DIET Srinagar Organises One-Day Orientation Programme on PARAKH
Srinagar: District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIET) Srinagar, in collaboration with the Chief Education Office Srinagar, organised a one-day Orientation Programme on PARAKH on Thursday at the Auditorium, SCERT Srinagar.
The primary objective of the programme was to disseminate the findings of the PARAKH 2024 assessment among stakeholders, analyse learning outcomes, identify critical intervention areas, and formulate strategies to address challenges in achieving desired competencies.
The programme was graced by the presence of Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Prof. Tasleema Jan, Dean, Department of Education, University of Kashmir; Prof. Seema Naaz, Principal, College of Education Srinagar; Dr. Arif, Deputy Director Academics, JKBOSE; and Nazrul Islam, President, JK Private School Association Srinagar.
At the outset, Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), highlighted the importance of PARAKH as a diagnostic rather than judgmental assessment tool. He emphasised that collaboration among all stakeholders is key to improving learning outcomes and reviewed concrete action points for cluster heads, ZEOs, principals, headmasters and representatives of private schools. He underlined that a foundation-level study in March would be conducted to systematically prepare learners for upcoming assessments Ghulam Mohi U Din Bhat, Principal DIET Srinagar and Chief Education Officer Srinagar, formally welcomed the dignitaries and participants. In his welcome address, he emphasized that the PARAKH results provide valuable insights into various dimensions of the teaching learning process, which require focused attention and collective action from all stakeholders.
He stated that classrooms must prioritise critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, green skills, digital literacy and social-emotional learning. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Programme Coordinator, who highlighted that the PARAKH assessment offers critical insights for revisiting and updating pedagogical practices to align district performance with national benchmarks.
Anjum Raja, Deputy CEO Srinagar and District Nodal Officer (DNO) PARAKH, presented a detailed analysis of PARAKH 2024 results, covering performance comparisons across the Foundational, Preparatory, and Middle Stages. She stressed the importance of integrating PARAKH data into annual educational planning and stated that through strategic planning, collaborative implementation, and systematic monitoring, District Srinagar is well positioned to achieve the vision of NEP 2020 for equitable and competency-based education.
The eminent speakers collectively reflected on the rapidly evolving educational landscape, emphasizing that rote learning and classroom-confined teaching have failed to bridge learning gaps. They advocated for activity-based and experiential learning as the need of the hour to achieve meaningful learning outcomes. The speakers underscored the transition from formal examinations to formative assessments to identify and nurture student talents effectively. They further highlighted that teachers must adopt dynamic pedagogical approaches and function as mentors to maximize the impact of the teaching-learning process.
The second session featured an engaging brainstorming panel discussion, chaired by Prof. Tasleema Jan. The panel comprised Prof. Seema Naaz, Dr. Arif, Ms. Anjum Raja, Dr. Arif Jan, Ghulam Hassan Reshi (SCERT), Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad (SCERT), and Nazrul Islam.
The panellists deliberated on PARAKH as a landmark reform in India’s assessment system, highlighting how PARAKH insights can be effectively leveraged for mentoring, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) planning, and strengthening both pre-service and in-service teacher education.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve among all stakeholders to move beyond traditional pedagogical practices and adopt innovative, learner-centric approaches aligned with NEP 2020, using PARAKH insights as a catalyst for sustained improvement in learning outcomes across Jammu & Kashmir.
In the vote of thanks, Tanveera Jan, HOD, DIET Srinagar, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the worthy Director School Education Kashmir, distinguished guests, and participants for their gracious presence, which made the event both successful and memorable.
She also extended sincere thanks to the Principal DIET Srinagar and Chief Education Officer Srinagar for their constant support and guidance. Special appreciation was conveyed to all DIET faculty members, SCERT faculty members, SCERT technical staff, and participants whose cooperation and commitment ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
