Student Centric Methods in Teaching Learning Process

Innovations and Research In Education

SIMATS teaching faculty actively emphasise the experiential learning methodologies in their pre-planned academic schedules, whereby the students are trained by doing the procedures and gain experience. More than 1000 hands-on experiments, 547 workshops/CDE’s, 180+ student exchange programs, 752 collaborative projects, video based learning and Youtube channels etc.,were referred for the students. Faculty also focus on exposing the different perspectives of students' thinking levels by applying heterogenous learning styles linking multiple disciplines, and transforming the students to be more skilled and reflecting the skills in practice. Additionally, students are engaged in an intentional sequence of learning events either individually or in small groups in a CLAB - classroom integrated with a laboratory set-up and comprehensive clinic set-up. MILA is our own innovative teaching method that includes activities like POGIL, Peer-led discussion, critical pedagogy, clay molding, etc., are implemented during the lecture sessions for the students. We have published over 1072 publications indexed in SCOPUS related to higher education methods making us one of the most education research intensive universities in India.

Special Learning Tools

For an enthusiastic and enhanced learning environment, SIMATS faculty have incorporated new teaching and learning methodologies like baccalaureate program in nursing and Finland education model in Engineering which have been recognized and published. As a student centric program the students are exposed with a problem based learning methodology, and are allowed to participate to face the environmental issues such as waste management, global warming etc., and yet another proof is the achievement of the students in facing the covid pandemic situation. Students apply tools like mental maps, flowcharts, concept maps and are trained to apply the charting softwares as well to solve the issues. Self-centric learning process is implemented via the flip-video based classes and provision of i-books. Periodical weekly modules, term modules and NEXT modules assess the students on a frequent repetitive basis and encourages the below average students to understand their state of knowledge in that particular subject and motivates them to be recognized for their achievements. Transformation of the traditional lecture based approach into an integrated patient centric and evidence based learning is achieved through comprehensive clinical postings, 100% ICT classrooms and meticulous formative evaluations.

Problem based Leaning

An Evidence based short note has been made mandatory to our summative assessment. Similarly problem based questions and case based essays are a part of dental, law and medical assessment structure. To induce an active learning environment, faculty members grade participation, this is integrated into our ARMS evaluation rubrics. Students exhibit their skills in literature and theatrical skills in the annual functions as a part of humanities. Our curriculum also encompasses a research week specifically for the students, where they are allotted with topics of interest in each subject, and to pursue a minimum of three research projects/ year with presentations and publications in indexed journals. Role play based study methodology and periodical seminar sessions helps the students towards better understanding of the facts and enhances their communication skills respectively to express their ideas and thoughts to their peers.