Osmania University Signs MoU with Notre Dame varsity for world-class B.Ed training

Hyderabad: Osmania University (OU) on Thursday announced a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Notre Dame, USA, to provide world-class, in-depth training opportunities for students pursuing Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees.

This strategic collaboration aims to holistically develop future educators and enhance the quality of teacher training in India, the university said in a statement.

Comprehensive development of students

The partnership will see OU’s Department of Education and Notre Dame’s Global Centre for the Development of the Whole Child (GCWC) collaborate on curriculum design and pedagogical innovation. This joint effort will specifically focus on integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a whole-school approach, fostering the comprehensive development of students.

Professor Kumar Molugaram, vice-chancellor of Osmania University, emphasised the importance of this agreement.

“This MoU provides an excellent opportunity to deliver social and emotional learning through a whole-school perspective,” the VC said. “It will facilitate mutual exchanges of students and faculty, and foster joint research initiatives.” He further directed both institutions to work towards publishing their collaborative research at an international level and urged the creation of a dedicated mechanism for the effective implementation of the MoU’s objectives.

Training for students and faculty

Professor Molugaram reiterated the university’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the training of students, teachers and faculty.

Professor Neil Boothby, director of Notre Dame’s Global Centre for the Development of the Whole Child, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are excited to work with India, a rapidly developing nation,” he stated. “We look forward to collaborating with the faculty, researchers, and students here. This agreement with Osmania University offers abundant opportunities to enhance training skills and conduct excellent research.”

The MoU was formally signed by Osmania University registrar professor G Naresh Reddy and professor Neil Boothby of Notre Dame University, in the presence of VC professor Kumar Molugaram.

Professor Ravindranath K Murthy, principal of OU's College of Education, elaborated on the objectives of the MoU, its implementation, and future action plans.

This groundbreaking partnership marks a new chapter in teacher education, promising to equip a new generation of educators with the skills and knowledge to address the evolving needs of students globally.