Innovative Teaching Methods in Indian Higher Education for Increasing Student Engagement

Remote learning could not retain students’ attention for longer, and virtual classes disconnected empathy between faculty and students. The findings of the study also stated that this disconnects due to absence of physical interaction between faculty and students further hampered student engagement.

In this scenario, there is an urgent need to innovate teaching methods to increase student engagement. In a one-to-one chat with Dr Nitu Bhatnagar (Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur), she said, “Student engagement is a crucial element of education. It improves the ability to retain information for a longer time. Students can analyse and interpret the learning better. Attentive classrooms make it manageable, improve commitment to education and reduce dropout rates significantly. At Manipal University Jaipur, we focus on experiential learning through research & projects and industry-based internships to make education effective, engaging and relevant.”

As per the NASSCOM Insights report in the FICCI-EYP Knowledge Report’ Higher Education in India: Vision 2047′, India is experiencing a clear demand-supply gap in the digitally skilled workforce. In 2020, India’s demand for employees with digital skills was around 8x the size of the available talent pool. By 2024, the market for a digitally skilled workforce is projected to become 20x the available talent pool. Demand for digital roles is rising at a CAGR of 19.23%, while the professionals with digital skills are growing only by 16-20%.

A study says that progressive teaching methods help to improve engagement and boost employability and, therefore, can support filling this void to prepare India for the Digital Era or Web 3.0.

Heeding the need, universities and the Indian government have taken several steps to implement innovative and effective teaching methods. NEP 2020 is one of India’s most noteworthy educational reforms, which aims to improve teaching methods at par with global standards and ensure the overall growth of students.

Dr Nitu Bhatnagar believes, “Education should be fun, relevant and effective. It improves engagement and ensures the best learning outcomes. We organise various experiential learning exercises at MUJ to make education as engaging and effective as possible.”

Here are some recommended teaching methods to improve student’s engagement levels.

• Flipped Classroom is a type of blended learning method. Students learn concepts at home through class recordings, live sessions, podcasts, etc., and practice at school.
• Project-based Learning provides real-world experience. Students participate in practical projects, collaborate with a team and apply classroom learnings in a real workplace environment.
• Peer Teaching and Mentoring is a type of collaborative learning. Students and teachers work and support each other, which helps with personal and academic development. This teaching method can be through various forms such as one-to-one, group, online, etc.
• Gamification is an innovative teaching method with game elements like leaderboards, badges, point systems, etc., in a learning atmosphere to motivate learners. It improves students’ attention span, inspires them to continue their education and boosts learning outcomes.
• Active Learning Strategies improve students’ engagement comparatively more than traditional methods. Examples are think-pair-share, experiential learning, cooperative learning, educational games, problem-based learning, peer instructions, role-playing, and more.
• Technology Integration creates an equitable learning environment where students learn according to their pace. It is essential to develop digital skills and prepare for future job roles. Digital field trips, social media integration, gamification, creating digital content, reviewing and analysing web pages, live/recorded classes, etc., are ways to integrate tech into learning methods.

Flexible learning paths, reforms in assessment/evaluations, introduction of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses, dual programs, and guest lectures are crucial aspects to improve teaching methods.

Dr Nitu Bhatnagar firmly believes in the magic of integrating experiential activities in pedagogy to improve engagement. She recalled Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” to establish her viewpoint to improve teaching methods and make it engage and student-centric.

She said, “We at Manipal University, Jaipur, organise experiential activities and provide state-of-the-art infra and other opportunities for extra-curricular activities. MUJ offers world class indoor and outdoor sports facilities, health & fitness centres, 75+ students clubs and much more. Clubbing classroom learning with extra-curricular activities and experiential learning improves overall performance of the students in grades, and professional acumen.”

Another teaching method that’s trending these days, recognised by UNESCO and several universities globally, is the Ubuntu method of education. It originated in Africa and is based on the philosophy that ‘All humanity is connected.’ It is a humanist education method explored extensively in the International Review of Education – Journal of Lifelong Learning by UNESCO. The Ubuntu teaching method implies that if all students are treated well and similarly, their performance improves.

The evolution of technology, changing socio-economic metrics, the coronavirus pandemic and other reasons necessitated the need to innovate and implement effective teaching methods that connect, improve engagement and multiply productivity. Implementing these teaching methods in pedagogy can enhance leadership skills and better prepare students for the world. However, it is also essential to assess the available resources and upgrade them to implement suitable new-age teaching methods if required.

Let’s conclude with the wise words of Yong Zhao, “The new age survival skills are effective communication, critical-thinking skills, and curiosity. These are not optional but mandatory for all, not only for elites of the society.” Innovative teaching methods focusing on new-age skills and infotainment elements improve engagement and employability and boost the overall education system.

(References: Businessworld, journals.co.za, FICCI, Learning Matters, Aha Slides)