We Foster Active Student Engagement and Practical Application Through Case Studies, says Dr. Kirti

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr. Kirti Udayai talks about the teaching methodology used at IIHMR Bangalore. She says, our teaching methodology is carefully crafted to provide students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education. IIHMR Bangalore's commitment to excellence is reflected in several key features that help them stand apart. Dr. Kirti Udayai is currently positioned as Associate Professor and Associate Deam, Academics and Student Affairs at IIHMR Bangalore. 

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

Ans: At IIHMR Bangalore, our teaching methodology is carefully crafted to provide students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in several key features that set our approach apart from others.

1. Interactive and Practical Learning: Emphasis on dynamic classrooms, fostering active student engagement and practical application through case studies and hands-on activities.
2. Industry Exposure: Bridging theory and practice with internships, guest lectures, and field visits to provide real-world insights and enhance students' understanding.
3. Cutting-edge Technology Integration: Enhancing the learning experience through the integration of the latest technologies, including e-learning platforms, multimedia resources, and virtual simulations.
4. Research and Project Work: Cultivating a culture of research and critical thinking, involving students in projects to contribute to the latest developments in their chosen fields.
5. Collaborative Learning Environment: Focus on teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills through group projects and assignments.
6. Continuous Assessment: Holistic evaluation methods, including quizzes, presentations, and class participation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of student performance.
7. High Placement Record: A 100% placement record showcasing the effectiveness of the teaching methodology in producing graduates sought after by leading organizations.
8. Vibrant Student Clubs and Activities: Holistic development through active participation in various clubs and extracurricular activities, fostering leadership and a sense of community.
9. Field Visits for Practical Overview: Inclusion of field visits in the curriculum for practical exposure, providing real-world insights and preparing students for the challenges of their future careers.

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

Ans:  At IIHMR Bangalore, our commitment to producing industry-ready professionals is ingrained in our comprehensive approach to education. We employ a range of strategies and initiatives to ensure that our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. Here's how IIHMR Bangalore is actively shaping the readiness of our students:

1. Industry-Aligned Curriculum: IIHMR Bangalore's curriculum is collaboratively designed with industry experts to ensure students acquire the latest and most relevant knowledge and skills.
2. Internships and Practical Training: The institution emphasizes practical training through structured internships, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
3. Guest Lectures and Industry Interactions: Regular guest lectures and industry interactions provide students with direct insights from professionals across sectors, enhancing their understanding of real-world challenges and solutions.
4. Skill Development Programs: IIHMR Bangalore focuses on holistic development, offering skill development programs to enhance soft skills, communication abilities, and other competencies crucial for professional success.
5. Case Studies and Practical Assignments: The curriculum includes case studies and practical assignments, challenging students to analyze real-world situations and develop problem-solving skills applicable to future roles.
6. Professional Development Workshops: Dedicated workshops cover resume building, interview skills, and workplace etiquette, equipping students with tools for successful job application and selection processes.
7. Networking Opportunities: The institution actively facilitates networking through career fairs, industry seminars, and events, enabling students to establish connections within their chosen fields.
8. Industry-Informed Projects: Students engage in projects addressing industry needs, ensuring academic endeavors have practical relevance and contribute meaningfully to real-world issues.
9. Continuous Industry Updates: IIHMR Bangalore prioritizes staying current with industry developments, promptly integrating updates into the curriculum to expose students to the latest advancements in their respective fields.
10. Mentorship Programs: Vital to their approach, mentorship programs provide students with guidance, advice, and insights from experienced professionals, helping shape their career paths with confidence.

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

Ans: At IIHMR Bangalore, we look for applicants who embody qualities essential for success in our courses. These include a strong academic background, a genuine passion for learning, analytical and critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, teamwork and collaboration aptitude, adaptability, resilience, leadership potential, ethical integrity, industry awareness, and motivation with a proactive approach. These qualities align with our commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and holistic growth, preparing students to excel in their chosen fields.

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

Ans:  At IIHMR Bangalore, the currency and relevance of our course curriculum are paramount. To ensure alignment with industry requirements:

We maintain active engagement with industry professionals, fostering ongoing dialogue and partnerships. Advisory boards, composed of seasoned industry experts, provide invaluable insights, shaping our curriculum to meet current industry practices. Regular reviews, incorporating feedback from faculty, students, and industry stakeholders, drive iterative updates to our courses. Collaborations with industry partners, such as internships and joint research endeavors, offer firsthand exposure to industry dynamics, informing curriculum development. Integration of emerging technologies ensures students are well-versed in the latest tools and innovations relevant to their fields. Faculty development programs keep our teaching staff current with industry advancements, facilitating seamless integration into the classroom experience. Regular workshops and seminars featuring industry leaders provide students with 77insights into current practices and real-world challenges. A flexible curriculum framework allows for agile adjustments based on industry feedback, technological advancements, and global business changes.

This multifaceted approach guarantees that IIHMR Bangalore's courses remain dynamic, responsive, and consistently meet the evolving needs of the industry, providing students with a cutting-edge and relevant education.

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

Ans: At IIHMR Bangalore, we wholeheartedly embrace innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship as integral components of our educational philosophy. Our commitment to fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking environment is evident through various initiatives and practices:

1. Innovation in Teaching and Learning:

Utilizing innovative teaching methods with technology and interactive tools to enhance the learning experience, incorporating virtual simulations, online resources, and collaborative platforms.

2. Technology Integration:

Integrating state-of-the-art technology into the academic strategy to ensure students are well-versed in the latest advancements relevant to their fields.

3. Research and Scientific Inquiry:

Fostering a culture of research and scientific inquiry among faculty and students, actively   engaging in projects contributing to advancements in their respective disciplines.

4. Entrepreneurship Development Programs:

prioritizing entrepreneurship development by offering programs and support systems to nurture students' entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures.

5. Industry Collaboration for Technological Advancements:

Establishing collaborations with industry partners to provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies, enabling students to gain insights into industry practices and preparing them for the technological landscape of their professions.

6. Networking Events and Tech Conferences:

Organizing networking events, seminars, and conferences focused on technology and innovation, bringing together students, faculty, and industry experts to discuss and explore the latest developments in science and technology.

Examples of successful entrepreneurship ventures by our alumni, collaborative research projects, and participation in national and international innovation competitions stand as testimony to our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship at IIHMR Bangalore.