With the help of Peer Assisted Learning, our students are able to learn better, says Assistant Professor-Biotechnology

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology department at Crescent School of Life Sciences (B.S.Abdur Rahman University) Dr D Mubarakali talks about the institute’s pedagogy in detail. He elaborates on the importance of practical exposure to students to help them become industry-ready. Dr Mubarakali is a PhD holder in Microbiology with outstanding records. He has been awarded by various national and international agencies for his outstanding contribution to Biotechnology and Nanotechnology.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

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

A: We follow a student-centric approach so we are able to focus on every individual student. To help students grow and develop, we have taken a few initiatives, such as:

• Conducting Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) to continue monitoring and learning process for the students. Students are segregated into groups headed by one student each. They are also expected to learn from each other and teachers, too
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) helps explain certain biological concepts and processes in detail. For instance, cultivation of mushroom, biofertilizer production, gene cloning and fermentation process. Students are asked to work in the laboratory in these projects. As a result, they are able to learn quickly and easily than the actual learning process and along with a quantum of data
• Panel discussion is popular among students. A complex and controversial biological topic raised by the teachers (also considered as Moderator) and students are allowed to think, discuss and answer to the opponent team. It enhances their creativity, timely decision making and also improves their research skills. The best performer are acknowledged and awarded to some extent
• Google Classroom, LMS and quizzes are frequently organised to ensure the quality of students learning. We do deliver lectures online through Google Classrooms and other video conferencing platforms amid critical circumstances like the current pandemic situation

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

A: When we talk about industry readiness, the most important question is that are students equipped with practical exposure or just theoretical knowledge. Industry demands hands-on practice and practical experience. To make students ready for the corporate world, we:

• Regularly organise expert talks from industry professionals. They clearly tell students about what the industry needs from them. So, now when they know  the expectations, they can equip themselves with the required skill sets
• Offer courses facilitated by experienced faculty and industry experts to keep them abreast with the latest trends in the industry
• Offer industrial internship opportunities to students which is a mandatory part of the curriculum. It helps them understand the academia-industry collaboration
• The well-established faculty members in the school are directing students in their dissertation project which are based on the industrial needs

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

A: We look for students with basic knowledge of Biology. Most importantly, the student must be enthusiastic about learning. To perform well in the curriculum, they need to be attentive in class. Alongside, they need to keep practising to perform well.

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

A: We review our course curriculum periodically and revise as per NAAC norms with the help of experts. Also, we seek advice from corporates where our students are placed. Receiving positive feedback from the stakeholders and companies is most important. Basis suggestions from all the professionals, we revise our curriculum so our students are equipped with the latest skills and trends in the industry.

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

A: Yes, we are receptive to Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship. Few instances to justify the statement are below:

• Students are participating in governments offering innovation-based competition such as Smart India Hackathon and so on. It is about presenting an innovative idea for startups that can contribute to societal benefits
• Periodically, we release bio-products prepared by our students so they get an idea of how businesses generally work

 Also, we regularly organise food festivals, scientific symposium and conference presentations to highlight our students' innovations