Instead of lecturing or grading, instructors take on the role of facilitator or resource, says HOD Dr Shilpa

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Shilpa Kalyan, Associate Professor and Head Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, MAHE Off Campus Centre talks at length about the institute’s teaching methodology. He goes at great length talking about the initiatives taken by the institute to help students become industry ready, curriculum design, selection process and importance of technology & entrepreneurship in today’s time.

Dr Kalyan is a Media & Mass Communication educator with over 17 years' experience in academics. Is instrumental in establishing Media and humanities courses at prestigious colleges and developing the same into reputable institutions. Has worked as project lead for a UGC-sponsored project. Has presented research papers at several national and international conferences and has published papers in journals of repute.

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: At DLHS, MAHE, we practice innovative teaching methods. Andragogy, the most contemporary approach to adult education places greater emphasis on the process rather than the content. Case studies, role acting, simulations, and self-evaluation are all effective strategies. Instead of lecturing or grading, instructors take on the role of facilitator or resource. Innovative learning practice engages students by inspiring them to think beyond traditional careers and explore the range of possibilities that exists in one field or many. Some of the pedagogical approaches include - ICT/Digital resources, Experiential learning, Hybrid learning, flipped classroom, collaborative and cooperative learning, peer learning and teaching.

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

A: At DLHS, MAHE Off Campus Centre in Bengaluru, we believe in the role of teacher being more of a facilitator and mentor.

Our emphasis is on equipping students with conceptual knowledge, analytical and life skills, as well as communicative proficiencies through a transdisciplinary approach. The objective is to facilitate students in developing their overall personalities and, enable them to confront real-world challenges with the appropriate attitude and aptitude.

Further, we have industry collaborations which fosters broader exposure to students through guest lectures, interactions, field visits, workshops, and certificate courses from professionals from the industry.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: Passion for liberal art is foremost important. If they have an acumen for creativity, explore the unexplored, liberal arts courses are for you. More than being a hardworking student, be a smart learner with an inquisitive mind, commitment, perseverance, and never-give-up attitude.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: We have the best of the faculty team who have designed and curated all the courses to meet international standards and industry requirements. We have the most accomplished academician and the industry experts on our curriculum committee who give inputs and vet the curriculum. Some of the courses that we have curated are up and coming and are utmost relevant to the job-market. Courses like instructional design, content writing, Editing & Publishing, Health Humanities for English Honors students or User Experience/Market Research. Digital Marketing, Digital Media Entrepreneurship, Content Marketing & Management courses for the media students, are the most sought-after areas in the industry. We have integrated them into our curriculum and have made it as relevant and interesting as possible. We have experts from the industry to deliver these courses which completes the synergy between the institute and the industry.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: Yes. We believe in transdisciplinary approach. Fostering research skills in students through innovative andragogical practices, extensive use of relevant technological approaches in curriculum transaction are integral all courses. To encourage entrepreneurship, we give ample exposure to students within and beyond the curriculum. To give a specific example, we have a course on Digital Media Entrepreneurship which aims at facilitating the requisite know-how and skills to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital media space.  DLHS will be collaborating with MILES – Manipal Institute of Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills for incubation of media start-up projects.