Our alumni & students are active stakeholders to upgrade curriculum, says INSD Kandivali Professor

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Jewelry Designing faculty Rina Gandhi at INSD Kandivali - International School of Design talks at length about the Jewelry & Accessory Designing course taught at the institute. She elaborates on the pedagogy and the teaching methodology of the institute which involves the intensive use of applied learning concepts through the field and industry visits. She also discusses the initiatives taken by the institute to help students become industry-ready.

Gandhi has studied Diploma in Manual & CAD Jewellery Designing from JD Institute of Fashion and also has over six years of professional experience working with renowned brands.

Read the complete interview below:

Q: Which subjects do you teach? What are the salient features of your teaching methodology? How do these differ from others?

A: The subjects that I teach at INSD Kandivali are Jewelry & Accessory Designing.

My teaching methodology involves focus on imparting quality education through practical exposure to the students. The curriculum here is industry-oriented and is designed in collaboration with industry experts and leaders. Hence, we try to deliver a significant portion of the curriculum through applied learning where students learn the concepts in class, practice them at labs or under the mentorship of industry experts. The hands-on experience gives students the ability to innovate and create in their own space.

Also, we offer flexible timings options to the working professionals who cannot attend the regular classes during the weekdays. Despite huge batches, we aim to focus on every individual and their development.

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

A: Jewellery is a vast subject and is also divided into manual, CAD jewellery designing, manufacturing, gemology and many more sub-subjects. In my opinion, Manual Jewellery Designing is an important basic knowledge that is required for the construction of any masterpiece. So when I teach jewellery designing, I prepare my students by giving them details of actual sizes of gemstones, detailed knowledge of settings and scaling. I take them on field trips to give them a practical experience which helps them to experience the development of manual and CAD designs. Also, the institute organises a lot of industrial visits for students to be a part of the corporate network.

The course of Accessory Designing comprises 90 per cent of the practical component which by default helps a student to start a business right after completing the curriculum. The best part of this course is the field trips, which give them complete knowledge of the raw material and the market. I give them some thematic group projects which give them the experience to run a workshop further independently and prepare them with a portfolio that help them to train their own Karigars (workers).

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

A: During the admission process, we aim at identifying students who have a keen interest in a career in jewellery designing. Jewellery Designing is a niche career choice that requires dedication and self-motivation to succeed. Enthusiastic applicants who are passionate to learn and innovate is what we look for in the applicants and this quality itself helps them to perform well in the course.

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

A: The entire course curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts and leaders who help us understand the current industry requirements and practices. Accordingly, the curriculum is updated. Also, our alumni and students play the role of an active stakeholder in updating the curriculum. Students placed or interning with renowned industry partners help us identify the gaps in the curriculum. Based on their feedback, curriculum is further updated to help the students stay at par with the current industry standards.

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

A: Our institute is receptive to innovation and technology. As mentioned earlier also that the institute facilitates students with a lot of field trips and industry visits to help students learn directly from the experts. Also, to stay at par with the current industry standards, we never lag to facilitate the latest technological advancements to our students. Out of all students graduating in similar fields of jewellery designing across India, we aim to help our students stay ahead.

Also, the practical component in the curriculum motivates a lot of our students to start their own ventures in similar lines. This practical component includes internship opportunities, student-led competitions and fashion shows on campus. Many of our students have started their own workshop and manufacturing units giving employment to emerging talent a similar field.