We ensure practical exposure and hands-on experience through regular Moot Court session, says Dr Shobna

In an exclusive interaction with Shiksha.com, School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University, Dr Shobna Jeet talks at length about the institute’s pedagogy to make students industry-ready. She elaborates on regular moot sessions, mandatory internships in every semester, debates & discussions and the updated curriculum. Having most of the faculty members with rich corporate experience gives the institute an edge for having the latest industry practices incorporated in the curriculum.

Dr Jeet has been one of the founder faculty members of the Department of Law at The Central University of Haryana. She is a qualified Law professional with PhD degree from Mody University of Science & Technology.

Read the complete interview below:

Q: What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

A: School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University has adopted a teaching methodology that blends classroom learning with a focus on more practical exposure. The students are encouraged into hands-on learning through presentations, research, case studies, debates, simulation exercise, role plays, competitions, seminars and conferences. Law is a dynamic professional domain and we focus on discussions and debates on the latest events and judgments given by various courts so that the students are able to follow development law in an objective manner.

Our teaching methodology includes:

1. Regular Moot Courts:

Moot Court is the utmost important exercise for law students which involves hand-on experience and practical exposure. We make every effort in this regard, students from the first semester start appearing in the Moot Court sessions with their immediate seniors. This exercise motivates them and encourages peer relationships with their seniors. At ASU we have devoted two days in a week for this fruitful exercise.

2. Debates & Discussions:

Law students must get maximum exposure during these five years. These debates and regular discussions are playing a very crucial role in this regard. The mentor help students in addressing the current issue of social and political relevance. Then guide them in research for the preparation of discussions and debates. The main objective behind this activity is to give tolerant listening, communication skills and commonly enjoy Freedom of Speech and Expressions enshrined in the Constitution of India with respect to reasonable restrictions.

3. Classroom Teaching:

Law cannot be taught in Isolation; Liberal Arts concept help us in teaching law course with its depth and breadth. The practical aspect of the theory is offered in regular Moot Court sessions.

4. Seminars & Conference:

In organising seminars and conferences, student’s body actively participates and manage all the arrangements on their own. This improves their managerial skills and also, they participate academically in these seminars and conferences.

5. The Corporate Resource Centre:

The corporate resource centre is actively involved in strengthening the corporate relations ensuring the quality and challenging placements opportunities for the students. This cell also helps in grooming the students and their communications and technical skills.

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

A: To help students become industry-ready, one of the crucial aspects is to have an industry-embedded curriculum. At Apeejay Stya University, most of the faculty members are from the corporate world who bring their knowledge and expertise about what practices are followed in the corporate world and what does the industry expects from the students. Also, the industry partners help us in designing the curriculum.

Besides curriculum, practical exposure is another aspect that contributes to industry readiness. To facilitate the same, we organise regular Moot Court competitions and bring internship opportunities to students every semester.

We are a student-centric university and hence keep experimenting with new ways to help students become industry-ready.

Q: What quality do your students have that give them an advantage over other students?

A: We follow a rigorous admission process which includes not just fulfilling the eligibility criteria but also involves a Written Aptitude Test and a Personal Interview round. During the admission process, we only look for the passion and zeal to learn something new every day in our students.

The curriculum is comprehensive that requires total dedication and our students are committed to getting through that. This level of dedication and commitment yet having fun while learning is what our students have.

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

A: As mentioned above, the curriculum is in line with the industry requirements as it is architectured basis the suggestions from the industry experts and leaders who help us incorporate various practices that are followed in the corporate world. Basis of the curriculum and practical exposure opportunities that we bring to our students, we can say that our students have the capability to stand out among the other law graduates.

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

A: While talking about Law we are receptive to all new regulations coming in. The new rules introduced, laws amended, or policy changes are immediately involved in the curriculum and students are asked to organise debates sessions on it so all pros and cons can be identified. This enhances their research abilities and in-depth understanding. As far as Entrepreneurial skills are concerned, we encourage students to be self-reliant so they can be future entrepreneurs and can generate employment opportunities for others.