Our teaching methodology is designed to be a cohesive learning system, says Prof. Mustafa Sapatwala of IISM

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, IISM - International Institute of Sports Management academician Prof. Mustafa Sapatwala talks about the unique blend of pedagogy and andragogy methodology, which helps them to strike a perfect balance between all kinds of learning techniques to varied types of academic learners resulting in all round development of a student. He also talks about teaching methods, including lectures, demonstration, case study, classroom discussion, research activity and industry exposure. Sapatwala has a Master of Business Administration with Finance as his area of specialisation from Coventry University, London, UK. He has 12 years of rich experience in teaching at various colleges in Mumbai for Undergraduate and Post-Graduate degrees.

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

A: The IISM teaching methodology is designed to be a cohesive learning system that has a unique blend of pedagogy and andragogy methodology. This helps us to strike a perfect balance between all kinds of learning techniques to varied types of academic learners resulting in all round development of a student. Some of the teaching methods are lectures, demonstration, case study, classroom discussion, research activity, and industry exposure. 

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

A: To make sure that the students are industry-ready, we enhance their skills by bridging the gap between the individual and the industry requirements. We inculcate a whole lot of traits in our students including, encouraging teamwork; future-ready; soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision making; and 360 degree growth.

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

A: Since we are a sports management institute, the first and the foremost thing that we look in a student’s application is their passion to pursue this course.

Apart from the above, the certain qualities that the student’s need to possess to do well in the course are commitment, creativity, critical thinking, discipline, initiative, intellectual curiosity, decision-making skills, leadership, a positive attitude towards study, an ability to think and work independently, and a good written English.

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

A: At IISM, to make sure the curriculum is at par the industry requirements, we conduct interactive sessions by industry experts, where current industry trends and practices are explained, discussed and queries are addressed.

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

A: We, at IISM, always look forward and encourage our students to come up with new ideas, innovative ways of getting things done alongside imbibing in them the leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The institute, to boost this further, has various cells in place; some of these are entrepreneurship cell, research cell, student life cell, institute social responsibility cell, and sports cell.