dean and Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous). She is dedicated to student-centric education through her innovative teaching methods, research integration and emphasis on collaborative learning. Her approaches enrich the educational experience and make a significant impact on society.
By embracing continuous professional development, leveraging technology and developing community partnerships, she plays a key role in shaping a future-ready educational sector and advancing global research initiatives.
Cultivating Resilience in Teaching
Dr. Soheli’s journey began with a career in teaching at a school, which later evolved into a role at a college. Her primary motivation has been the regular interaction with young minds and she has been deeply driven by the opportunity to influence students to become responsible citizens. This dedication to shaping future generations has drawn her to this noble profession.
Throughout her career and continuing to this day, Dr. Soheli’s inspiration has been her mother, Smt. Prativa Ghose. Smt. Ghose has served as Dr. Soheli’s guiding light and her impact remains profound.
The positivity, resilience and inclusive nature of Smt. Ghose has consistently encouraged Dr. Soheli to pursue excellence with humility. She attributes much of her current achievements and character to the constant support and example set by her mother.
A Guide to Personal Integrity
Dr. Soheli acknowledges that achieving a balance across all areas of life is a challenging endeavour. She remains mindful and focused in her approach, dedicating her time to teaching, research and personal life in a well-planned and organized manner, while also allowing flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. For her, balance is the key principle guiding her efforts.
She is committed to avoiding procrastination and prioritizes adhering to her schedule and plans rather than competing with others. Her guiding motto is to strive for excellence with humility, reflecting her dedication to both professional growth and personal integrity.
Innovative Teaching Methodologies for Educators
Dr. Soheli employs a case study-based approach in most of her classes, which facilitates in-depth analysis and practical understanding. She actively promotes classroom interaction, encouraging students to contribute new ideas and engage in discussions.
Dr. Soheli ensures that she remains current with developments in her field by regularly updating her knowledge. She integrates discussions on recent events, particularly those related to finance, taxation and other relevant areas, into her teaching.
Her pedagogical strategy also includes a focus on the latest trends and innovative methodologies. She places significant emphasis on experiential learning, making it a core component of her teaching approach. This commitment to staying updated and developing an interactive, experiential learning environment is central to her educational philosophy.
Integrating Technology in Teaching
Dr. Soheli embraces lifelong learning as essential for career advancement in today’s environment. She emphasizes the need for consistent upskilling and reskilling to meet the evolving demands of her academic role, setting clear and measurable goals for her professional growth.
She is dedicated to staying current with technological advancements, including mastering new software and understanding big data analytics. Her proactive approach to integrating technology reflects her commitment to maintaining relevance and excellence in her field.
Implementing Adaptive Teaching Strategies
Dr. Soheli’s teaching philosophy represents the thoughtful integration of both modern and traditional pedagogical approaches. She maintains that the teaching and learning process should not be rigidly fixed, advocating instead for an adaptable approach that aligns with how students learn best. She designs her teaching methods to emphasize the assimilation of knowledge while incorporating joyful and experiential learning opportunities.
Her approach to curricular transactions is student-friendly, aiming to engage students effectively and appropriately. She places a strong focus on developing knowledge, critical thinking and curiosity, which she considers fundamental pillars of higher education. Her ongoing efforts are directed toward creating an environment where students can realize their full potential and develop into the best versions of themselves.
Building a Compassionate Classroom Environment
Dr. Soheli believes that empathizing with students is crucial for effective teaching, as it enhances her ability to connect with and motivate them. In the educational sector, she recognizes the need to stay open to new ideas and adapt plans as necessary.
Balancing personal and professional aspirations is essential for sustainability in this demanding field and she emphasizes the importance of maintaining her mental and physical well-being, alongside that of her students.
She values having a role model or mentor and prioritizes classroom management, striving to conduct classes engagingly while maintaining decorum, which promotes discipline. Professionalism and building healthy workplace relationships are fundamental to her approach.
She views owning up to mistakes, seeking support and continuous self-improvement as vital for a successful academic career. She underscores the importance of embodying integrity, compassion and responsibility, setting a strong example for students.
Collaborating with NGOs for Educational Impact
Dr. Soheli acknowledges that online and hybrid learning formats represent the future of education, recognizing that technology will enhance and potentially transform traditional methods.
She emphasizes the need for educators to track, support, engage, and empathize with students, encouraging their use of high-quality, self-guided content and pedagogical tools. She highlights the trend towards specialization and customization in teaching, which necessitates flexible content and self-paced learning.
Her primary role as an academician involves developing inclusivity and sustainability, preparing students for a technology-driven future and nurturing community and social entrepreneurship.
She is committed to expanding access to higher education through charitable projects, including the ‘Prativa Initiative,’ which aims to establish and fund libraries in under-resourced schools. She plans to collaborate with NGOs to enhance this initiative’s reach and impact. She remains dedicated to excellence in education and inspiring her students to achieve their best.
