BMCC Professor Manita M. Pavel Receives U.S. State Dept. Funding to Lead Workshop in India

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Science Professor Manita M. Pavel has been awarded $15,000 in American Spaces Support Funds to work at the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai, India, where she will engage faculty and students from Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thakersey (SNDT) Women’s University in an effort to improve teaching practices, increase student learning outcomes and prepare students for STEM studies and careers.

Specifically, Professor Pavel will design and lead a comprehensive pedagogical workshop where SNDT Women’s University faculty will be trained on gamification and active learning techniques. The workshop will take place in the embassy as well as Dosti House—an open access cultural center that fosters person-to-person ties between the United States and India. The project’s funding, which began on July 1, 2024, will have a one-year duration.

Gamification—the process of adding games or game-like elements—and other active learning techniques, have been shown to create more learner-centered environments, supporting greater student engagement in the classroom. In India, classroom learning at higher education institutions has traditionally been more teacher-centered while active student participation often tends to be low.

“At Dosti House, we will engage faculty and students in innovative teaching methodologies, emphasizing interactive and gamified learning experiences,” said Professor Pavel. “The workshop aims to provide them with hands-on experience and practical knowledge about gamification in education. By collaborating closely with the university’s faculty, we can tailor the program to address specific needs and challenges, ensuring that the students gain the maximum benefit from this initiative.”

A 2022 memorandum of understanding (MOU)—that seeks to grow academic collaboration as well as student and faculty exchange—between BMCC and SNDT Women’s University, played a pivotal role in bringing the Dosti House workshop initiative to fruition.

“The MOU established a framework for collaboration and mutual support, enabling us to pursue joint educational initiatives,” said Professor Pavel. “ It provided the foundation for a strong partnership, which was instrumental in securing the grant and organizing this workshop.”

She says the MOU underscores BMCC’s commitment to fostering international educational exchanges and enhancing the quality of education through collaborative efforts.

Professor Pavel, who has already spent around one year working on the collaboration, says witnessing the enthusiasm and engagement of the faculty and student participants have proven rewarding.

She said her involvement in the project began with a strong passion for educational innovation and a desire to create impactful learning experiences.

“Over the years, I have dedicated myself to exploring various pedagogical approaches and integrating technology into education,” said Professor Pavel. “The opportunity to collaborate with SNDT Women’s University and leverage the support from the US State Department arose from my ongoing efforts to bridge educational gaps and promote international collaboration in education.”

She plans to eventually expand the program to reach more educational institutions across India and potentially other countries. Professor Pavel’s aim is to develop a comprehensive curriculum that can be adapted and implemented in various educational settings. She said she is thankful to the U.S. State Department as well as BMCC for making the initiative possible.

“This project represents a significant step towards transforming educational practices and creating more engaging and effective learning environments,” said Professor Pavel. “I look forward to the positive impact it will have on both educators and students, and I am excited about the future possibilities this program holds.”