We at INSD try to give interesting assignments for practicals and keep presentation for theories, says Professor Ashwini

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor Ashwini Gawade at INSD Kandivali - International School of Design talks at length about the experiential learning initiatives taken by the institute to impart quality learning to the students. She elaborates on the regular workshops,  field visits, market visits and industrial visits that collaboratively aim at making students industry-ready. During the conversation, she also talked about the curriculum strategies that is designed in close collaboration with the industry experts.

Gawade is a diploma holder in advance fashion designing from SASMIRA. She teaches foundation art, illustration to fashion students and art of graphics to interior students.

Read the complete interview below:

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

A: My teaching subjects include Illustration, Surface ornamentation techniques, History of costumes and Computer-aided designing.

The teaching methodology involves extensive use of both theory and practical applications. As far as my 10 years of academic experience is concerned, students are more inclined towards practical exposure.

We at INSD try to give interesting assignments for practicals and keep presentations for theories so students also feel excited to learn them. We do keep workshops related to their subject topics. To encourage students for the efforts taken by them in workshops and exhibitions we offer them certificates. We keep extracurricular activities at our institute to make students aware of currents styles and trends.

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

A: Fashion designing is a very vast subject. Its very essential for a fashion student to have knowledge of the fashion world which we introduce them at INSD institute through brand survey and designer’s studies. Market visits, industial visits, exhibitions and fashion shows prepare them for entrepreneurship. We keep workshops for our students to improve their creativity. These workshops also help them to start with the preliminary business. Ultimately all these activities make our students industry-ready.

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

A: One thing that we look for in students is their passion for learning. A basic creative mind is required for applicants to study this course but if they are hard-working enough and do not have mentioned qualities then we mould them with foundation course, workshops and concept development. We keep extra practice sessions for students who wish to learn but are a little slow in grasping.

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

A: Our course curriculum is properly set by the university which is always upgraded by experts. We, from our side, teach extra practical assignments apart from the module. Fashion studies including industrial visits, market visits, brand surveys, workshops and exhibitions give them practical exposure to industrial requirements.

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

A: Our institute is receptive to innovations and technology. As mentioned earlier we conduct field visits, market visits, industrial visits which assist students to have practical and latest knowledge. Our faculties keep on researching on currents teaching techniques, workshops, seminars, exhiobitions and fashion shows that we can convey to students.