The Department of English at Paavai Engineering College conducted a five-day online Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Fostering Creativity in Engineering through Literature Analysis and Critical Thinking” from 17.02.25 to 21.02.25. The program aimed to explore the synergies between literature and engineering, promoting innovative teaching methods that foster creative problem-solving and critical thinking.
The FDP received 120 registrations through Google Forms. Each day’s session commenced with a welcome note, an introduction of the resource person, and concluded with a discussion session, a vote of thanks, and valuable feedback from participants. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. R. Shanthi, Head, Department of English, PEC. The faculty coordinators were Mr. Radhakrishnan R., Ms. R. Saranya, and Ms. S. Malathi.
Resource Persons and Topics
- Day 1 (17.02.25): Dr. Marjana Mukherjee, Associate Professor of English at Brainware University, Kolkata, presented on “Reimagining Engineering Creativity through Literature.” Her scholarly presentation aimed to inculcate creativity in all minds.
- Day 2 (18.02.25): Dr. Marie Evangeline, Associate Professor at the School of Humanities, Takshashila University, discussed “The Role of Literature in Shaping Engineering Ideations.” She elaborated on how literature can inspire engineering solutions and encourage analytical thinking.
- Day 3 (19.02.25): Ambri Sharma, Assistant Professor at Asian Law College, presented on “Nurturing Emotional Intelligence through Literature in Engineering Students.” She explained the components of emotional intelligence and its key aspects in engineering education.
- Day 4 (20.02.25): Dr. K. Kavitha, Senior Grade Assistant Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, discussed “The Role of Science Fiction in Engineering Innovation: Bridging Creativity and Technology.” She highlighted the key characteristics and elements of science fiction, emphasizing its importance in engineering education.
- Day 5 (21.02.25): Dr. Ambreen Safder Kharbe, Associate Professor at the College of Language and Translation, Najran University, KSA, addressed “The Art of Thinking: Using Literature to Cultivate Creativity in Engineering.” She emphasized the need for creativity in engineering and illustrated how literary devices can be applied in an engineering context.
The program successfully achieved its objective of fostering creativity in engineering through literature analysis and critical thinking. The five-day online FDP was a resounding success, providing a platform for faculty members to explore the intersection of literature and engineering. The program’s outcomes are expected to have a positive impact on teaching methods, promoting creative problem-solving and critical thinking in engineering education. Many faculty members benefited from the program.
