Guest Author’s Profile:-
Dr. S.M. Kulkarni is a dedicated teacher, administrator,technocrat leader having a vision for India 2020. Presently, working as Principal in Gokhale Education Society’s College of Engineering, Nashik, Kulkarni has over three decades of experience in the teaching field. He has established management systems in Engineering Colleges (ISO 9001-2000), promoted add-on courses and developed system for 100% placement resulting in quality enhancement of students. He has many paper presentations on technical education to his credit. Dr. Kulkarni has also authored books on technical education. He is a Life Member of I.S.T.E. New Delhi, Life Fellow, The Institution of Engineers (India), Member, National Council for Science and Technology Communication,Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Life Member, (INSDAG) Institution for Steel Development and Growth, Kolkata and Life Member, (ISNT) Indian Society for Non Destructive Testing. Dr. Kulkarni has been felicitated with various state, national and international awards.
Article:-
Abstract— In the present scenario of globalisation, privatization and liberalisation one should be quite alert and competitive in human resources. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the age group of 16 + years is very low and most of the young generation is away from the main stream of education may be because of the education system, examination pattern, competency of teaching faculty and the level of knowledge received at previous stages. Hence, it is necessary to provide W- Class institutions to produce highly competent engineers with advanced knowledge, research aptitude and employability. A modest effort is made here to suggest a step towards W-Class Institutes.
Keywords— Faculty Training, Add-on-Courses, Bridge Course, Holistic Personality Development, Employability.
Introduction:-
Institutions of higher technical education are coming up like mushrooms. It is the fact that adequate number of experienced teaching faculty is not available. Even the educational and administrative leadership is rarely seen. Even though most of the management wish to keep pace at par with good institutions it is beyond their reach unless some revamping is practiced in the overall Higher Education System (HES).
A. First factor is the infrastructure. It is possible for any management to acquire/create desired facilities within a reasonable time period.
B. Second important component is the availability of Teaching Faculty.
C. Third component is the student. It is seen that the students entering into engineering colleges are not fully equipped with fundamental knowledge of the basic subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Most of the students have failed in these subjects. This has negative effect on the confidence level and the moral of the students.
D. The industry and the corporate world around is the place for these budding engineers to contribute and excel. Mostly it is seen that the HES do not provide the required employability skills and inputs to the engineers.
E. Last but not the least aspect of education is the awareness towards social commitment and proper inputs in this direction and the work culture are absent.
II. PROPOSAL
All these pointers are attended in the following proposal.
A) Here, a case study of First year Engineering Degree students is discussed. After analyzing the results of university examination, it is observed that only about 20% students could make a success in the basic subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It is confirmed that the debacle in the examination is because of lack of clarity in the fundamental concepts of these subjects.
Dr. S.M. Kulkarni is a dedicated teacher, administrator,technocrat leader having a vision for India 2020. Presently, working as Principal in Gokhale Education Society’s College of Engineering, Nashik, Kulkarni has over three decades of experience in the teaching field. He has established management systems in Engineering Colleges (ISO 9001-2000), promoted add-on courses and developed system for 100% placement resulting in quality enhancement of students. He has many paper presentations on technical education to his credit. Dr. Kulkarni has also authored books on technical education. He is a Life Member of I.S.T.E. New Delhi, Life Fellow, The Institution of Engineers (India), Member, National Council for Science and Technology Communication,Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Life Member, (INSDAG) Institution for Steel Development and Growth, Kolkata and Life Member, (ISNT) Indian Society for Non Destructive Testing. Dr. Kulkarni has been felicitated with various state, national and international awards.
Article:-
Abstract— In the present scenario of globalisation, privatization and liberalisation one should be quite alert and competitive in human resources. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the age group of 16 + years is very low and most of the young generation is away from the main stream of education may be because of the education system, examination pattern, competency of teaching faculty and the level of knowledge received at previous stages. Hence, it is necessary to provide W- Class institutions to produce highly competent engineers with advanced knowledge, research aptitude and employability. A modest effort is made here to suggest a step towards W-Class Institutes.
Keywords— Faculty Training, Add-on-Courses, Bridge Course, Holistic Personality Development, Employability.
Introduction:-
Institutions of higher technical education are coming up like mushrooms. It is the fact that adequate number of experienced teaching faculty is not available. Even the educational and administrative leadership is rarely seen. Even though most of the management wish to keep pace at par with good institutions it is beyond their reach unless some revamping is practiced in the overall Higher Education System (HES).
A. First factor is the infrastructure. It is possible for any management to acquire/create desired facilities within a reasonable time period.
B. Second important component is the availability of Teaching Faculty.
C. Third component is the student. It is seen that the students entering into engineering colleges are not fully equipped with fundamental knowledge of the basic subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Most of the students have failed in these subjects. This has negative effect on the confidence level and the moral of the students.
D. The industry and the corporate world around is the place for these budding engineers to contribute and excel. Mostly it is seen that the HES do not provide the required employability skills and inputs to the engineers.
E. Last but not the least aspect of education is the awareness towards social commitment and proper inputs in this direction and the work culture are absent.
II. PROPOSAL
All these pointers are attended in the following proposal.
A) Here, a case study of First year Engineering Degree students is discussed. After analyzing the results of university examination, it is observed that only about 20% students could make a success in the basic subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It is confirmed that the debacle in the examination is because of lack of clarity in the fundamental concepts of these subjects.
It is proposed that after admission to the First year engineering, a preliminary initial feedback should be collected to ascertain the level of understanding of the fundamentals of basic subjects. Then a specially designed Bridge Course, of about 50-60 hours duration, is proposed to be implemented during first two weeks. Continuous assessment is made and the importance of clarity of basic concepts is emphasised. Exit feedback is to be collected. Written test is to be conducted to assess the level of understanding and confidence acquired during the Bridge Course. The course contents are designed such that all the concepts required as the base for the first semester subjects be made clear. This entry and exit feedback along with the written test can serve as a tool for further students’ analysis.
The concept of Bridge Course was implemented in the GES’s College of Engineering Nashik. It is observed through the entry feedback that the confidence level, with reference to the understanding of the concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, of students which was 46% (average). After the Bridge Course it is seen through exit feedback that the confidence level has raised to 74% (average). Negligence in communication skills is an important shortfall of our system. It is proposed to provide extra input of 80 hours for Holistic Personality Development of the students which include all the aspects of Human Behavior, Soft Skills, Leadership, Creative Thinking etc.
B) For the students of Second year and onwards following provisions are suggested. One hour is to be specifically allotted for strategically planned activities. Here, all the students are available to take part in the activities. The nature of activities may be decided by the students’ committee/forums. It is to be noted here that the nature of activities should be such that every the student is compulsorily involved in one-way or the other. This activity may be planned on last lecture of Wednesday. On First and Third Wednesday the students are allowed to conduct activities under the guidance of faculty members and on Second and Forth Wednesday the students are undertaking the activities at their own. Students are required to write feedback/report of all the activities thus conducted. As all the students and teaching faculty are available, it is possible to invite a renowned resource person to address key issues of the student community. Fifth Wednesday can be utilised for activities of Training for Placement. As all the students are available any combination of students is possible, depending upon the resource person. Thus Wednesday activities should cover wider exposure required for all round development of the students. Students should be encouraged and supported to actively participate in the technical events/ competitions organized by various institutions at various levels.
C) Teachers are also required to be updated on all fronts. Hence, the platform for their performance and presentation is available during Wednesday activity. Teachers are also required to give a presentation for 25 minutes. A feedback and open discussion is expected to improve upon the performance. Benefits can be derived from interaction and guidance from senior faculty. The teacher forum thus can organize any event for their self development and a proper work environment can be created to improve upon the personal and social life of a teacher.
D) It is proposed to have time table for seven hours for five days and non academic working days on Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturday. The time available on such working Saturday, is to be utilised for any extra lectures required by a teacher with pre intimation to students. It is always seen that there is a gap between the University Course work and the requirement from an employer. This gap should be bridged by some means. It is proposed to address this shortfall by providing ADD-ON courses. Such courses are to be designed based on the need of the industry/employer. The expert resource person can be from the industry through exchange programme. The institute faculty can also take advantage from such add-on courses, to be on the forefronts of latest technology. Faculty Development Programmes can also be arranged during this time slot by experts to improve upon Educational Technology. Lean Thinking, Indian Ethos in Modern Management, Interpersonal Relations, Learning Attitude, Stress Management, Team Work, Spirituality and Spirituality Quotient, Goal Setting can be one of the topics for discussion. The Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturday can also be used for industrial visits along with Sunday if required. Maximum exposure of the live situations in micro, small, medium and large industries and the learning on site is going to help them develop analytical mind of the students and gain confidence.
E) Academic planning is to be properly designed and maintained by the institute right from the beginning of the term. Teaching plan also must be prepared by the teacher. It is suggested here that in the very first lecture of the subject teacher is expected to highlight the importance of the subject and correlate the subject with other subjects of the same or other allied discipline. After discussing the syllabus contents the teacher is expected to distribute a four page handout based on the first unit. This should include definitions, formulae, equations, short notes, various rules etc. for ready reference. This would also help students to come prepared for the next lecture for better understanding and creating confidence. At the end of the first unit again a four page hand out for next unit is to be given. On line examinations should be conducted frequently to assess the understanding of the basics of the subjects. Present students have sufficient energy and potential. The administration should be in a position to manage all such activities efficiently. Generally we lack in good managers and loose on the front of developing good technocrat leaders.
F) After applying mind to the teaching and learning process and its sustainability we can make use of other key elements to help our students perform in a better way. Library is such a perennial source of knowledge, information and energy which is going to create confidence in the students. Library committee should see the requirements of the students for their regular studies and also provide for their research aptitude. To the extent possible students should be guided for use of e-journals, e-books and other on line literature, which is in abundance.
G) Wastage of time for academic and non academic activities should be minimised. Availability of stationary should be made on very first day of the commencement of the term. This would certainly help maintain the time schedule for all academic activities of the students. Training and Placement Officer (TPO) should have a data base of all the students regarding their core competency and one should try to help students overcome the weaker areas. TPO must be capable to weigh the competency and employability of students taking in to account the requirements of employer.
Summary
The concept of Bridge Course was implemented in the GES’s College of Engineering Nashik. It is observed through the entry feedback that the confidence level, with reference to the understanding of the concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, of students which was 46% (average). After the Bridge Course it is seen through exit feedback that the confidence level has raised to 74% (average). Negligence in communication skills is an important shortfall of our system. It is proposed to provide extra input of 80 hours for Holistic Personality Development of the students which include all the aspects of Human Behavior, Soft Skills, Leadership, Creative Thinking etc.
B) For the students of Second year and onwards following provisions are suggested. One hour is to be specifically allotted for strategically planned activities. Here, all the students are available to take part in the activities. The nature of activities may be decided by the students’ committee/forums. It is to be noted here that the nature of activities should be such that every the student is compulsorily involved in one-way or the other. This activity may be planned on last lecture of Wednesday. On First and Third Wednesday the students are allowed to conduct activities under the guidance of faculty members and on Second and Forth Wednesday the students are undertaking the activities at their own. Students are required to write feedback/report of all the activities thus conducted. As all the students and teaching faculty are available, it is possible to invite a renowned resource person to address key issues of the student community. Fifth Wednesday can be utilised for activities of Training for Placement. As all the students are available any combination of students is possible, depending upon the resource person. Thus Wednesday activities should cover wider exposure required for all round development of the students. Students should be encouraged and supported to actively participate in the technical events/ competitions organized by various institutions at various levels.
C) Teachers are also required to be updated on all fronts. Hence, the platform for their performance and presentation is available during Wednesday activity. Teachers are also required to give a presentation for 25 minutes. A feedback and open discussion is expected to improve upon the performance. Benefits can be derived from interaction and guidance from senior faculty. The teacher forum thus can organize any event for their self development and a proper work environment can be created to improve upon the personal and social life of a teacher.
D) It is proposed to have time table for seven hours for five days and non academic working days on Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturday. The time available on such working Saturday, is to be utilised for any extra lectures required by a teacher with pre intimation to students. It is always seen that there is a gap between the University Course work and the requirement from an employer. This gap should be bridged by some means. It is proposed to address this shortfall by providing ADD-ON courses. Such courses are to be designed based on the need of the industry/employer. The expert resource person can be from the industry through exchange programme. The institute faculty can also take advantage from such add-on courses, to be on the forefronts of latest technology. Faculty Development Programmes can also be arranged during this time slot by experts to improve upon Educational Technology. Lean Thinking, Indian Ethos in Modern Management, Interpersonal Relations, Learning Attitude, Stress Management, Team Work, Spirituality and Spirituality Quotient, Goal Setting can be one of the topics for discussion. The Second, Fourth and Fifth Saturday can also be used for industrial visits along with Sunday if required. Maximum exposure of the live situations in micro, small, medium and large industries and the learning on site is going to help them develop analytical mind of the students and gain confidence.
E) Academic planning is to be properly designed and maintained by the institute right from the beginning of the term. Teaching plan also must be prepared by the teacher. It is suggested here that in the very first lecture of the subject teacher is expected to highlight the importance of the subject and correlate the subject with other subjects of the same or other allied discipline. After discussing the syllabus contents the teacher is expected to distribute a four page handout based on the first unit. This should include definitions, formulae, equations, short notes, various rules etc. for ready reference. This would also help students to come prepared for the next lecture for better understanding and creating confidence. At the end of the first unit again a four page hand out for next unit is to be given. On line examinations should be conducted frequently to assess the understanding of the basics of the subjects. Present students have sufficient energy and potential. The administration should be in a position to manage all such activities efficiently. Generally we lack in good managers and loose on the front of developing good technocrat leaders.
F) After applying mind to the teaching and learning process and its sustainability we can make use of other key elements to help our students perform in a better way. Library is such a perennial source of knowledge, information and energy which is going to create confidence in the students. Library committee should see the requirements of the students for their regular studies and also provide for their research aptitude. To the extent possible students should be guided for use of e-journals, e-books and other on line literature, which is in abundance.
G) Wastage of time for academic and non academic activities should be minimised. Availability of stationary should be made on very first day of the commencement of the term. This would certainly help maintain the time schedule for all academic activities of the students. Training and Placement Officer (TPO) should have a data base of all the students regarding their core competency and one should try to help students overcome the weaker areas. TPO must be capable to weigh the competency and employability of students taking in to account the requirements of employer.
Summary
• First week for Bridge Course for FE students,
• Five Days with 7 Hrs. working with 2nd and 4th and 5th Saturday working
• All regular academic schedule,
• Wednesday last One hour Grooming activities for Students and Teachers,
• Unit Test and Continuous Assessment
• Five Days with 7 Hrs. working with 2nd and 4th and 5th Saturday working
• All regular academic schedule,
• Wednesday last One hour Grooming activities for Students and Teachers,
• Unit Test and Continuous Assessment
• ON 2nd SATURDAY
- Extra lectures as per requirements of concerned teacher/students, with due
planning,
- Teacher Training Programme (Planned)
- Extra lectures as per requirements of concerned teacher/students, with due
planning,
- Teacher Training Programme (Planned)
• ON 4th SATURDAY
- Special Add-on Communication Programme (compulsory) for 1st year students,
- Add-on Programmes for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students,
- Minimum 4 add-on Programmes to be attended (out of 6),
- Examination of the Add-on courses,
- Special mention of the Add-on Course wise Credits earned by such students in
their Transcript,
- Special Add-on Communication Programme (compulsory) for 1st year students,
- Add-on Programmes for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students,
- Minimum 4 add-on Programmes to be attended (out of 6),
- Examination of the Add-on courses,
- Special mention of the Add-on Course wise Credits earned by such students in
their Transcript,
• ON 5th SATURDAY
- Special Industrial Interaction
- Special Industrial Interaction
III. CONCLUSIONS
To be World- Class Technical Institute
1. Focus on Communication Skills,
2. Focus on Faculty Development /Training,
3. More Exposure to Live engineering situations for development of analytical mind of
students,
4. More occasions for personal grooming,
For all these activities budgeting and accounting for Time is a must. Good managers with focused views are required for the journey towards World-Class Technical Institutes. In the initial stage for the journey towards W-Class technical institutes, it is essential to monitor the students coming to the institute so also the teacher. Proper initial training and further grooming is a must for the students and teachers. The approach is discussed. Attention is also drawn to the Communication skills and the provision is discussed. All the activities are ultimately leading to improve upon the employability of the young engineers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author takes this opportunity to place on record the unparallel support provided by SIR Dr. M. S. Gosavi, Secretary, Gokhale Education Society, Nashik, during actual implementation of the Bridge Course, for F.E. students, in GES’s College of Engineering, Nashik (Maharashtra). Support from Dr. Bardapurkar Pranav P. is also worth mentioning.
2. Focus on Faculty Development /Training,
3. More Exposure to Live engineering situations for development of analytical mind of
students,
4. More occasions for personal grooming,
For all these activities budgeting and accounting for Time is a must. Good managers with focused views are required for the journey towards World-Class Technical Institutes. In the initial stage for the journey towards W-Class technical institutes, it is essential to monitor the students coming to the institute so also the teacher. Proper initial training and further grooming is a must for the students and teachers. The approach is discussed. Attention is also drawn to the Communication skills and the provision is discussed. All the activities are ultimately leading to improve upon the employability of the young engineers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author takes this opportunity to place on record the unparallel support provided by SIR Dr. M. S. Gosavi, Secretary, Gokhale Education Society, Nashik, during actual implementation of the Bridge Course, for F.E. students, in GES’s College of Engineering, Nashik (Maharashtra). Support from Dr. Bardapurkar Pranav P. is also worth mentioning.
