Interactions for students' smooth learning stressed

Speakers yesterday underscored extensive interaction between teachers and students to improve latter's learning process, at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day conference organised by the Centre for Pedagogy of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

Dr Robery Matthew, director of centre for Academic Research and Development of Durham University, UK, presented the keynote paper at the conference, themed, "Education in the current world: Pedagogy, Research and Social Change".

In his paper "Reflections on Educating University Students in the 21st Century", Matthew said technology can help learning but it is a social process which requires human interaction.

Students often face difficulties in coping with uncertainty, so academician should focus more on that, he said.

He emphasised on student centered activities  and less reliance on lectures, and highlighted the need for developing skills at an early stage.

Prof Mesbahuddin Ahmed, head of quality assurance unit of University Grants Commission, Prof M Omar Rahman, vice-chancellor of IUB, and Dr Mahbub Alam, sub-project manager of pedagogical development, also spoke.