Teaching and learning are significant areas of work for the faculty at Azim Premji University, with several possibilities to exercise autonomy in course design and implementation. It is imperative, therefore, to consciously develop spaces for discussing our pedagogic practices and collective experience. The first pedagogy conclave has been conceptualised to reflect upon what teaching and learning within and outside classrooms, field settings and informal learning environments mean to faculty, students and the wider community in our University and neighbourhoods. 

We draw from the larger vision of the University realised in the kinds of programmes and courses we have developed over the years; the student community we have nurtured; and our experiments in creating inclusive learning environments. How have these multiple settings and practices made learning engaging, meaningful, coherent and comprehensible for students? Are there particular approaches that enhance learning in an area? Are there strategies which foster independent work and collaboration? How have we employed creative ways to help students attain conceptual clarity? Are there particular types of courses which lend themselves to innovative approaches? How do we characterise the interplay between the nature of disciplines, their practices and methods? How do interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary areas and programmes engage with a variety of approaches?  How do meaningful assessments link with course objectives and pedagogy? How are innovative teaching and learning materials appropriately chosen or developed? We hope that such questions (and beyond) encourage vibrant discussions and debates. In traversing our individual and collective pedagogic journeys, we expect to think about, share and foster a sense of collegiality through moments of joy and challenge. 

Further, it is important to share and document these experiences for our institutional memory and for dissemination through outreach to the wider higher education community. The ​‘Innovations and Reflections in Pedagogy’ conclave is proposed as a day-long internal sharing event, where faculty from Schools across our campuses in Bengaluru and Bhopal will present their attempts, experiences and reflections on significant practices.