Research Colloquia

Learning Environments of Technology Rich Science Classrooms in relation to Student's Perception, Attitude, Achievement and Efficacy

A research colloquium on the topic “Learning Environments of Technology Rich Science Classrooms in relation to Student's Perception, Attitude, Achievement and Efficacy” was presented in March 2009 by Dr. Adit Gupta, Assistant Professor, MIER College of Education.
Dr Adit Gupta in his presentation provided comprehensive information on technology-rich learning environments. Such environments were assessed using two internationally validated and reliable instruments that were used for the first time in Indian school settings. He also elaborated as to how the technology-supported environments affect students' attitude towards science, their academic efficacy and academic achievement. Issues related to gender difference were also elucidated in the presentation. The colloquium concluded with an interactive session with the audience.

Culture, Instruction and Evaluation in Research: Issues and Perspectives

Research Colloquium on the theme “Culture, Instruction and Evaluation in Research: Issues and Perspectives” was taken by Dr Rajeev Rattan Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Jammu.

Dr. Rajeev observed that research can be promoted by creation of a research culture in educational institutions. His other areas of concern were substantial funding for promoting the long term capacity of the research community, providing the academicians with time and by making their work load and work assignment flexible. He further added that system should provide best inputs and the best processes to produce the best output. He also stressed on the evaluation of research programmes on specific criteria of integration.

Guest Lecture on Research Methodology in Special Education

A guest lecture was delivered on “Research Methodology in Special Education” by Dr. D. R. Kapoor, HoD, Centre for Educational Research in the month of April 2009 for the students and the faculty of B.Ed. Special Education.

He observed in his lecture that most of the studies in the field of disability in India were surveys of characteristics of disabled and non- disabled children or facilities and programmes for their education. There is very little research done on development of tools for identification and assessment, intervention strategies, development of instructional materials, effectiveness of technologies in improving access of disabled persons to curriculum, training of personnel, transfer of training effects and management of special education. He discussed the need for interdisciplinary and holistic approach for conducting research in special education.

Research Study on the Non-Performing Assets and Lendings of the Citizens' Cooperative Bank

The Centre for Educational Research recently completed a project on “Non-Performing Assets and Lendings of the Citizens’ Co-operative Bank”. The study was conducted by Dr. D. R. Kapoor and Dr. N. C. Prabhakar under the supervision of Dr. Arun K. Gupta, Chairman, MIER. The study had two major objectives namely 1) to identify the reasons behind burgeoning non-performing assets and suggest ways and means to minimize/ curtail non-performing assets and 2) to suggest measures for enhancing the lending capacity of the Citizens’ Cooperative Bank. The recommendations from the study offer several strategies which the management of the Bank and officials at different levels can adopt in a systematic and time-bound manner. The study concluded that a creative and futuristic leadership strengthened by competent, professional and committed team of officers, customer friendly practices and utilization of modern information and communication technologies would go a long way in improving the functioning of the bank and help reduce its NPA. A periodic critical appraisal of the Bank's performance and timely result oriented follow up can catapult the Citizens' Cooperative Bank as one of the leading financial institutions in the cooperative sector.