TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM RESOURCE PERSON – PROF. VENKATADRI V R, CHE, CHA, MBA

DATES: 10TH AND 11TH JULY 2025

The BGS Institute of Hotel Management organized a comprehensive Two-Day Train the Trainer Program on 10th and 11th July 2025, aimed at strengthening the pedagogical capabilities of the academic staff. The Program was designed to equip faculty with modern instructional strategies, deepen their understanding of learner psychology, and refine classroom delivery techniques. The session was facilitated by Prof. Venkatadri V R, a renowned Hospitality Educator with over four decades in hospitality education and training.

Day 1:

Inaugural Session

The program commenced with a warm welcome and inaugural address by the Principal, Chef Eabin Mathew who emphasized the need for continuous faculty development in an ever-evolving academic landscape. Prof. Venkatadri V R was formally introduced, and his exemplary contributions to hospitality education were acknowledged.

Session 1: Understanding the Learner and Foundations of Teaching

Today’s Learners – Motivations, Styles, and Expectations

Prof. Venkatadri opened the training by addressing the critical question: “Who are today’s learners?” Through interactive discussions and group activities, faculty members explored:

• The generational characteristics of Gen Z learners
• Diverse learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetics, reading/writing)
• Student motivations and barriers to learning
• Expectations in a digitally enabled classroom

The session enabled faculty to recognize the need to adapt their approaches to meet the learning preferences of contemporary students.

Session 2: Revisiting the Philosophy of Teaching and Teaching Identity

This reflective session encouraged faculty to introspect and articulate their personal teaching philosophies. Key discussions included:

• The role of a teacher as a facilitator, mentor, and guide
• The shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered education
• Building authentic teaching identities grounded in empathy, clarity, and engagement

Participants engaged in peer sharing of their philosophies, leading to meaningful insights and mutual inspiration.

Session 3: SMART Learning Outcomes and Bloom’s Taxonomy

In this outcome-oriented session, faculty gained hands-on experience in:

• Writing SMART learning outcomes (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Aligning learning outcomes with Bloom’s Taxonomy for cognitive development
• Structuring course content to promote higher-order thinking skills

The session emphasized backward design in curriculum planning and offered practical templates for outcome formulation.

Day 2: Practical Tools for Effective Classroom Engagement

Session 4: Lesson Planning and Classroom Time Management

The second day began with a focused session on organizing content for optimal delivery. Highlights included:

• Components of an effective lesson plan
• Prioritizing content based on learning outcomes
• Managing classroom time through segmenting and pacing strategies
• Maintaining flexibility while ensuring goal completion

Faculty members developed and presented sample lesson plans, receiving feedback from the resource person and peers.

Session 5: Content Delivery Methods

In this session, various content delivery strategies were discussed and demonstrated, including:

• Lecture and guided discussion
• Demonstration and practical-based instruction
• Think-pair-share and flipped classroom methods – The facilitator emphasized aligning delivery methods with learner needs and the nature of the subject.

Session 6: Creative and Experiential Teaching Tools

One of the most engaging sessions, this module introduced faculty to dynamic teaching aids such as:

• Gamification for motivation and participation
• Storytelling to build emotional connection and context
• Roleplay and simulations for hospitality scenarios
• Case study-based learning for critical thinking and problem-solving

Faculty participated in micro-teaching sessions utilizing these tools, resulting in a lively and creative learning environment.

Session 7: Designing Assessments and Using Support Media

The final session provided practical guidelines on:

• Creating effective quizzes (MCQs, application-based questions, formative assessments)
• Leveraging multimedia presentations, visual aids, and digital tools
• Best practices for using PowerPoint, videos, and infographics in class
• Avoiding overload while ensuring clarity and engagement

Participants shared their experiences and planned how to incorporate these insights into their upcoming semester plans.

The two-day program culminated in a feedback and reflection session, where participants shared their learning takeaways and personal growth. The sessions were described as “thought-provoking,” “energizing,” and “practically applicable.” Participants acknowledged a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in their teaching roles.

The Principal felicitated Prof. Venkatadri V R for his insightful sessions and presented a memento as a token of appreciation. Printed and framed Certificates of Participation were distributed to all attendees.