Tips for Increasing Productivity in Higher Education

Higher education in India has picked up in the last 75 years, including Under Graduate Education, Post Graduate Education, and Research Education. Undergraduate Education in India includes Engineering (B.Tech), Sciences (B.Sc), Commerce (B.Com), and other allied branches in different disciplines. The different subjects that students opt for in Grades 11 and Grade 12 of their school are Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Commerce, Physical Education, and related areas. The topics taught in schools prepare the students to face the world in solving analytical problems, which later make them fit to get into the shoes of heavy industries, healthcare, SMART City Infrastructure design, Sports Analytics, and related areas. The theoretical concepts are taught well in our schools in the country, which students can later apply to problems in higher education.

When it comes to higher education, students mainly have to undergo entrance education, which has the advantage of bringing in competency in the individuals. However, it creates a stereotype where the analytical concepts are tested, but the problem-solving approach in real time needs to be tested. So, students get into engineering, basic sciences, clinical sciences, pharmacy, and dentistry to serve society and have an inter-societal impact. In earlier days, the theoretical concepts in basic sciences and engineering were taught with practical impact. Here, a point to be noted is that modernisation is required to learn to get prototype solutions for problems. This is the need of the hour. High-Performance Computing, Cloud Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning applications should be taught in the initial years for all students, irrespective of the branches involved. Also, Interdisciplinary aspects of all branches of education are needed to increase the curiosity of youngsters in innovation.

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Our country is undergoing many innovations in Infrastructure, Health Care, Basic Sciences, and Sports and Veterinary Education. When we compare our Higher Education with developed countries, it is publicly funded, the third largest in the world. It is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the rapidly changing world. Real-world examples have to be included in the curriculum. These include Artificial Intelligence in the Computer Science Stream, Embedded Systems in the electrical Stream, Tribology in the Mechanical Stream, Infrastructure Design and Management in the Civil Stream, Medical Science and Technology in the Clinical stream, Business Forecasting in the Management Stream, Sports Analytics in Sports stream, Behavior Psychology, in Animal World. Here, Product-based activities are happening in India, but areas of Sports, Veterinary Sciences, and other multi-disciplinary sciences, which mutually co-exist, require much-needed attention.

Staying ahead in the latest trends and advancements in the respective field is also the need of the hour. This can include reading scholarly articles, attending conferences, and participating in professional development activities. This is very much required for the rankings of educational institutions like QS and THE ranks. India has quite a good number of universities in QS world ranks, THE world ranks. However, we do not have Universities in ranks within the top 100. We have good research citations and industry placements in our universities in India. Foreign countries must invest in research projects in India, with new ideas on topics like IoT, Blockchain, Cloud Technologies, Quantum Computing, Neuromorphic Computing, and Ergonomics.

Technology Enhanced Learning, Education Technology, and Online Distance Education are required to improve our country's Human Development Index and Per Capita. We have to foster collaborations between academic departments, faculties, and institutions. These can culminate in the development of interdisciplinary programmes which are aligned with industry needs. Course, Content, and Programme Management are the need of the hour regarding their innovative natures. Encouraging critical thinking among students is vital for adapting to the dynamic job market.

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Classroom-based teaching should be interactive to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This includes Design thinking, in terms of Case Studies, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills of ideas, which will make the students more employable.

There is a need to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by bringing together higher educational institutes and industrial start-ups through Higher Education and Research. This includes Industrial Consultancy also. Also, the Indian Heritage System gives a holistic look at Modern Education. This includes Yoga and Ayurveda.

From an academic perspective like mine, I suggest the following points to increase productivity in higher education in India.

• We need to foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship to stay relevant.

• Skill Development and Incubators can provide opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills.

• Encouraging interdisciplinary research can prepare students for a rapidly changing job market. This can ensure that higher education remains relevant and productive.

• Incorporating real-world examples, staying updated with trends, fostering a research culture, implementing technology-enhanced learning, encouraging critical thinking, and embracing diversity are the essential pointers for making higher education more relevant and increasing productivity from an academician’s perspective.

Disclaimer: The content is sourced from the official press release shared by Manipal Institute of Technology and published as a part of the Careers360 marketing initiative.