ACADEMIC PRACTICES

Innovations by the Faculty in Teaching and Learning

The Teaching-Learning process adopts different methods such as experiential learning, participative learning and problem solving methodologies utilizing ICT facilities, LMS and e-resources. All the academic activities are carried out strictly following the academic calendar. Mentoring system is in place for counseling and to monitor academic and personal issues of students. Necessary efforts are being made in identifying the learning levels (slow and fast) of the students through various assessments and additional training is imparted to slow learners. The institution provides required facilities for the Divyangan students.

• Use of modern teaching aids like LCD projectors, Wi-Fi enabled laptops are usually employed in classrooms and other student learning environments.
• Department has introduced Engineering Projects for Community Services in the curriculum along with mini and major projects. In Engineering Projects for Community Services students will go to the society (villages/ hospitals/ towns etc.) to identify the problem and survey the literature for a feasible solution.
• Expert video subject lectures delivered by the various eminent persons / subject experts are available in the digital library and it facilitates the faculty and students to utilize E-Tutorials of NPTEL, MOOCs, access to E-Journals, Video Conference, etc.
• Faculty members use department library, digital library and other Open Source platforms to enhance their teaching skills.
• The faculty members are encouraged to participate in short term courses, staff development programs and workshops on advanced topics to keep pace with the advanced level of knowledge and skills.

Activity-based learning

Effective learning in classroom makes students more creative, practice hands on experiments, enjoy the course and establishes goals. One such dynamic learning method is activity-based learning where students are constantly engaged and actively participate in learning instead of passive listeners. Activity based learning is the baseline for critical thinking skill enhancement. By participating in various activities conducted by mentor in classroom, students enhance their creative and communication skills.

Project based learning

The goal of project-based learning is to provide students with meaningful learning opportunities. Although project-based learning can be content-specific, it provides a means of integrating multiple subjects into one cumulative project. PBL encourages students to make meaning from their learning.

Self-learning

A form of self-learning is a method of gathering information, processing it, and retaining it without assistance from another individual. It is the responsibility of the learner to acquire and retain knowledge without assistance. Self-learning is a way of learning that allows a person to learn skills and knowledge relevant to their daily lives. Self-learning helps a person in gaining an understanding of the basic concept of learning and it indicates that everyone must learn by themselves. Learning on one’s own also helps a person understand the basic concept of learning that everyone must learn on their own at the end of the day. The resilience and immunity you gain here will be the key tools to success in life.

Self-Learning/MOOCs Courses are introduced in curriculum to facilitate the slow/advanced learners to learn selected courses of various disciplines to acquire contemporary knowledge.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a learning process which merges student’s intellect, perception, and behavior with experience and helps them to develop their skills in different domains. Students will gain knowledge through integration of theory, practice, and able to solve real world practical problems. This method helps students to remain focused, learn differently and faster. Students are provided an opportunity to make connections between new concepts and existing ones. The department imparts the following experiential learning practices to enhance creativity and cognitive levels of the students.

Participative learning

As technology has shifted from Proprietary Technology to open Technology, students are encouraged to participate in activities such as seminars, workshops; Skill based / skill oriented, value added courses etc. Participatory learning is a process that makes use of participatory approach which enhances knowledge by doing either individually or collaboratively. Every student is given an opportunity to make contributions participatory learning encourages students to share their experiences with peers. It offers more opportunities theoretically and practically rather than just acquiring knowledge given by mentor or textbooks.

Students are encouraged to participate in activities such as –

Multimedia Learning

A multimedia lesson is a lesson that uses pictures and words to teach, such as watching a PowerPoint presentation, watching a recorded lecture, or reading a textbook

Placement based learning

Placement-based learning provides excellent opportunities for the students to think through theoretical ideas in real-world contexts. Students also gain transferable skills through applied, practical experience with host organizations.

In addition to the above, the teaching-learning process of the institute is comprised of the following:

Teaching, Learning and Evaluation schedules

The following Teaching, Learning and Evaluation schedules are followed in the institute:

• An Academic Calendar is prepared before the start of each semester with 16 weeks of instruction duration.
• The academic calendar provides date of commencement of the academic session, duration of semester, dates of continuous internal assessment, semester end examinations etc.
• The Academic Calendar consists of the curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to be carried out during the semester.
• Department activity calendar consists of curricular activities like guest lectures, Seminars, conferences, workshops, visiting faculty lectures etc.
• The course faculty prepares the schedule of instruction, course file and course full stack consisting of lecture notes, course description, tutorial question bank, definitions and terminology, tech talk, concept videos topics, model question papers. The course file is prepared before the start of the classes.
• The content delivery schedule of instruction will be published one week before the commencement of semester.

Monitoring the Quality of Teaching and Learning

The institute undertakes the following steps to monitor the quality of teaching learning:

• The Institute conducts 02 Continuous Internal Examination (CIE) during every semester.
• The tutorial question banks for each course taught are given to the students.
• The definitions and terminology for each course are provided to articulate basic knowledge that they have learned in the course.
• Group presentations are made by the students.
• The research based and product based learning approach is used for imparting effective 21st-century capabilities for promoting critical thinking as well as problem-solving, interpersonal communication, leadership and teamwork, innovation, and creativity.
• Follows the Bloom’s Taxonomy and emphasis is laid on action learning.

Contribution of IQAC in Teaching Learning Process

IQAC in co-ordination with Academic Committee monitors and analyses the strength and weakness of various departments and makes its suggestions for necessary improvements wherever required. The IQAC also co-ordinates with all departments regarding implementation of the various orders issued by the competent authority.

Innovation and Life Long Learning

The Institute inculcates life-long learning and innovation abilities among the students through the following:

• The student chapters of ISTE, IEEE, IEI and CSI are functional in the Institute.
• The Tech-fest ‘Annamacharya Talent Meet (ATM)’ is an annual technical fest organized by the Institute where students are encouraged to showcase their creativity and talent.
• The students are motivated to participate in the technical events being held at other Institutes.
• It is mandatory for all the B.Tech students to undergo internship / Field Project (FP)
• There are various clubs / societies / technical associations in the different departments that organize various events catering to innovation, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
• The expert lectures are also held by the faculty from industry and from other reputed Institutes.
• Institute has set up a Center for technology innovation, business incubation and entrepreneurship to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in the Institute. Workshops are organized in order to prepare the students to set up their own ventures.

Advanced Learning (Knowledge and Skills).

The institute promotes advanced learning of knowledge and skills among the students through the following: Technologies and Academic Facilities

In order to promote effective learning of delivery among the students, the following technologies and academic facilities are provided to the students and faculty:

• The Institute subscribes to a large number of reputed online journals (IEEE, ACM and ASCE) and print journals in various disciplines. In addition to this the Institute has got a well-stocked library.
• E-Library and Digital Library is also established along with departmental libraries in each department.
• The virtual labs are also being used by the students and faculty.
• The faculty members are using NPTEL-SWAYAM MOOCs also.
• The classrooms are made smart with LED panel boards to give a hundred percent multimedia experience to the students.
• The expert lectures / invited talks are arranged by top academicians as well industry experts from time to time.
• The national / international conferences / seminars / workshops are organized.
• The faculty and students are encouraged to participate in conferences / seminars in other Institutes.
• Visiting faculty from industry has also been appointed to share their real life experiences with the students.

Innovative Teaching Approaches and Academic, Personal and Psychological Guidance

The institute provides following academic personal and Psychological guidance to the students:

• The Institute has appointed a part-time Counseling Psychologist. Students are counselled for various psychological and emotional stressors and taught coping skills.
• Faculty mentors are appointed for major project work of the students.
• There is a provision in the curriculum for experiential (ExL) learning.
• Centre for career councelling and guidance counsels the students about career opportunities and higher education.
• Students are informed from time to time about career options in diverse fields such as defense services, public sector undertaking job options, corporate openings etc.

Methods

In order to strengthen the teaching-learning process, the institute follows the following teaching approaches and methods:

• The faculty members make use of Bloom’s Taxonomy in teaching to test the student cognitive learning skills.
• The various online resources such as MOOCs and virtual labs are being used.
• The case study / role play / Group discussions / quizzes / crossword puzzles and various other action learning techniques are used by the faculty.
• The course quizzes and automated rapid testing tool for correct learning of definitions and terminology are being used.
• The latest technological advancements and innovations are discussed in the classes and are made to present for evaluation.

Library Resources

The state of the art library of the institute is equipped with the following resources:

• The Institute has got a well-stocked library with over 10,199 titles and more than 60,371volumes.
• World e-Library subscription and digital library is functional in the Institute from where the readers can access and download e-books, journal articles, NPTEL-SWAYAM and other research materials on their laptops and tabs.
• The Institute subscribes to a large number of national and international journals (103 print journals).
• The library is connected through internet and computers on LAN are also available in the library.
• The Institute subscribed to e-books too.
• The library is fully automated using Inchinchi Palpap software.
• The e-journals and e-books are IP based and can be accessed on campus network.

Student Feedback

The Institute obtains the feedback from the students every semester. The feedback is taken from the students about the course teachers, twice a semester (2-3 weeks after commencement of classes and end of the semester) and once in a semester on facilities and infrastructure. The institute also launched an online portal to give their suggestions/feedback. The feedback so obtained is properly analyzed by the Principal. The feedback is reported to the concerned faculty / staff and corrective action is taken, wherever necessary.

Academic Audit

The academic audit on course file is conducted twice during every semester and faculty academic audit is conducted every semester. The audit is conducted by a committee constituted by the Principal of the Institute. The scope of the audit includes:

The external audit is also conducted by the qualified experts. This audit is conducted every year. The observations / recommendations made by the auditors are implemented.

Research Audit

The research and development audit focusses on academic and sponsored research. Academic research includes faculty publications in refereed and indexed journals (SCI / SCIE / Scopus), funded schemes sponsored research projects, publications, collaboration activities intellectual property rights (IPR) and tech transfers are verified every Quad (April / August / December) in an academic year through prescribed form named as Performance Appraisal Scoring System

The external audit is also conducted by the qualified experts. This audit is conducted every year. The observations / recommendations made by the auditors are implemented.

Academic Curriculum Planning and Enrichment

The Institute deploys the following action plans for the smooth implementation of curriculum:

• Day-wise schedule of instruction for the whole course curriculum to be covered in the semester.
• Planning of monthly assignments and weekly tutorial sheets to be given to the students.
• Course Full Stack (Lecture notes, e-learning videos, tutorial question bank, PPTs, open ended experiments).
• Academic Calendar showing the schedule of academic support activities of the semester. Department-wise timetable is prepared well before the start of the classes and is followed throughout the semester.
• Curriculum is divided into two parts. After completion of each part, CIA (Continuous Internal Assessment) is conducted.
• The programme educational objectives (PEOs), programme specific objectives (PSOs) and course outcomes (COs) have been defined for all the programmes and courses.
• The mapping of Vision, Mission, PEOs, POs, PSOs and Course Outcomes (COs) is done.
• The course objectives and outcomes are designed on the basis of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
• Seminars / Expert lectures by the faculty from other reputed institutes and industry are arranged for the students and faculty members.

Faculty Initiatives

In order to cope up with the needs of dynamic employment market, the following efforts have been made by the institution to enrich and organize the curriculum to enhance the experiences of the students:

• Careers and Employability Skills Training by both In-house and external agencies to bridge between the students and industry.
• Learn and Practice on almost all coding interview questions asked historically and get referred to the best tech companies.
• Centres of Excellence in association with industry where training is provided to the students as per the industry requirements. The workshops are arranged and industry based projects are given to the students in these centres of Excellence.
• Various technical events /competitions are organized by all the departments.
• The faculty members cover some contents beyond syllabus as per the industry requirements.
• Subscribed to various reputed international and national journals (Both offline and online).
• Students are encouraged to get their research work published.
• Coding hackathons on BuildIT platform to showcase innovation capabilities - to find new, creative solutions to existing problems and innovate new solutions to real life problems.
• Experiential Learning power skills courses, which relate to mindset, creativity, leadership and self-man

Development Initiatives

The following faculty development initiatives have been taken by the institute:

• Resource persons in Workshops / Seminars / Conferences organized by external professional agencies.
• Participate in external Workshops / Seminars / Conferences recognized by national / international professional bodies.
• Present papers in Conferences conducted or organized by professional agencies.
• Sponsor for attending technical (domain of expertise) conferences abroad and within India.
• Visit institutions of National / International importance for competency building.
• Allowed to use the Institute’s infrastructure for their research work.
• The consultancy fee is shared between the Institute and the concerned faculty member(s) from the revenue generated out of consultancy work.
• The 15% of sanctioned funded project amount will be paid in equal installments to salary account for the entire duration of project as incentive for the faculty members carrying out Govt. funded projects.
• Seed grant up-to Rs. 5 lakhs is provided to the faculty for the purpose of preparing research proposals.

Faculty Training Programmes

Faculty Training programmes are organized by experts of the institution to empower and enable the use of various tools and technology for improved teaching-learning

• Teaching learning methods / approaches
• Cognitive level of learning using Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Effective Outcome based education implementation
• Handling new curriculum
• Content / knowledge management
• Selection, development and use of supplement materials
• Assessment
• Audio Visual Aids / Multimedia
• Development of e-Learning videos
• Teaching learning material development, selection and use

Efforts to cope up the growing demand of Qualified Senior Faculty

The institute follows below mentioned steps to maintain the growing demand of well to do and qualified senior faculty:

• There are 61 faculty members having doctoral (Ph.D) degree.
• 74 faculty members are pursuing their Ph.D at present.
• The Institute has set up innovation and incubation centre, research labs and centers of excellence in the emerging areas of technology.
• The Institute has tied up with various Institutes of national and international eminence for the faculty exchange as well as student exchange programs.
• Faculty members are encouraged and sponsored to attend Faculty Development Programmes, Seminars, Conferences and other academic activities.
• Faculty is encouraged to go for post-doctoral fellowships.
• AICTE sponsored, DST sponsored and UGC sponsored seminars and conferences are organized on the latest developments in the respective fields.
• Workshops are organized to sensitize the faculty and students on intellectual property rights and other relevant issues.