5th InSPA International Conference on School Psychology:
Life Skills and School Development
(23 - 25 October, 2015)
K B P College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, India
Rayat Shikshan Sanstha
Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara was founded by
Late Padmabhushan Dr. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil in
1919 with the mission of taking education to the poor
and downtrodden. Education to all, social justice,
humanity, dignity of labour and equality are the ideologies
on which Rayat Shikshan Santha works. “Education
Through Self Help is Our Motto”. Rayat Shikshan
Sanstha is the largest educational institute in India with
more than 5 lac students taking education in various
school and college. At present, Sanstha run 674 branches
including 41 degree colleges. Rayat Shikshan Sanstha
is spread across 12 districts of Maharashtra and 01
district of Karnataka state.
K B P College, Vashi
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College, Vashi is one of
the most flourishing branches of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha
and well reputed in Mumbai University. Since its inception
in 1979, the college has been galloping towards academics,
quality education and infrastructural accomplishment.
InSPA New Governing Council
(01.04.2014 to 31.03.2017)
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President
Prof. B. Mukhopadhyay, Chennai
Vice-Presidents
Dr. R.N. Rai, Shillong
Dr. Baby Shari, P.A., Calicut
Secretary
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, Puducherry
Joint Secretaries
Dr. R.J. Solomon, Mumbai
Dr. S. Suresh, Chidambaram
Treasurer
Dr. Surender Kumar Sia, Puducherry
From the Editor's Desk...
We take this opportunity to wish all the InSPA members
a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. We aim to be
a catalyst for the communication among the InSPA
members by publishing this quarterly InSPA Newsletter.
It is our privilege to have you as equal partners in all our
endeavors of spreading the need for and strengthening
School Psychology in India. You are most welcome to
contribute your novel ideas and genuine suggestions for
improving this communicative channel.
Yours
Dr. Suneetha J. Hangal
Editor, InSPA Newsletter
Email:suneetha.j.hanagal@gmail.com
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl - InSPA
Best Paper Award
Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl was born in 1978 in
Austria. She has Diploma in Psychology (University of
Vienna), and Doctoral graduation in Psychology
(University of Klagenfurt).She is presently working as
Senior Assistant Professor, School of Education, AlpenAdria-Universität Klagenfurt, Austria.
Her scientific work started during her basic studies
in Psychology. For more than 15 years she worked on
research projects addressing developmental processes
of families which kindled her interest in human motivation
and personality development. Later, she laid special
emphasis on the effects of psychological constructs such
as personality, motivation and spirituality in her research..
Dr Barbara Hanfstingl delivered a Keynote address
at the 3 rd InSPA National conference at NIEPMD,
Chennai in November 2013 and was very much
impressed by InSPA activities. She has instituted the
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InSPA Best Paper Award
to be conferred annually by
generously contributing a fixed deposit of Rs.70,000/-.
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Today, the college imparts quality education in
various faculties viz. Arts, Commerce, Science, B.M.S,
B.B.I, B.A.F, B.Sc.IT, Biotechnology, Computer Science
at degree level and organic, inorganic Chemistry,
Microbiology, Bioanalytical Science, Computer Science,
I.T. and Mathematics at P.G. Level affiliated to University
of Mumbai. Beside these courses, the college provides
the other courses viz. B.Lib., M.LIB. and M.B.A. which
are affiliated to Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open
University, Nasik.
The college has formulated a long term as well as
short-term plans for the academic, curricular, cocurricular, extra-curricular and extension activities in
accordance with holistic development of students.
Indian School Psychology Association (InSPA)
India is a multi-cultural and multilingual developing
country in the Asian subcontinent. It has multifaceted
schooling systems which cater to the needs of the
children. In India, the schools run by the state
governments, both in urban and rural areas differ in many
respects from the private English-medium schools that
draw children by and large from economically prosperous
families. Thus, the Indian setting today is characterized
by the existence of schools of various standards, which
may be distinguished on the basis of a number of indicators,
including teaching methods, physical infrastructural
facilities, and policies of administration. The children of
these schools need proper psychological guidance to learn
and acquire skills and abilities. We strongly believe that
School Psychologists alone can provide the necessary
professional guidance to the children in schools. At
present Indian schools are badly in need of such
professional school psychologists to create an ambiance
to teach and learn so as to provide desired high quality
school education in the country.
In India, academic psychology is predominantly
dominated by the Western concepts and principles. The
Psychology graduates mostly get training on Educational
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and Clinical Psychology. School Psychology is a new area
of study and research based on International models. The
competency requires both knowledge and skills in a
particular domain. To provide a platform to get these inputs
in School Psychology, a team of psychologists under
initiative of Dr. Panch. Ramalingam and the guidance of
Prof. B. Mukhopadhyay evolved the Indian School
Psychology Association. The national level Association is
expected to take an initiative at the policy making levels
of the State and Central governments to introduce School
Psychology as a subject in the curriculum and to appoint
at least one trained school psychologist in each school by
creating the post of school psychologists all over the
country to develop school education more effective. There
is a pertinent need for school psychologists to propagate
the basic concepts of School Psychology and to impart
proper training on the basis of the guidelines issued by the
International School Psychology Association, USA and
the National Association of School Psychologists, USA.
The Indian School Psychology Association is the need
of the hour to help young and energetic psychologists to
promote School Psychology. To initiate the process the
Association has been started in Puducherry on 15th
August, 2009.
Character:
The Indian School Psychology Association is a
voluntary non-profit educational service society. All its
income is applied solely for the promotion of its aim and
objectives and no part of it is distributed to any of its
members.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Aim and Objectives
The primary aim of the association is to develop
and promote School Psychology, human values-based
education and training to meet the needs of society and
particularly to elevate the poor from poverty through
school education. To realise the aim, the following are
the objectives:

To promote the use of sound psychological principles
within the context of education, internationally.
 To promote communication among professionals who
are committed to the improvement of the mental
health of children in schools.
 To encourage the training and employment of school
psychologists in India.
 To promote the psychological rights of all children
throughout the country.
 To initiate and promote cooperation with other
organizations working for causes similar to those of
InSPA in order to help children.
 To establish and promote high quality School
Psychology Programmes and Centres to meet the
needs of specific groups, particularly the children and
teachers.
The InSPA is an affiliating association of the
International School Psychology Association, USA and
Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, India.
Conference theme
Life Skills and School Development
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Special Features
Keynote Speakers: Invited speakers from USA,
Austria, The Netherlands, Bulgaria, Australia, and other
countries will deliver keynote presentations based on the
specific themes of the conference.
Leadership Workshop
It will be held on second day of the conference
between 09.00 a.m and 12.00 noon. The participants
are invited members and State Presidents/Convenors
of InSPA.
present specific new techniques, methods and tools for
psychologists from a practical point of view in relation to
the conference theme. (Three day workshop involving
interactive and co-operative activities and discussions
among a limited number of participants. The participants
need to register separately in advance).
Children Assembly
This is a special event of the InSPA to help and
motivate the children. The children assembly will be held
on second day of the conference at 10.00 a.m. The
children from various places in around Mumbai region
will assemble and interact with the School Psychology
experts.
A new concept Memoroid will be introduced to the
children. Maximum 120 students will admitted in this
session between the age group 14 -17 years.
Expert: Prof. V.S.R. Vijayakumar
Cultural Event
It will be arranged on the first day evening at 7.00
p.m. followed by Dinner.
Social Event
A local trip to the places of interest will be another
attraction of the conference.
School Psychology Services Award
An eminent person will be honoured with School
Psychology Services Award 2015 for his/her outstanding
contribution in the field of School Psychology.
School Psychology Best Performance Award is
Workshop on School Psychology
The purpose of workshop is to enable a practitioner, instituted by P.K.Subbaraja Trust, Rajapalayam.
researcher, or other educational professional/teachers to Nominations of suitable persons for School Psychology
Best Performance Award 2015 will be considered from
InSPA members. The last date for submission is
30.09.2015.
Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl - InSPA Best Paper Awards
Five best papers will be selected based on the
submission of abstracts and full paper on or before 15th
September 2015. Each
5 best paper will carry a cash award
of Rs. 500/- and a certificate.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
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Children Assembly:
24.10.2015 at 11.00am
Further queries, if any: Contact
Dr. R.J. Solomon
Chairperson, InSPA International Conference
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College
Sector 15 A , Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400703
Tel. Office - 27661210
Fax - 27891210
Email: rj_solomon@yahoo.co.in
International Experts
The forthcoming Conference will have the best of
the international and national experts.
National Invited Speakers
Proposal for Presentation
Proposals for symposia, workshops, individual paper,
and poster presentations based on the main and sub
themes of the conference are invited.
Papers: Papers should report on recent
developments in applied educational or School
Psychology in relation to the theme of the Conference.
Twenty minutes will be alloted for each presentation of
paper including questions from audience/participants.
Posters: The purpose is to offer a visual display of
presentation, in an attractive way on a given poster space.
Presenters should also offer additional information
(leaflets, or brochures) to take away.
Symposia: One coordinator with two or more
invited presenters will be permitted and the alloted time
would be 20 minutes for each presenter.
Submission of Papers for Oral Presentation/
Publication:
Delegates are requested to submit their abstracts/
papers following APA style (refer website:
www.inspa.info) on any of the listed sub themes. To
ensure a consistent high quality of all the presentations,
participants are requested to submit the abstract in 100200 words and full text around 5000 words can be sent
on or before 15th September, 2015. Abstract and full
paper should be sent in MS-Word format only by email
to inspaindia@gmail.com.
Important Dates
Abstract/Full Paper Submission:
15.09.2015
Leadership Workshop:
24.10.2015
Workshop on School Psychology :
23.10.2015 to 25.10.2014 (3 days)
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Prof. G.P. Thakur, New Delhi
Prof. G.P. Thakur, is the Former President of Indian
School Psychology Association. He is the Director of
Indian Institute of School Psychology Training and
Research and has three decades of experience in
teaching, research and administration. He was the Head,
Psychology and Dean, faculty of Social Sciences, and
Science and Technology, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi
Vidyapith, Varanasi. He was the Director of Career
Planning and Counselling Centre.
Prof. B. Mukhopahdyay, Chennai
Dr. B. Mukhopadhyay, Former Professor and Head,
Department of Educational Management & Applied
Psychology, National Institute of Technical Teachers
Training and Research, Chennai. He is also the
Secretary, IAAP; President of PPA, and InSPA and
presently the Emeritus Professor Psychology in Madras
University, Chennai and is a great resourceful in areas
of Psychology and Education.
Prof. P. Jeyachandran, Chennai
Prof. Jeyachandran, is the member, Rehabilitation
Council of India and resource person for School
Psychology training programmes. He is the President of
Vijay Human Services, Chennai and an expert in the
field of mental health.
Registration
Details of the Registration fee to be remitted:
InSPA Members:
Rs.2500
Non Members:
Rs.3500
Student/local person
Rs.1000
Training Programme (3 days)
Rs.3000
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Indo – Austrian Initiative to School Psychology Services in India
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam
Secretary, InSPA
Visit to Austria
This is a brief report of my visit to Austria in
November, 2014 to Alpen-Adria-Univesität, Klagenfurt,
Austria on the invitation received on 22nd June, 2014 by
Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl, Institute of Instructional and
School Development, Alpen-Adria-Universität
Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt (Austria). I was invited to deliver
guest lectures on Cross Cultural Psychology: School
Psychology in India from 10th to 14th November, 2014.
It was an inspiring moment for me to deliver series of
24 units’ guest lectures to the students and a guest lecture
to the teachers of Klagenfurt University.
On 8th of November, 2014, I started my journey
from Chennai by Lufthansa Airways to Vienna via
Frankfort and landed in Vienna at around 1.00 pm. I
reached the Hotel Kolberg, where my stay was arranged
by Prof. Walter Renner. He met me in the hotel and we
visited St Stephan’s church, city centre, Vienna palace
and other places. On the next day morning Dr. Barbara
Hanfstingl accompanied me to visit historical places in
Vienna and started our journey with Mr. Hans Spielmann
to Klagenfurt by car at 2.45 pm. The 3 hour road journey
on a sprawling landscape mountain highway with
temperature less than 10 degree, was really an
awesome one!!
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We reached Hotel Sandwirth. It is situated in the
center of Klagenfurt. The Sandwirth, has an impressive
with a historical building combined with modern
architecture. It is a traditional hotel with 100 rooms of
the deluxe 4 star category, seminar rooms and a ballroom
for events as well as a café, bar and restaurant. This
hotel, for over 270 years has been welcoming countless
guests from Austria and abroad, and still is a place for
celebration, enjoyment, culmination of art, culture and
exchange of knowledge...
Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
(Source: http://www.uni-klu.ac.at/main/inhalt/236.htm)
The Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (AAU) is
a young, vibrant and innovative University at the
intersection of three cultures. It is a leading institution of
Higher Education in Carinthia and a hub for acquisition,
sharing and transfer of knowledge across the AlpsAdriatic region. Live diversity and openness make the
AAU the cultural centre of the region.
On 10th November 2014, we took a five minutes’
walk from the hotel to the Institute of Instructional and
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl, and
Prof. Walter Renner at Klagenfurt University, Austria
School Development, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt.
It is well equipped with infrastructure. Indeed, it was a
nice experience to meet the faculty members in the
institute. Dr. Hanfstingl introduced Mr. Stephan, a
research scholar in the department who meticulously
arranged for my classes as well other requirements in
the department.
During my Guest sessions, Dr. Hanfstingl introduced
me to the students. There were six students in the class
to attend my lectures. Out of nine registered for this guest
lectures six turned up. These 24 units of lectures would
give them four credits. An abstract of the 24 units of
these lectures are given below:
Abstract of Lectures
India is a sub-continent in Asia. It is the second largest
country next to USA, to provide school education to
children. More than 130 million children are in the
classrooms. The Government of India is taking several
initiatives to educate all her children between the age
groups of 6 and 14 years by introducing an Act of Right
to Education (RTE, 2009). It has a rich tradition of
7 process since ancient times. The
teaching and learning
School Psychology is an emerging area in India so as to
7
Meeting with Prof. Peter Posch
promote School Psychology Services in schools. The
major learning objectives are (i) To explore the
international perspectives of School Psychology so as to
apply it in India, (ii) To examine current research trends
in School Psychology in India, and (iii) To describe the
role of professional organisations in School Psychology
Services.
In India apart from the varied socio economic
conditions, the challenging aspects of multilingual,
multicultural issues also influence the nature of education.
Psychology plays a vital role to aid and promote education
to the children. The teaching - learning process needs to
be strengthened with the help of applying psychological
principles and methods. The lecture contents may help
the student in many ways to understand psychological
practices in India, researches and practices. Each unit is
designed with illustrative figures and data. At the end of
each unit key terms, summary of the unit for quick
grasping, objective type questions for better
understanding, and review questions from examination
point of view are incorporated. The 24 units of lectures
in five parts are focussing on the following topics:
Part I: Indian Ancient and Modern Education
Scenario
1. Ancient Indian Education
2. Modern Indian Education
3. Instructional Methods in Indian School
Education
4. SSA and RMSA Models: Education for All
5. Policy Perspectives and Right to Education
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Part II: Best Practices and School Psychology
Initiatives in India
6. Integral Psychology
7. School Psychology Initiatives
8. Best Practices in Indian Schools
9. Teacher Education in India
10. Indian School Psychology Association (InSPA)
Part III: School Psychology Services and School
Development
11. School Psychology Services
12. Academic Perspectives
13. Mental Health Perspectives
14. Environmental Perspectives
15. School Development
Part IV: Professional Development of Teachers
16. Professional Development Initiatives
17. Self and Personality Development
18. Learning and Teaching Skills
19. Teacher Empowerment
20. Guidance and Counselling
PartV:Initiative for Indo-Austrian Collaboration
21. International Collaboration with ISPA
22. Eastern and Western Integration
23. Futuristic Initiatives on Indo-Austrian
Collaboration
24. Possible Collaboration with Austrian Teachers
The lecture sessions were supported with
PowerPoint Presentation and interactive class work. The
sessions contributed for the understanding of the basic
concepts of the topics prescribed above. The sessions
were not just for delivering facts and figures in the
classroom or passing the information. These teaching
sessions were designed to make the classes interesting
and involved all the students in the interactive process of
learning and acquiring knowledge.
Students’ Reflections
I am very much impressed by the interest shown by
the students about my lectures. The comments given by
the students are given below:
i. Sandra Moser (E.Mail: Sandramoser5@yahoo.de)
Impressions: Cross Cultural Study: School Psychology in
India:
I received good Impressions about the school system
in India (very different to our school system) and learnt
that religion and spirituality are very important for the
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Indian students and teachers. I was also surprised to
note that in spite of schools without grade system,
students are competitive in studies
I also got an idea what school psychologists do.
How they try to help students with different problems.
(In my opinion here in Austria we should also have school
psychologists in every school or teachers should learn
more about Psychology in their education at University).
The clippings and videos helped me to get
visualizations of the topics. Also received good support
and guidance as to how to write about the topics and
do better. The sessions offered good hints at how we
can teach so that students learn/remember better.
It was good that we were a small group of students
which enabled us to discuss more and share our personal
experiences and feelings related to special topics. This
helped me in getting an idea about Indian culture as a
whole( especially about marriage, etc).
However, sometimes it wasn’t easy to understand
all the things…
ii. Tamara Obereder (E.Mail: tamara.obereder@
gmx.net)
It was very interesting to hear something about the
school system in India, because in Austria you hardly
hear something about school system in other countries.
I got a good impression of the Indian culture.
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It was interesting to know about the similarities and
differences between India and Austria in the school
systems. Interesting was also to hear something about
the differences between private school and public schools
in India. It was great to know about the development in
school system in India especially about the oldest system
in the gurukula system.
I think it was also good, that we were such a small
which enabled us to get answers whenever we had
questions. I also liked, that we had discussions. After
the course I would think a lot about the discussion about
the textbooks in the classrooms.
iii. Sebastian (Berger), Babenbergerstr, 21, door
(Tur) 7, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
I am glad and thankful for the opportunity I got to
know and understand about Indian culture and Indian
school systems. Through the connections I got to know
about different possibilities and chances to learn and
experience different training programmes on Indian
school traditions and culture.
Many things impressed me, such as the diversity
of school traditions, new school systems, school values,
teaching values and their connections of family through
community sharing.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam and his students at Klagenfurt
University, Austria
The collaborations and connections between Austria
and India in sharing knowledge and humanity -led traditions
are most welcome and I feel more connected to myself
(“a bridge over troubled water”). I am associating the
symbol of openness through the area “Auroville”, which
led to my impression about India as a country which is
very open and hospitable. It made me realize that people
may see more similarities in humanity than diversity.
I got the chance to share my personal feelings in
the presence of a real Indian guru who supported and
widened my horizon. I am planning to come again to India,
to visit friends and to enhance my experience as a person
as now I got new answer to matters related to mind.
Thank you sir for your offer and calmness.. I hope,
we will meet soon….
Namaste
13th November 2014 was a hectic day for me.
Morning at around 8.30 am, I visited the main campus of
the university and handled the guest lectures between
10.00 am and 1.00 pm. By 3.00 pm I had an opportunity
to interact with colleagues in the Institute.
Meeting with Peter Posch
I was introduced to Prof. Peter Posch, former
Professor of Education at the University of Klagenfurt,
Austria by Dr. Hanfstingl. He presented me a copy of
his book entitled Teachers Investigate their Work which
is an introduction to action research across the professions.
Based on the interaction with him, we designed a proposal
for joint book publication on Indo-Austrian Action research
on School Psychology Services and School Development.
He explained the nature and scope of the action research
programmes in Austria.
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9
Peer Meeting
I also had an opportunity to meet and interact with
the colleagues in the department regarding the possible
collaboration with Indian School Psychologists. Barbara
Hanfstingl, who is an expert in personality research and
educational psychology, introduced her colleagues to me.
The topic of discussion centred around Austrian school
supporting programme called “Innovations make schools
top” (IMST). It was followed by the presentation of the
aims and philosophy of the on going IMST-programme
by Prof. Konrad Krainer.
In addition, Dr. Hanfstingl reported some selected
results from research. Based on Self-Determination
Theory of Motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2002) the research
team in many studies could show that the reduction of
pressure and the enhancement of support, especially the
support of the three psychological basic needs, the feeling
of autonomy, competence, and social relatedness helps
to foster and maintain motivation, especially intrinsic
motivation in a systemic way. Her current interest is how
to “translate” Western European findings about school
motivation into Indian culture and Indian students. This
laid a pathway to collaborate with Indian Psychologists
to enter into action research projects involving Austrian
resource persons so as to provide school psychology
services in India focussing school development and MST
programme. IMST is a project, but that will be shared
between schools, School Boards, colleges of education
and universities and other partners. In total, about 7,000
people are involved in IMST year. In addition to the
partners in the framework of the network program and
the theme programs, there are other important initiatives
which also collaborate with IMST.
Lecture on Cross Cultural Psychology
At 6.30 pm I had the opportunity to deliver a guest
lecture on Cross Cultural Psychology: School Psychology
in India. I emphasized the following points:

In Indian schools, counselling psychologists or
counsellors are the primary mental health service
providers.

As such, there is no formal system for mental health
service delivery and currently only a very small
number of schools employ counsellors and
psychologists.

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While these professionals do address a variety of
psychological problems and also provide career
counselling services, most of them do not have the
requisite training for conducting psycho-educational
assessments.

As a result, many children with learning disabilities
and other mental health problems do not receive the
interventions and support they need.

Further, teachers do not have adequate training in
identifying and referring children who have mental
health problems. Very often, children with
psychological or academic problems are seen as lazy,
slow or unmotivated, and are subjected to failure.

There is a tremendous need to introduce School
Psychology services in a country like India, where
more than 130 million children are currently enrolled
in schools.

In most State-run schools, mental health services at
a school level simply do not exist. Students in India
face a variety of pressures in schools and colleges.

Academic success is highly valued. Parents and
society in general, place great demands on children
and youth to achieve academic excellence. There is
fierce competition among students at all levels of
schooling.

Apart from academic pressure, students face several
other stressors such as social and economic
disadvantage, peer pressure, rapid modernization and
urbanization, cultural changes as an offshoot of
globalization, responsibilities towards the family, etc.

Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression,
suicidal behaviours are common among Indian
students, but are not addressed in a timely and
effective manner.

It is thus imperative that schools make every effort
to ensure psychological well-being of all students.

The provision of School Psychology services would
enable students to have access to mental health
professionals who can help students cope with
problems in a positive way, diagnose any academic
or psychological problems, and collaborate with
teachers and parents to develop appropriate
interventions.

School psychologists can advise on administrative
issues that affect students’ outcome, and play an
important role in organizational development.

The urgent need for School Psychology in India has
now prompted the development of appropriate
training programmes for school psychologists in India.

Currently, in India, academic psychology is dominated
by Western concepts and principles. School
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam and faculty members of Klagenfurt
University, Austria
psychology training programmes and indeed
services, need to adapt to the local cultural contexts.

The tremendous heterogeneity of language, religion,
and ethnicity makes India culturally diverse.

Thus, multicultural competence would also have to
become part of basic School Psychology training.

There is a pertinent scope in promoting School
Psychology in India with the collaboration of Austrian
universities.

It is proposed that Austrian Psychologists/
Researchers/Educationists may offer their expertise
for the school development in India.

As well they can train teachers in schools for
School Psychology services.

The research scholars should take the initiatives to
conduct researches in India so as to promote the
School Psychology research in India.

Potential Psychology departments in Austrian
universities may offer Post-graduate programme in
School Psychology and Diploma in School
Psychology for Indian students.

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
researches so as to strengthen the professional
activities in Austria and India.

The InSPA in collaboration with ISPA should take
an initiative to organise School Psychology
con f er enc es / s e mi nar s / wor ks hops / t r ai n i ng
programmes in India/Austria so as to meet the
challenges and opportunities in the Indian as well as
Austrian Schools.

We proposed Klagenfurt University to take a lead
role to set up an Indo – Austrian Collaboration Unit
by signing a MOU with InSPA for the promotion of
our professional needs.
Collaborative Areas
The following are the potential areas for
collaborative work:

Conducting cross cultural research (Example: Walter
Renner, Christine Gabali & Panch. Ramalingam
(2014). The Importance of Individual Differences in
Students and Teachers and their Interaction with
Culture: Jung’s Personality Types, Journal of the
Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 40 (2), 177184)
The funding agencies in social sciences may
encourage research projects in School Psychology
research areas such as bullying, learning disabilities,
giftedness, etc.

Conducting training programmes for the teachers in
India

Exploring possible collaborative research initiatives
by undertaking school development projects
It is an appeal to the Austrian psychologists and
teacher educators who practise in school setting to
involve Indian researchers in the collaborative

Introducing innovative teaching strategies (ITS) by
conducting action research
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
11
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for their nice arrangements and helping to initiate
collaboration with Austrian colleagues. This was
academically and socially very inspiring and beneficial
trip for me.
After spending fruitful eight-day stay in Austria, I learnt
a lot and initiated Indo-Austrian collaboration to promote
School Psychology services in India.
New Books 2015
School Psychology:
Enhancing Psychological Competencies

Collaborating in research and development activities
on the areas such as teacher training, curriculum
designing, school development, etc.
Editors:
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam and Dr. Indranee P.
Borooah

Collaborating in publication of books and articles in
the reputed journals, and participation/conduct of
seminars and conferences.
This volume is based on the papers presented in the
International conference at Gauhati University,
Guwahati with the help of Indian Institute of School
Psychology Training and Research, Puducherry. There
are 40 selcted papers on different dimensions of the
psychological competencies for enhancing students'
all round development.
Visit to Places of Interest
From Monday to Friday, 10th to 14th November 2014,
I enriched my Austrian experience by visiting various
places in the Klagenfurt city with the marvellous guidance
of Dr. Hanfstingl.
Stay back in Vienna
As arranged by Dr.Hanfstingl, I had travelled
comfortably by a train from Klagenfurt to Vienna, and
reached the hotel Pension City and slept peacefully. The
hotel stay was very comfortable and nice. The receptionist
was very courteous and helped me in every possible way.
I had a pleasant day when my son Mr. Rajarajan, studying
at Chemnitz University of Technology visited and stayed
with me at Vienna.
Return Journey
As scheduled, I departed on Sunday morning from
Vienna to Chennai. I take this opportunity to profusely
thank Dr. Barbara Hanfstingl, and Prof. Walter Renner
12
Price: Rs.600/-
First Edition: March 2015
Pre-publication Price: Rs.300/- on or before
28.02.2015
Contact: The Director, Indian Institute of School
Psychology Training and Research, #17, 14th Street,
Krishna Nagar, Puducherry - 605 008, India.
School Psychology:
Prospects of Children with Multiple Disabilities
Editors: Dr. Panch. Ramalingam
Educational action research in Austria and
its possible implementations in India.
Editors
P. Ramalingam and Barbara Hanfstingl
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
A Report of the 4th Annual InSPA International Conference on
School Psychology: Enhancing Psychological Competencies among School Students for
Overall Development
organized by Department of Psychology, Gauhati University, Assam
Prof. G. P. Thakur, Former President of InSPA, presenting the inaugural Speech. Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, Ms. Coosje
Griffiths, Australia, Prof. B. Mukhopadhyay, Prof. Indranee P. Borooah, and Dr. Suresh Kumar Nath.
Considering the different aspects of students’
problems and to capacities of school children from an
early age, the Annual InSPA International Conference
2014 was organized with the theme “School
Psychology:
Enhancing
Psychological
Competencies among School Students for Overall
Development”.
12
As school communities are challenged with many
psychosocial issues of children from different ethnicities,
races, languages, religions, abilities, and disabilities, the
main objective of the conference was to promote School
Psychology in India, with special focus on North East
India, to cater to the needs of students, parents, teachers,
school administration and policy makers.
Inauguration
The InSPA conference was inaugurated in the
morning of 21st November, 2014, at 9.30 am at the
Phanidhar Datta Seminar Hall at Gauhati University.
Organized by the Department of Psychology at Gauhati
University, the inaugural programme was conducted
seamlessly by members of the Department. The
programme started with the University Anthem
composed by the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in its
lyrics and music and sung by the students of the
Department of Psychology.
Dr. Panch.Ramalingam, Secretary of InSPA
welcomed the august gathering and it was followed by
the Presidential address by Prof. B. Mukhopadhyay,
President of InSPA. Prof. G. P. Thakur, Former President
of InSPA, presented the inaugural Speech. The Fourth
Annual InSPA International conference was inaugurated
by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais and
Prof. Thakur declared the conference open. It was
followed by the presentation of Annual InSPA awards
to various dignitaries for their services as well as for the
best research papers. Dr. Suresh Kumar Nath, Registrar
of Gauhati University delivered special address and
released the Book of Abstracts of the conference.
Immediately after the inauguration, Ms. Coosje
Griffiths from Australia, who currently works as a
Manager, Student Support: Complex Learning and
13
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
13
The pre lunch, session was chaired by Prof. Anjali
Ghosh, Psychology Research Unit, Indian Statistical
Institute, Kolkata. After lunch the session was chaired
by Prof. Rupali Baruah, Dept. Of Community Medicine,
GMCH and Prof. Beeva Baruah, Dept. of Community
Medicine, Barpeta, Assam. A total number of 7 papers
were presented under this sub-theme.
Wellbeing, Statewide Services in the Department of
Education in Western Australia presented the keynote
address on “The role of school psychology in
improving out comes for students” .
Professor Indranee Phookan Borooah, Head, Dept.
of Psychology, Gauhati University and Chairperson of
the Local organizing Committee, proposed a vote of
thanks.
The three-day conference involved intense and
informative scientific presentations and deliberations
which saw the participation of more than 200 delegates
in all, including university and school teachers, research
scholars, students, doctors, nurses, and members of
NGOs.
Scientific Sessions
Annual InSPA International Conference, 2014 was
organized by the Department of Psychology, Gauhati
University from 21st to 23rd November, 2014. The main
theme of the conference was “School Psychology:
Enhancing Psychological Competencies among School
Students for Overall Development”. Under the main
theme several sub themes were taken and research
papers were distributed according to the sub themes to
various parallel scientific sessions held in different
venues. The first Sub-theme “Nutrition, Health and
Fitness; Reproductive Health, Sexual Behavior and
Sexuality Education; Sports and Self Defense: enhancing
competencies for excellence was presented at the Venue
1 on 21st November, which was Day 1 of the conference.
In this session Dr. Panch. Ramaligngam delivered a
speech on "School Psychology is an Integral Part of
school development". He enlightened the audience with
his vast experience in this field. The invited speaker
Dr. Shantanu Das, Co-ordinator Project Child, spoke on
Nutrition, Health and Fitness whereas another invited
speaker Dr. Athiqul H. Laskar, Sports Psychologist,
Conant Institute, spoke on "Sports and Self Defense :
Enhancing competencies for Excellence".
14
The second sub-theme was “Addiction: substance,
internet and cell phone etc.” The Invited speaker Dr.
Mridula Saikia Khanikar, Principal, Regional Nursing
College, Guwahati shared her experiences with addicted
people and their diagnosis. She also chaired the session.
In the present session a total of 9 papers were presented
in Hall No.2.
On 21 st November, 2014, the third sub-theme
“Relationship: Students, teachers, peers, family, coworkers and love and romance” was presented in Hall
No.3. The session was chaired by Prof. Dipesh
Bhagabati, Dept. of Psychiatry, GMCH. The invited
speaker was Prof. N. K. Saksena and he enlightened the
audience with role of family in overall development of
school students. He discussed about some of the unhealthy
parenting styles and some tips for successful parenting.
He emphasized on school- parents partnership for
academic, social and emotional development of the
students. He gave some suggestions for the school
psychologists for overall development of the students.
Total 6 papers were presented in this session.
The Fourth sub-theme was “Childhood disorder and
Physical Disability” and it was presented in Hall No.4
and the esteemed chairperson, Dr. N. C. Das reiterated
the focal theme of the Annual InSPA International
Conference. He highlighted the need for overall
development of school children and the role of school
psychologists as mental health professionals for the
curative as well as diagnostic purpose. First invited speaker
Ms. Pratibha Devi, Principal Nursing college, International
Hospital, Guwahati enlightened the group about the special
need of the disabled or differently abled children and the
need to take the perspective of parents while dealing with
the special children. Another esteemed Invited speaker,
Ms. Mukta A. Daga, eminent school psychologist from
Mumbai spoke on school psychology in the Indian context.
She spoke about her experience with the Indian children
in US where she went for her specialization training. She
highlighted the practice model given by NASP – National
Association of School Psychologists. A total of 8 papers
were presented in this session.
The fifth sub-theme was “Learning and teaching
and school environment and curriculum design: present
and future examination”. It was presented in Hall No.5
on 21st November, 2014. The session was chaired by Dr.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Riju Sarma, Director Humanities and Social sciences,
Assam Don Bosco University. The esteemed invited
speaker was Dr. Kalpana Venugopal, RIE Mysore,
NCERT. She discussed on the issue of academic guidance
in schools where emphasis was on training and assistance
programme. She also asked for individual guidance,
counseling, workshops for teachers. She also emphasized
on career planning for children and child-friendly school.
In the present session total 12 papers were presented.
On 22nd November, 2014 the sixth subtheme “Life
Skill education, coping skills and resilience in the face of
adverse situation” was presented in Hall No.2. Prof.
Alaka Sarmah, Head, Dept. of Political Science, Gauhati
University was the invited Speaker and Dr. A
Radhakrishnan Nair, President, LSEA, Hyderabad, India,
chaired the session. He discussed about the term Life
Skills and altogether 5 papers were presented under this
theme.
14
The seventh sub-theme “Moral Development: Value
Education In Schools; Professional ethics of School
personnel; Impact of media on moral development; Moral
development: role of family, peer and community and
Moral development for promoting values against
corruption” was organized in Hall No. 3 on 22 nd
November, 2014. The session was chaired by Prof.
Manisha Bauah , Dept of Philosophy, Gauhati University
and Mrs. Leeta Hazarika, Child psychologist. In the
present session there were four invited speakers and they
enlightened the audience with their experiences and deep
knowledge in the area of their expertise. The Invited
speakers Fr. Johnson Parackal, Director, Don Bosco
Institute, Guwati spoke on Moral development and value
education while Dr. Suneetha Hangal, Editor, InSPA
Newsletter, and Head of the Dept. of Psychology,
S.K.Arts College, Hubli highlighted the need for and
challenges of value education in schools. Dr. Debulal
Dutta Roy, Psychology Research Unit, Indian Institute
of Statistics, Kolkata discussed the professional ethics in
school personnel and Mr.Pranab Bora, Editor, The
Telegraph, Guwahati presented the impact of media on
moral development. There were 9 research paper
presentations in this session.
The eighth sub-theme was “Emotional adjustment
and maturity of students; bullying” in Hall No. 4. This
session was chaired by Dr. Sangeeta Goswami, President,
Mind India. The Invited Speaker was Dr. R.J. Solomon,
Joint Secretary, InSPA and Head, Dept of Psychology,
KPB College, Mumbai. He presented a global view of
school bullying in his paper “School Bullying: A Cross
National Comparison”. In this session total 8 papers were
presented.
The ninth sub-theme was “Emotional Intelligence,
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam addressing in the conference
achievement and failure”. The session was chaired by
Dr. P. Jeyachandran. The Invited speakers were Dr.
R.N. Rai, Head, Centre for Distance Education, NEHU,
Shillong and Dr. M. V. Sudhakaran, Tamil Nadu Open
University. This session was organized at Hall 4 and a
total of 6 papers were presented.
On 23rd November, 2014, the tenth sub-theme
“Vulnerability for Self harm and suicide; Abuse: sexual,
physical, emotional, neglect” in Hall No.2 was presented.
The session was chaired by Dr. Deepanjali Medhi, Assoc.
Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, GMCH. She also gave
an invited speech on Suicide and pointed out various
psychosocial causes which are common amongst children
and young adolescents leading to suicide. In this session
total 5 papers were presented.
The eleventh sub-theme was “Students and cultural
change: ethnicity, identity and racial discrimination;
Interaction between students and community, gender and
equality” . Prof. Mita Deka, Dept. of History, GU chaired
the session. The invited speakers for the session were
Prof. N. G. Mahanta and Dr. Ratna Natarajan. Prof.
N.G. Mahanta talked on various issues related to racial
discrimination and ethnic identity. Dr. Natarajan opined
that the overall development of a child is not possible
without all the aspects of social relationship. In this session
total 3 papers were presented.
In all, there were 11scientific sessions with 78
papers. The sessions were chaired by 14 Chairpersons
and there were 19 invited speaches.
School Psychology Workshop
A three days workshop on School Psychology was
conducted at Gauhati University from 22 nd to 24 th
November, 2014. It was one of the events conducted
during the Annual InSPA International Conference, 2014.
In the presence of15
the resource persons from InSPA,
Prof. Indranee Phookan Borooah offered a warm
15
welcome to the resource persons, office bearers of the
InSPA and the participants of the workshop. The
workshop was inaugurated by Prof. G.P. Thakur, New
Delhi, Former President, InSPA. In his inaugural address
Prof. Thakur discussed the responsibilities of teachers
in shaping the behavior of children.
Purpose of the Workshop
The purpose of the workshop was to enable a
practitioner, researcher, or other educational
professionals/ teachers to present specific new
techniques, methods and tools for psychologists from a
practical point of view in relation to the conference theme
i.e.,”School Psychology: Enhancing Psychological
Competencies among School Students for Overall
Development”.
Participants
The participants were School Principals,
Headmasters, Assistant Teachers, School Counsellors
and Professionals from different parts of Kamrup
District, Assam. There were 21 Principals/Headmasters/
Assistant Teachers from Government Schools and 14
teachers/ counselors/ Professionals from other
Institutions.
Dr. Mala Chaliha Talukdar, Faculty, Regional
Nursing College, Guwahati and Member of LOC was
the Local Coordinator.
Resource Persons from InSPA
22nd November, 2014 (Day-1)
For the 1st session, Ms. Coosje Griffiths, Australia
was the Resource Person and she discussed different
aspects of students’ needs and problems, responsibilities
of parents and teachers as well as the roles of school
psychologists.
Dr. Yogini Nath, Canada and Mukta Daga, Mumbai
were the Resource persons for the 2nd technical session
and the topic of discussion was "Knowing the World of
School Settings in India, and Counselling in Schools".
The 3rd technical Session was handled by Deepali
Batra, Delhi and she discussed on identification of
children at risk of learning difficulties in schools and the
remedial measures.
16
23rd November, 2014 (Day -2)
Ms. Coosje Griffiths, Australia was the Resource
Person for the 1st technical session and discussed the
Theoretical Framework of School Psychology.
The 2nd technical session was handled by Prof.
Ratna Natarajan, Thiruppathur. The Resource Person
highlighted on Gender Sensitization, personality
characteristics, self- esteem and interpersonal Skills.
For the 3rd technical session, Dr. D. Dutta Roy
was Resource Person and he explained about Academic
Achievement Test Construction.
24th November, 2014 (Day -3)
Prof. P. Jeyachandran, Chennai and Dr. M.V.
Sudhakaran, Chennai were the Resource Persons for
the 1st and 2nd technical sessions.
The last session involved Evaluation and feedback
on the Workshop, Valedictory address and distribution of
certificates to the participants.
The last session was successfully concluded with
speech by Prof. Indranee Phookan Borooah,
Chairperson; Dr. B. Mukhopadhyay, President, InSPA
and other guests. The participants also expressed their
feelings and shared their experiences regarding the
workshop. Dr. N.C. Das, Member of LOC proposed a
vote of thanks.
Outcomes Achieved
The workshop was very much interactive. Feedback
from the participants revealed that the workshop was
fruitful. The participants expressed that they gained
knowledge from the topics covered in the workshop and
had benefited a lot. They requested the organizers to
arrange more workshops of this type for the teachers of
this region.
Children Assembly
A Children Assembly was organized as a part of
InSPA International Conference, 2014 on 22nd Nov, 2014.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
The Assembly started at 11.00 am and ended at 1.00
pm. A total number of 100 students from classes IIV IX , escorted by 10 teachers(male-4 and female-6)
attended the assembly from two different schools of
Kamrup Metro District: 1) Jalukbasri Higher Secondary
School: male students, and 2) Jalukbari Girls' High
School: 50 female students.
Prof G.P. Thakur started the Assembly by asking
students about their likes and dislikes related to school
environment, interest subjects, particularly in
mathematics. He also asked about bullying, their
experiences and feelings on bullying, how to handle, what
should be the reaction etc. He also explained the role of
male students against bullying.
16
Dr. B. Mukhopadhyay interacted with the students
by discussing about their problems in school, class room
situation, home, at community level and suggested the
probable causes of these problems and methods of solving
them.
Ms. Coosje Griffiths, renowned School Psychologist
from Australia interacted with the students by sharing
her own life experiences and encouraged them to do
the same. She also encouraged the students to perform
their activity as per their interest and hobby. The most
encouraging activity was that Ms. Griffiths rewarded
the students with Kangaroo dolls when they gave quick
responses.
As these students were comfortable mainly with
the Assamese language, Dr. Alaka Bhattachayya,
Dr. Jerina Begum and Dr. Bobita Baishya facilitated the
session by translating the English and Hindi conversations
to Assamese and enabled the students to actively
participate in the interaction.
At the end of the session Prof. G.P. Thakur asked
students to come forward and sing an Assamese folk
song. The session concluded with a song by a group of
12 students. Children enjoyed the entire two hours of
the interactions and it was followed by a delicious lunch
for the students and teachers.
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
The Children’s Assembly was sponsored by Rastriya
Madhamic Siksha Parisad and school students and
teachers were taken care by School Inspector, Kamrup
Metro District, Assam.
Valediction
Although the School Psychology Workshop carried
on till the afternoon of 24 th November, 2014, the
valedictory function of the conference was held in the
afternoon of 23rd November. After the conclusion of all
the scientific sessions by lunch time, all the participants
again gathered in the Phanidhar Datta Seminar Hall of
Gauhati University. The president and secretary of InSPA
spoke on the events of the 3-days conference and
appreciated the quality of the scientific papers presented,
the logistics and the organizational competence of the
Department of Psychology, Gauhati University. The Chief
Guest Padmashree Dr. Mukul Goswami enlightened the
audience with the articles included in the Mental Health
Policy of India and appreciated that the Department of
Psychology, Gauhati University had selected an
appropriate theme for the conference. Prof. G. P. Thakur
also spoke on the occasion in his prolific manner and
with his customary kindness. Prof. Indranee Phookan
Borooah also spoke a few words. This was followed by
the vote of thanks by Prof. R. N. Rai, Vice President
InSPA.
The grand finale of the function was the traditional
Bihu Dance of Assam known worldwide for its rhythm,
grace and colour. All present joined in with the Bihu troupe,
consisting of the students of Gauhati University, and made
the conference complete with its joyous end.
Outcomes
 Gave an exposure of stake holders in the North East
region of India to the concept and importance of School
Psychology
 Created an awareness among school children, through
the Student Assembly, that their aptitudes, interests
and problems are legitimate and important and that
17
there are adults who value the various issues faced by
them
17
 Sensitized the School Principals and Teachers to
the needs of school students and how to handle them
sensitively
 Impressed on all participants the importance of all-
round development of children to make them resilient
and empowered to handle life stresses
InSPA New Members
 Highlighted the importance of research in uncovering
issues important to a particular community and to a
particular region
 Revealed the high quality of research related to
children and youth being conducted in India,
particularly the North East
 Has set a higher bench-mark in the organizational
aspects of a conference.
Reflections
Dear Prof. Ramalingam,
Congratulate you and Prof. Indranee very much for the
grand success of InSPA conference. We enjoyed the
scientific sessions and the deliberations. So also the food
and local hospitality was good.
With warm regards,
Anjali Ghosh,
Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
We congratulate InSPA and specially, the Dept. of
Psychology for organizing such a grant conference and
giving me the opportunity to participate and present the
paper. We express our heartfelt thanks to you all.
Nabanita Sarmah
Gauhati University, Guwahati
01.10.2014 to 31.12.2014
229/2014
230/2014
231/2014
232/2014
233/2014
234/2014
235/2014
236/2014
237/2014
238/2014
239/2014
240/2014
241/2014
242/2014
243/2014
244/2014
245/2014
246/2014
247/2014
248/2014
249/2014
250/2014
251/2014
252/2014
253/2014
254/2014
255/2014
256/2014
Ms. Saihlupuii, Aizawl, Mizoram
Mr. Anto Varkey, Kochi, Kerala
Ms. Juliet Lalremmawii Ralte, Aizawl, Mizoram
Mr. M. Kumaresan, Coimbatore
Ms. Ritu, Jind, Haryana
Ms. Ushri Baneju, Kolkata
Dr. R.L. Bharadwaj, Agra
Ms. Aruna Sarawgi, Guwahati, Assam
Ms. Leeta Hazarika, Guwahati, Assam
Ms. Harshita Kejriwal, Guwahati, Assam.
Geeta Baishya, Guwahati, Assam
Dr. Runumi Devi, North Gauhati College, Assam
Dr.Jahnabee Lahkar Boruah, North Lakhimpur
Dr.Alaka Das, Baihata Chariate, Assam.
Dr.Utpal Kalita, Rangia, Assam
Dr. Mallika Kalita, Rangia
Ms. Arpana Nath, Kanpur, Assam
Ms. Snigha Ghosh, Jonehat, Assam .
Ms. Goteti Hima Bindu, Vizanagaram (AP)
Dr. V. Arulmurugan, Karaikal
Dr. Lalremsangi Sailo, Aizawl, Mizoram
Dr. Rinpari Ralte, Aizawl, Mizoram
Dr. Saichampuii Sailo, Aizawl, Mizoram
Ms. Lalbiakzuali, Aizawl, Mizoram
Ms. Dhritismita Bora, Guwahati
Ms. Maher Nigan Ahmed, Guwahati
Mr. Manish Sikder, North Jalukbari, Guwahati
Dr. Reena Singh, Bhopal
Hello Madak,
We would like to say thank you all. It was an opportunity
to broaden our minds and perspectives.
Regards from
Farida M . Shullai
Research Scholar of the Department of Education, NEHU.
Respected Sir,
It was really a great experience to share the ideas and
knowledge with the eminent personalities in the area of
Psychology. Hopefully, we can expect more International
conferences in North-eastern region.
With Beast Regards,
Mintu Bhattacharya
18
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
Workshop on School Psychology
The Everest KenBridge School, Mayiladuthurai is a part
of the nationwide KenBridge Schools chain that will soon be
taking district level education to new highs. Nobody takes
Oliver Holmes’ statement as seriously as us. Nine leading lights
of Mayiladuthurai have come together form the trust and to
deliver quality education through Everest KenBridge School.
At Everest KenBridge School, it is focused on making
education more vivid, enjoyable and knowledgeable for your
child. Here, it strives to create an environment that brings
lessons alive for all children. Their emphasis is on learning by
doing through interactive, activity based teaching methods.
The outcome is the child acquires confident, knowledgeable
and smart as children from other metros. With these
background, InSPA ventured to train the teachers for their
professional development with school psychology
components.
Training Objectives
 To understand the role of school psychologists with
emphasis on preventive work as well as clinical skills
 To understand the teaching-learning process in school
education and policies of State and Central
Governments of India
 To develop skills in constructing and conducting various
psychological and educational assessments in school
setting
 To understand and respect individual differences in
various socio-cultural contexts
 To understand the competencies of a school
psychologist
18
 To gain insight on the strategies, programmes and
processes of mental health and well-being of children
 To understand the roles of school psychologists in
prevention (an International Perspective)
Based on the training objectives the following modules
have been developed to conduct the workshops for teachers:
Workshop modules
Module I: Theoretical framework of School Psychology,
Indian Context of School Psychology Services
Module II: Knowing the world of school settings in India,
Guidance and Counselling
Module III: Inclusive Education, Safe School and
Adolescent Issues
Module IV: Identifying learning disabilities among children,
and mental health issues
Module V: Gender Sensitization, Personality characters,
Self-esteem and Interpersonal Skills.
This was another step of InSPA reaching the doorsteps
of CBSE school to train their teachers on School Psychology.
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, Secretary, InSPA presented the Scope
of the workshop on School Psychology. Prof. P. Jeyachandran
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
delivered inaugural address and said that the School
Psychology training is timely needed to the school teachers
for effective teaching - learning environment.
Outcome of the Workshops
 Created awareness among teachers on School
Psychology and essential needs of school psychology
services in the Indian context.
 Pomoted the use of sound psychological principles in
the context of education in the Union Territory of
Puducherry taking into account national development
 Promoted awareness on the wellbeing of children and
the rights of children
 Provided an opportunity to understand the concept of
Inclusive Education, Safe School and Adolescent
Issues
 Provided hands on experience for Identifying learning
disabilities among children, and mental health issues
 Created awareness among teachers on specific
psychological skills such as Gender Sensitization,
Personality characters, Self-esteem and Interpersonal
Skills.
Feedback from the teachers: The programme organized
by InSPA is useful. Needs more training on School Psychology
Services. Practical training could be included during the
workshop sessions so as to get hands-on experience, Need
more theory based skill oriented training on School Psychology.
School Psychology workshops may be arranged every year,
Assessment techniques need more time to apply with the
children.
Recommendations based on the Peer Group
Interaction
The workshop was very useful to understand the basic
concept of School Psychology services available in
various countries and the ways and means of
introducing these services to Indian School System
Invariably all the participants recommended that School
Psychology services must be introduced in all schools
The School Psychology awareness programmes may
be conducted to all parents and teachers.
In conclusion, the workshops conducted for the school
teachers have opined that the programme was found to be
very effective, useful, inspiring, and has contributed for better
knowledge, skills 19
and techniques in School psychology
Services.
19
Indian School Psychology Association (InSPA) (Regd No. 583/2009)
Minutes of the Sixth Annual General Body Meeting
The Sixth Annual General Body meeting was held on Saturday, 22nd November, 2014 at 04.00 pm at
Department of Psychology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam. Prof. Mukhopadhyay, President,
InSPA presided the meeting.
The following members attended the meeting:
1. Dr. G.P. Thakur
Past President
2. Dr. B. Mukhopadhyay
President
3. Dr. Panch. Ramalingam
Secretary
4. Dr. R.J. Solomon
Joint Secretary
5. Prof. R.N. Rai
Vice-President
6. Dr. Shah Alam
State Convenor
7. Dr. N.V.S. Suryanarayana
State Convenor, Andhra Pradesh
8. Dr. Suneetha Hangal
Newsletter Editor
9. Dr. V. Job Kuruvilla
State President, Kerala
10. Ms. Deepali Batra
State Convenor, Uttar Pradesh
11. Dr. M.V. Sudhakaran
State Convenor, Chennai
12. Dr. Deepa Ghosh
State Convenor
13. Dr. Anjali Rai
State Convenor, West Bengal
14. Dr. Indranee Phookan Borooah
State Convenor, Assam
InSPA Members:
15.Prof. N.K. Saksena
23. Ms. Mukta Daga
16. Dr. R.L. Bharadwaj
24. Dr. Nimai Charan Das
17. Prof. P. Jeyachandran
25. Ms. Lopamudre Sana
18. Dr. Ratna Natarajan
26. Dr. Rita Rani Talukdar
19. Dr. D. Dutta Roy
27. Dr. Mlanipa Poaruah
20. Ms. Harshita Kijriwal
28. Dr. Pradtibha Ranjan
21. Ms. Aruna Sarangi
29. Prof. Madhu Anand
22. Ms. Yogni Nath
30. Ms. Ritu Goyat
InSPA President Prof. B, Mukhopadhyay, welcomed all the members and briefed them about the recent
activities and developments of the InSPA. It was followed by the discussion and consideration of various items
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and the following resolutions were passed:
01/2014
To note the activities of InSPA during the year 2013-14
Dr. Panch. Ramalingam, Secretary, InSPA presented the annual report of the year 2013-14. It was
noted and recorded.
02/2014
To approve the statement of income and expenditure accounts for the year 2013-14
The statement of income and expenditure presented by the Secretary, InSPA was noted and recorded.
03/2014
To approve the newly nominated State Presidents for the period up to 31.03.2017
The members approved the nomination of State Presidents for the period 22.11.2014 to 31.3.2017
The newly nominated State Presidents are as follows:
1. NC of Delhi
- Prof. G. Upadhyay
2. Kerala
- Dr. V. Job Kuruvilla
3. Tamil Nadu
- Dr. S. Renuka Devi
4. Gujarat
- Dr. Navin Patil
5. Haryana
- Dr. Madhu Anand
6. West Bengal
- Prof. Anjali Rai
7. North East States
- Prof. Indranee Phookan Borooah
8. Utter Pradesh
- Prof. Shamin Ansari
9. Karnataka
- Prof. G. Venkatesh Kumar
10. Himachal Pradesh
- Prof. R.S. Pirta
11. Puducherry
- Dr. J. Arawindhan
04/2014
To approve the proposal for the conduct of 5th InSPA International Conference at KBP
College, Mumbai on 23-25 October, 2015
1. The proposal by Dr. R.J. Solomon was unanimously approved for the conduct of 5th InSPA
International Conference at KBP College, Mumbai from 23rd to 25th October, 2015. Dr. R.J. Solomon
was nominated as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.
2. It was decided that the LOC has to deposit Rs.25,000/- as conference fee to conduct the conference
along with other formalities of submission of required forms.
3. The LOC must take care of the special events such as (i) Leadership workshop for InSPA members,
(ii) Workshop on School Psychology for Psychologists and teachers, (iii) Children Assembly focussing
on memory techniques and analytical skills in addition to counselling, (iv) Symposia based on the
conference theme, (v) Cultural programme highlighting local culture and resources, and (vi) Workshop
on Learning Disabilities.
4. Dr. R.J. Solomon was authorised to associate with other organisations for effectively conduct the
conference
05/2014
To ratify the School Psychology Services Awards, and Best Performance Awards for the
year 2014
The conferment of the School Psychology Services Award 2014 for the following dignitaries was
approved:
1. Dr. Neeradha Chandramohan, Director, NIEPMD, Chennai
2. Dr. Ratna Natarajan, Thiruppathur,
School Psychology Best Performance Award 2014 instituted by Shri Venkatarama Raja, Rajapalayam
3. Dr. M.V. Sudhakaran, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai
4. Dr. R.J. Solomon, Mumbai
5. Dr. Suneetha Hangal, Hubli, Karnataka
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6. Ms. Deepali Batra, New Delhi
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015
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06/2014
07/2014
08/2014
To approve the Barbara Hanfstingl – InSPA Best Paper Awards for the year 2014
The following papers were approved for the “Barbara Hanfstingl – InSPA Best Paper Awards 2014":
1. Internet Usage and Health Concerns among Urban Adolescents by Ritu Karamvir Singh
(Research Scholar) and Madhu Anand, Department of Psychology, M.D. University, Rohtak,
Haryana.
2. Inclusive Approach in Schools: Current practices and Basic Competencies for Overall Development
among Children with Disabilities by Mintu Bhattacharya, Faculty, Gauhati University.
3. A Study of Special Teaching Programme adopted by Government Secondary Schools for Slow
Learners in Nagaon District by Sikha Bhagawati, Department of Education, Dhing College, Assam
and Tarali Devi, Department of Education, Nonoi College, Assam.
4. Prevalence and pattern of Substance Use among Adolescents living in Slums of Guwahati by
Tanusri Bardhan, Anku Moni Saikia, and Rupali Baruah, Department of Community Medicine,
Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam.
5. Role of Folktales in Inculcating Moral Values in Children by Sampurna Baruah, Joyshree Borah,
Jyotshna Konwar and Samiksha Snehil Dubey, Centre for Behavioural Studies, Dibrugarh University,
Dibrugarh, Assam.
To consider Indo-Austrian collaboration on School Psychology related Projects
The members considered, approved and appreciated the initiatives taken by Dr. Panch. Ramalingam
for the prospective collaboration in conducting projects in School Psychology with the faculty members
of Klagenfurt University, Austria.
Any other item with the permission of the Chair
1. Resolved to approve the establishment of Indian Institute of School Psychology Training and
Research to conduct School Psychology courses as well as to conduct training programmes. Prof.
G.P. Thakur would be the First Director of the Institute. It was also decided that the arrangements
would be made to run the Institute by registering under the Trust Act.
2. Henceforth, the Institute will conduct workshops and training programmes on School Psychology.
3. Resolved to approve the proposal submitted by Dr. V. Job Kuruvilla for stating a special school in
Kerala with the support of InSPA and launching School Psychology programmes.
4. Resolved to appreciate Prof. Ratna Natarajan, Thiruppathur for conducting school psychology
programme in various schools in Tamil Nadu
5. Resolved to publish the following books titled
(i) “School Psychology: Enhancing Psychological Competencies” based on the papers presented
in the International conference at Gauhati University, Guwahati, with the help of Indian Institute
of School Psychology Training and Researchand Dr. Panch. Ramalingam and Dr. Indranee P.
Borooah would be the first and second editors respectively of the book.
(ii) It was also decided to publish another volume “School Psychology: Prospects of Children
with Multiple Disabilities”of the papers submitted during the 3rd InSPA Conference 2013
held in Chennai with the help of Cambridge Scholars Publishers, United Kingdom.
(iii) The third book will be on Educational action research in Austria and its possible
implementations in India by the Editors: P. Ramalingam and Barbara Hanfstingl though
Sage Publishers, New Delhi
The General Body meeting came to an end with proposing thanks to the Chair.
Prof. B. Mukhopadhyay
President, InSPA
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Dr. Panch. Ramalingam
Secretary, InSPA
InSPA Newsletter Jan 2015