SRINAGAR: To provide a platform for educators, researchers and professionals to enhance their skills in creating and evaluating assessment tools in Urdu language, the National Testing Service (NTS)-India, Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics, Kashmir University (KU) Monday inaugurated a six-day workshop-cum-training programme here.
Titled ‘Testing & Evaluation and Question Item Writing in Urdu’ will run through February 24 and will cover topics such as test design principles, item analysis, rubric development and best practices in question item writing, with a focus on the latest trends and innovations in Urdu language assessment, an official statement issued here read.
Former Head, Department of Linguistics, KU, Prof Nazir Ahmad Dhar, delivered the keynote address and shared valuable insights on the significance of effective testing and evaluation methods in Urdu language education.
“These programmes empower educators and researchers in understanding and enhancing their skills in creating and evaluating assessment tools in Urdu language,” Prof Nazir reiterated.
During the inaugural session, KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, lauded the department for its academic initiatives, emphasising their relevance to language teaching and learning.
“Such academic endeavours are quite relevant with regard to the teaching and learning of languages and the university is committed to support such activities in future as well,” Prof Naseer said.
Head, Department of Linguistics, KU, Prof Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh, discussed the theme of the workshop and highlighted the importance of the workshop in enhancing assessment and testing practices. He said, “Such workshops have a profound impact on educational standards and linguistic proficiency.”
Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin Ansari from the NTS-India, CIIL, Mysore welcomed the guests and Dr Abdul Haleem from NTS – India, CIIL, Mysore threw light on different activities of National Translation Mission – India, read the statement.
Participants from various colleges and higher secondary schools of Kashmir division, research scholars from Department of Urdu, KU; Department of Linguistics, KU and Central University of Kashmir attended the inaugural session.
Additionally, teachers from various departments of Kashmir University and officials from the National Testing Service, including Dr Abdul Haleem, Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin Ansari and Dr Saddam Husain from NTS-India, CIIL, Mysore were also present, enriching the discussions with their expertise and experience, it read.
Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin Ansari from the National Translation Mission – India conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while as Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, KU, Dr Sajad Hussain Wani, presented the formal vote of thanks, the statement added.