Immersive learning through hands-on training makes learning fun and meaningful, VC of GSFC University

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Provost Dr Nikhil Zaveri from GSFC University talks about all the initiatives University is taking to help students become industry-ready. He also talks about the mix of industry professionals and core academic professionals that bring on board a great practical exposure for students along with solid basic theoretical knowledge. Dr Zaveri has over 25 years of rich academia experience.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What is the difference between the teaching methodology of GSFC University and others?

A: The teaching methodology at GSFC University is unique. The University is known as a Boutique University because it offers specialised programmes. The course curriculum is uniquely designed with core ingredients of ‘5Cs’. These are Compact, Contemporary, Cutting-Edge, Customised and Collaborative to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. This makes our University different, divergent and distinct. The teaching methodology is student-centric which not only enhances the knowledge in the domain areas but also sharpens the skills required to apply the knowledge in real-life situations. The entire teaching-learning process is centered around experiential learning and participative learning through flipped classrooms, project work and presentation. All efforts are made to ensure that the learning environment ecosystem remains conducive for critical thinking, creativity and scientific temper. The academic rigour is enhanced by strong industry connect involving 30 per cent of faculties from Industry. The Student Industrial Internship in every semester is the hallmark of the University. Immersive learning through hands-on training through workshops, visits and exposure makes the learning fun, but meaningful. We follow the teaching methodology such as ‘medical college’ concept where students are in real-life situations oriented towards a set of circumstances that develop problem-solving skills.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: Industry orientation is the utmost differentiating ingredient in the teaching-learning landscape at the University.  The internship programme in every semester offers a unique opportunity to the students to learn the business and industry environment at an early age of education which makes them industry-ready by the time they are graduated. Over 50 per cent of the faculty members and academic council are from the industry. It helps to design curriculum which is futuristic and industry-oriented. Hands-on training through workshops and plant visits are made absorbing to derive the joy of learning. The significant feature of education at the University is an interlacing of theory and practice following the medical college concept where students encounter real-life business situations to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Q: What quality do your students have which other college students lack?

A: The holistic approach to education equips our students with character, confidence and competence which largely the students from other universities lack.  The University has a ‘Vibrant Pot’ wherein there are a number of activities available to students to choose from and participate, which help them to develop Interpersonal Skills and make their life enriching.  The uniqueness lies in offering credits for such participation in activities through institutionalised Activity Credit Bank leading to Certification, Diploma and Advanced Diploma which is academically rewarding to the students. Throughout the year, students are exposed to soft skills for overall personality development. Through various club activities, the talent in students are nurtured, in turn, students develop a set of qualities that awaken their core values, consolidate their strength, and make them responsible citizens. Moreover, the spirit of sportsmanship is cultivated by offering various sports with state of the art facilities for indoor and outdoor sports such as Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Table-tennis, Basketball, Cricket and Football. Hence, when our students take on a real life journey, they remain distinct and different from other universities.

Q: Do you think the curriculum of the course taught in your institute is the right fit for the requirement of the industry?

A: Yes. The curriculum for various programmes and courses are developed with the help of industry experts. As mentioned, 50 per cent of the members of the Board of Studies and Academic Council are from Industry. Around 100 companies have entered into MoU with our University due to cutting-edge courses at the University. As the curriculum comprises of industrial internship, project work and hands-on training, dynamics of industry requirements are continuously incorporated into the teaching-learning process. All the courses and the programmes are embracing the industrial need for the right talent and demand for skilled professionals. Skills, such as, Critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, creativity and team building are given due emphasis so that students become readily acceptable to the industry. Generic electives under choice based credit system are designed in such a way that they develop the full potentials of the students for serving the industry and the society as well. The curriculum has relevance to local and global needs with professional electives and open electives. The thrust areas such as, Biotechnology, Fire & Environment, Health & Safety have been incorporated as main programmes of study, while Data Science, AI, Machine Learning, IOT and Automation have been integrated as electives. While in Management, Accounting & Finance and Information Technology Management offer a groundbreaking future to the students.

Q: Is your college receptive to the innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

A: Yes. We follow ‘Mind to Market’ approach by incubating innovative ideas which is a unique initiative in the University. Idea Junction, at the University, is an exclusive push zipping the young minds to create a collection of ideas with pizzas. The University has established a centre called GUITAR for incubation, and innovation for Technology and Applied Research where the students venture into tinkering their ideas.  The University ensures the development of scientific temper amongst the students through state of the art laboratory facilities, research projects from Industry, inviting experts from industry and academia. 

Science Magazine is another such initiative where students themselves talk about current trends in the field of Science and share their knowledge with others. Our University encourages students to become entrepreneurs. To foster the spirit of enterprise, the University organises Business Plan Competition wherein each of the three best ideas is awarded cash prize of Rs 25,000. During the entire academic year series of workshops are organised to teach the nuances of entrepreneurship development.