Assam Governor urges faculty to foster curiosity, promote project-based learning under NEP 2020

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 26, 2025

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday called upon faculty members to adopt student-centric teaching methods that encourage curiosity and connect classroom learning with real-life situations. He also stressed the importance of project-based and experiential learning, saying a portion of academic content should be taught outside the classroom through practical modes.

Addressing a Vice-Chancellors’ meet organised by Raj Bhavan at Gauhati University on the theme “Transformative Reforms in Pedagogy, Curriculum and Assessment System: Immediate Need of NEP 2020”, the Governor said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought sweeping reforms to the education system. He urged teachers to embrace their evolving role as mentors and innovators by incorporating emerging technologies and experimental methods in their pedagogy.

The day-long hybrid meet saw participation from vice-chancellors, senior faculty members and academic leaders across Assam. Deliberations focused on key action points, including making at least 20 per cent of each subject’s content project-based, expanding the use of e-materials and e-courses, and encouraging faculty to create their own teaching resources. Discussions also highlighted the need to streamline course content in line with UGC norms to help students think critically and develop problem-solving skills.

Participants emphasised setting up specialised cells in universities for holistic student development, enhancing NAAC and NIRF rankings, and investing in faculty capacity building. A Vice-Chancellors’ WhatsApp group will also be created to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices on curriculum reform and innovative teaching methods.

Advisor for Higher Education Prof. Debabrata Das, Advisor to the Raj Bhavan Secretariat Dr. Harbansh Dixit, OSD to the Governor Prof. Bechan Lal, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, and several other academic leaders attended the event.