Revolutionizing Education: Dr. Siddanagouda Explores 'Learning By Doing' Methodology for Experiential Learning

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr. Siddanagouda Policepatil, talks about how the 'Learning By Doing' methodology helps students engage in experiential learning, collecting real-time data and interviewing industry leaders. The commitment to industry readiness starts on day one, with continuous exposure to professionals and a dedicated program, 'CPMP.' GIBS seeks open-minded applicants, offering holistic development.

Dr. Siddanagouda Policepatilis currently positioned as an Associate Professor of Finance at GIBS B School. An accomplished academician with 15+ years of experience out of which 13 years in academics and 2 years in industry as an investment banker with Deutsche Bank. My educational background is BE, MBA, UGC-NET, K-SET, Ph.D, AFRM (IIM-B).

Q1. What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

At our institute, we have adopted “Learning By Doing” teaching methodology, which emphasises on experiential learning by doing the things. It might be collecting a real-time data from the field or interviewing a corporate leader to learn the things practically.

The institute also has developed the classroom SOP, to maintain uniform and high standards in the classroom delivery.

Q2. How are you preparing your students to be Industry-ready?

At GIBS, it starts from the day 1 to make students industry ready. Starting from many sessions from industry professionals during their orientation to till their completion of the program, students are constantly in touch with industry and are exposed towards industry practices.

One full-fledged and dedicated program “CPMP” (Certificate in Personal Mastery Program”) trains students in all the skills required to be industry ready.

Q3. What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A student must come with open mind-set, as GIBS has many value-added additional courses to develop students holistically. This openness to learn the things in an unconventional way, will make them ahead of others in this highly competitive environment. The qualities required can be summarized in a statement “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”.

Q4. How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

Every year curriculum will undergo a rigorous process of revamping. At GIBS curriculum is designed in discussion with industry experts, veteran academicians and inputs from alumni’s as well. Each subject, of every single trimester, will be discussed in length to incorporate the latest trends of the industry and to orient the subject to focus on contemporary topics.

Q5. Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

GIBS has a unique, one-of-its kind flagship value-added program called as IRE – Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship, that spans over 3 trimester of the first year of PGDM program. It brings the experts from the respective fields and make students to go through the entire process of Innovation, research and entrepreneurship by hands-on approach. This model makes students to undergo from ideation to prototype creation in reality.