Two-Day Workshop on Understanding the Self: A Journey Towards Self-Awareness and Professional Growth
The Jesus Training College, Mala, affiliated with the University of Calicut and recognized by NCTE, successfully organized a Two-Day Workshop on "Understanding the Self" on 27th and 28th November 2025 at the College Auditorium. The workshop was designed to help prospective teachers develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and professional identity through a series of expert-led interactive sessions.
The programme commenced on 27th November 2025 with an inspiring session by Ms. Reo July Jipsa, Assistant Professor, Jesus Training College, Mala, on "Critically Evaluate Oneself as a Prospective Teacher." She encouraged student teachers to reflect upon their personal beliefs, teaching philosophies, strengths, and areas for improvement. The session emphasized that effective teaching begins with self-reflection and a commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Through discussions and reflective activities, participants gained deeper insights into the qualities and responsibilities of an ideal educator.
The second session of the day was conducted by Mr. Faimen Paul, Assistant Professor, Jesus Training College, Mala, on the topic "Acting In, Acting Out: Theatre as a Tool for Self-Awareness and Connection." The workshop introduced theatre-based activities as powerful pedagogical tools for enhancing communication, empathy, creativity, and emotional expression. Participants actively engaged in role plays, improvisation exercises, and collaborative performances that fostered confidence, teamwork, and meaningful interpersonal connections. The session demonstrated how experiential learning can contribute significantly to both personal growth and effective classroom practice.
The workshop continued on 28th November 2025 with a thought-provoking session by Mr. Ebin Joseph, Assistant Professor, Jesus Training College, Mala, on "Gender and Upbringing." The session examined how family, culture, and society shape gender roles and individual identities from childhood. Participants critically explored gender stereotypes, unconscious biases, and the importance of promoting equality and inclusiveness in educational settings. The discussion inspired future teachers to adopt gender-sensitive approaches that foster respect, equity, and social justice within classrooms.
The concluding session was led by Ms. Elsamaria Davis, Assistant Professor, Jesus Training College, Mala, on "Deconstructing the Messages of Advertising." The resource person guided participants in critically analyzing advertisements and understanding how media constructs perceptions of beauty, success, gender, and consumerism. Through examples and interactive discussions, students learned to identify hidden messages, persuasive techniques, and stereotypes embedded in advertisements. The session emphasized the importance of developing media literacy and critical thinking skills, enabling future educators to help students become responsible and informed consumers of media.
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants actively engaged in discussions, reflective exercises, group activities, and interactive learning experiences. The programme successfully created a platform for student teachers to examine their identities, beliefs, values, and professional responsibilities while strengthening their emotional resilience, communication skills, and social awareness.
The Workshop on Understanding the Self concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to become reflective practitioners and compassionate educators. By integrating self-awareness, critical reflection, creativity, gender sensitivity, and media literacy, the workshop reinforced the holistic development of future teachers and aligned with the vision of Jesus Training College, Mala, to nurture competent, ethical, and socially responsible educators.
"Understanding oneself is the foundation of understanding others, and every great teacher begins with self-awareness."