Workshop: Turning Point (Feb 2009)

Teaching is my passion. I like it because I believe as a teacher one can get the opportunity of 'creation'.

All those years of studying science, technology and application of science and technology (3 year or 4 year courses), it is important for students to be ready with all tools to face the industry and then be in the same (beastly, loving, caring, brutal, ruthless) industry to make ones living and career. I consider this to be a fairly serious task. As a student, at that age, it is not easy to understand how serious this learning business is. As the student gets into industry the situations make the student realise -- Wish I had know sooner.

Are these silver bullets which need to be known and are they finite in number. No. They are not. Being aware of most of it and then knowing the tools to face the unknown is most important.

As a part of my work for it in addition to being a faculty for many years is a workshop which I conducted for 200+ students of CITM and CIMR, Indore, India.

About the workshop: Title: Turning Point
From student to professional is really a turning point in the lives of many students. Being ready to the next phase as a professional is something that the student prepares for. Imagine a preparation of 3 to 4 years (of under graduate study) along with 17 years of prior formal education, to help one get thru the next 40+ years of active career. That's quite a bit of responsibility on the education.

This workshop was aimed at preparing students to face the entry point of the industry -- Written test, interview, group discussions -- with a great focus on how each one thru their planned and meticulous activities as a student can become more prepared to face the industry. Entry in the industry is just one smaller part. Staying there and making and being something is another.

Few points out of that workshop are:
Expectations from Students and Professionals at all times:

• Fundamentals, basics and concepts clear
• Application oriented thinking
• Technical skills (depth and breadth)
• Communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, one-one)
• Exposure to industry needs
• Ability to work in teams
• Analytical skills
• Methodical and structured approach to problem solving
• Learn, unlearn and relearn. Willingness to learn
  
• Flexibility, adaptability, high energy
• Personal discipline
• Ability to say 'I don't know' -- 'I have to learn'
• Ready to face challenges
• Self motivated and self learning
  

Ways and means to learn (as a student and beyond)

• Learn and share
• Quizzes and puzzles
• Presentation and discussions
• Relate: Concepts <> Application
• Connect: Industry needs <> Syllabus
• Labwork (beyond the journal)
• Project work (Individual)
• Project work (Team)
• Library and good books
• Mentor and Coach

Mock written test, interviews and group discussion was also conducted with a couple of students on stage. This gave a feel of what it is made up of.

'Turning Point' session was very well received and students and teachers liked it. This session was well covered in the local newspaper. The workshop was held on 13 and 14 Feb 2009.

Check the e-newspaper for 14th and 15th Feb 2009.
(http://www.bhaskar.com newspaper for Indore City Bhaskar)


Will sum it up with few quotes below

"You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing -- that's what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something."
--Richard P Feynman

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler."
--Einstein

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
--Confucius

Such a session is something that I believe will help more students.
cheers and Good Luck