Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Pramod K. Shahabadkar ¹, Keshav N. Nandurkar ², Prashant K. Shahabadkar ³

Affiliations
1 Engg. Dept., K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik, IN
2 K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik, IN
3 KCT-Engineering College, Gulbraga, IN

Abstract

Utilization of Computers and Overhead Projector (OHP) as a tool for teaching and learning experimentation has increased significantly ill recent years, as computers have become more powerful and less expensive. Teachers can experiment Oil using alternative models of Teaching-Learning methods easily and effectively.

But can the computers and OHP replace the traditional method of teaching by chalk and duster and do these tools really improve the students learning.? Also does the application of computer as a teaching media makes the Teaching-Learning process more effective and does it reduces the learning losses?

Here in we describe the results of the experiments conducted at K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, Nashik (formerly known as K.K. Wagh College of Engineering) while teaching the Industrial Management subject for III^rd semester Production Engineering students four years between 2001-2004.

The experiments were designed to understand if learning of Industrial Management subject was significantly affected by three treatments of teaching medias namely 1. Chalk and duster 2. OHP 3. Computer aided teaching.

This paper focuses on the development of Computer Aided Teaching Tool (CATT) and also conclusions of the experiments.

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Pramod K. Shahabadkar ¹, Ajinkya S. Joshi ², Keshav N. Nandurkar ³

Affiliations
1 Training and Placement Officer, K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik, Maharashtra, IN
2 I/C Registrar, K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik, Maharashtra, IN
3 Principal, K. K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Objective: Employability skills and placements are extremely important for any technical institute. Analysis of strengths, weakness, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) helps to make informed decisions on the inputs received from the stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to identify the SWOC of training and placement cell of a technical institute, undertake initiatives based on the SWOC analysis and determine the impact of these initiatives.

Methodology: IT tools like Google form were designed and employed to carry out the SWOC analysis. This Google form was sent to the students and responses were obtained from 1087 students. The students responses were grouped under strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges and then segregated under five sub categories namely - institute and infrastructure; staff; teaching and learning; training/placement activities and mechanism or policies for improvement. Based on the SWOC analysis, certain initiatives were undertaken to overcome the weakness and to explore the opportunities. These initiatives have been mapped with the SWOC are analysed to determine the impact. To remain within the scope of this paper, data related to training and placement activities are presented in this paper. This SWOC analysis has been conducted in an engineering college located in the western part of India in the state of Maharashtra.

Findings: Findings indicate that there has been a significant improvement in the number of placements, average package and industry footfall following the implementation of the initiatives. Average placements increased by 36.03%, average package increased by 2.31%, maximum package increased by 40% and industry footfall increased by 35%. According to the recruiter feedback, a satisfactory increase of around 10 to 15 % has been observed in the leadership skills, overall behaviour and sincerity of the students.

Limitations: The present study has considered only the activities related to training and placement cell for enhancing the employability skills and placements in the institute. A larger study including other categories needs to be undertaken.

Social Implications: The analysis is based on the opinion of the students, faculty, recruiters and actual values obtained after the implementation of the initiatives. Authors believe that a similar process with suitable modifications can be adopted to enhance the employability skills of students and placements of any educational institute.

Originality: This study is original in the sense that data is collected directly from the students. Further, in this study systematic mapping of SWOC analysis, initiatives undertaken and outcome of these initiatives is being carried out. The outcome of this study will help the Management, Principal and other senior faculty in developing appropriate strategies for enhancing the employability skills and placements.

Keywords

Employability Skills, Training and Placement, SWOC Analysis, Higher Education, Global Competition, Quality Technical Education, Google Form, Google Sheets.

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