The teaching methodology in our college is more learner-centric, says Dr. Deepthy Raghavendra, ITM

Dr. Deepthy Raghavendra is the Head of Department of International Business at ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai. She specialises in Competency mapping, Assessment development centers, Consulting, Training & Development and Market research. She is also a Partner in a training and consulting firm - Identity business solutions.

In this Take 5-Series with Shiksha, she talks about the unique aspects of studying at ITM, the kind of projects, internships and placement opportunities that students have, the best programs to study and how to take admission to these.

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

Our teaching methodology is more learner-centric as we follow an Outcome-based educational approach. Even the traditional teacher-centric subjects like decision sciences and finance have moved towards integrated and participative methods. After being trained in ‘Socratic dialogue’, we have seen a shift in our pedagogy towards the use of inquiry-based and integrative learning approaches. This has brought a change in our classroom interventions where students are encouraged to reflect and bring a presence of mind in their problem solving and decision-making skills.

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

Institue of Technology and Management has a multi-pronged approach to make our students' placement ready. The focus is to equip each student with the relevant and cutting- edge conceptual Knowledge, Skills, Values and Attitude to match industry requirements. In addition to the faculty, the placement and training function mold them yearlong with various aspects of communication, industry knowledge, application of tools and a compulsory corporate readiness module.

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

Our students come from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. This fosters a culturally inclusive learning environment and encourages adaptability and understanding among them. Value-based education with an emphasis on Yoga, CSR, and NGO immersion gives them a sound grounding and balanced outlook.

Q. Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?

Our Curriculum has been designed keeping the Outcome-based education in mind. It has been a systematic and fulfilling process keeping all the stakeholders in perspective. To address the challenges posed by the Fourth industrial wave we prepare our students for adaptability and self- directed learning and thinking. According to Klaus Schwab, at the Davos Summit of World Economic Forum (2018), we need to mobilize the collective wisdom of our minds, hearts, and souls, by applying four different types of intelligence.

• Contextual (the mind) how we process and apply our knowledge.
• Emotional (the heart) how we process and integrate our thoughts and feelings and relate to ourselves and to one another.
• Inspired (the soul) finding meaning and purpose – how we use a sense of individual and shared purpose, trust and other virtues to affect change and act towards the common good.
• Physical (the body) – supporting and nourishing personal health and well- being – the need to keep fit and remain calm under pressure.

And we are proud to claim that we have made remarkable progress in inculcating the same.

Q. Is your college receptive to the innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

ITM encourages new ideas and gives freedom to the faculty to experiment with innovative pedagogy to impart education. Students with high inclination to pursue entrepreneurship are encouraged to implement their business idea by setting up their startup during the 5-month industry internship period. To encourage entrepreneurship, deferred placement assistance is also provided.