Shillong, May 25: Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU) in collaboration with the International College of Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, concluded a two-day international academic workshop on ‘Human Resource Development and Design Thinking for School Improvement in Tribal and Rural Contexts’.
The workshop, which was held recently, provided a platform for educators and academic experts to engage with the pressing issues faced by schools in rural and tribal communities.
The workshop brought together 41 participants physically on the CWSSU campus, including MA Education students and faculty members from affiliated colleges across Meghalaya.
Although the international speakers joined virtually, the interactive sessions fostered open discussions about challenges such as teacher shortages, limited resources, and language barriers in remote schools.
CWSSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Vasanthi Vijayakumar highlighted the importance of building global academic partnerships that can significantly contribute to local educational development.
Scholars, Dr. Brian Perkins from Teachers College, Columbia University, and Dr. Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco from Louisiana State University, spoke during the workshop.
Perkins introduced design thinking approaches aimed at placing students and communities at the center of school improvement, while Crocco discussed human resource development focusing on supporting teachers and leadership.
Both institutions expressed hope that this collaboration would lead to future research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and continued dialogue on improving education in tribal and marginalized communities across South and Southeast Asia.
