What has influenced your decision to take up teaching?
This is mostly the inner calling. I always wanted to be a researcher-teacher even before I joined PhD. Many academic role models influenced my along the way. University environment is something I never wanted to leave.
You were with industry for some time. How does it help you in teaching?
It most certainly helped me in choosing the subjects I wanted to teach and the way I teach. It helps in understanding the real world, bringing the right examples to the class room and helps in connecting with students and motivating them.
What kind of teaching methods do you use to keep students interested in your classes?
I am a big fan of unconventional modes of teaching. I believe in creating right learning environment to the students and strongly encourage 360 degree learning where everyone is learning from everyone else in the classroom and outside the classroom as well. I tried several methods such as learning by doing, learning using stories (case studies), learning by committing mistakes and so on. I use a lot of technology - engaging students through the world they are comfortable in – social web (Facebook, twitter), online forums, using learning management systems (LMS) etc.
What are the challenges you face from students and how do you overcome them or turn them around?
Lack of motivation is major enemy to learning. Coming to a class with wrong motivation (doing a course because it helps in getting better placements or because it is more trendy or it is easy to get good grades etc) is another major problem I face. I generally make my course tough and I make it clear right in the beginning that these courses need a lot of hard work.
Do you think our students and teachers are working in a professional style?
It depends on what is your reference point. The environment I am in, I see a lot of professionalism (in a positive sense). But, perhaps more professional attitude with a touch of human sensitivity is always desirable.
What needs to be done immediately in Indian colleges?
We have done well in achieving the quantity in terms of producing professionals. But, now quality requires to be addressed. We need to set a very high bar. There will be a natural competition among engineering (other professional) colleges to be distinct as there are no takers for seats. In this process, there is a natural filtering and those who innovate and are quality conscious will win. Needless to say we have a long way to go in this journey.
Very often, students are not interested in the curriculum (at least in pvt colleges) because they are aiming for some other career after BTech. What is your take on this trend and how does it affect the classroom environment.
This is the motivation problem I was referring to earlier. They are forced to join in engineering or other courses because they are told to (by their parents or society at large). But, their heart is not there. If they know where their heart is, then there is no problem. But, most students do not even know what they want to do with their life. That's a serious problem. That's where teachers can help - truly. For those who are confused, can we create motivating environment where we influence them to do better and raise their own expectations of themselves? Then we will be successful as teachers.
There is a huge demand for soft skills and communication skills these days. Can better delivery & more effective administration of existing curriculum enhance these skills rather than separate training? Like more interaction in classes, reading and writing assignments in other subjects, opportunities for speaking in other classes - in effect integrating language/soft skills with all subjects.
I cannot agree more. Soft skills are like umbrella skills. They are needed no matter what they do. They should be part of everything that involves learning. There is no better way than making soft skills as part of every learning activity.
What are your future plans?
I am a researcher and a teacher. I would like both of these activities to complement each other. In addition, I would like to create technologies and work with young people to create many entrepreneurial activities. I would like to convince people that they can do much more than what they think they want to.
Any memorable moments as a teacher? Moments of frustration?
There are several. Every class where I feel I motivated a few students and created a "aha" moments in my students, I feel so enriched and fulfilled. That happens quite frequently. That is really the reward of this profession. When past students, whom you have forgotten long ago, come and meet you and tell you how much they liked you and benefited from your course, that's a great reward too. Though, there can be several moments of frustration - they are only a few compared to other professions.
How can we get competent post graduates to choose teaching as a career?
By being a living example and a role model. They should see you leading a very fulfilled life. You should also transmit that energy and happiness.
What could be a sustainable model to improve the teaching skills of existing faculty?
Teaching profession, like any other important professions, requires constant nurturing and up-gradation. Being in touch with real world (industry trends) and being involved in active research will help. Sharing best practices and keeping the urge to become better at our craft is essential.
Dr Vasu's profile, his research and other interests can be found on his home page:
Dr Vasu's profile Dr Vasu's Home Page
