“There is a mismatch between implementation and strategic thinking in education”

  Dr. K S Badarinarayan, Principal of MVJCE, affiliated to the Visweshwaraiah Technological University

There is a skill gap between corporate requirements and what the student learns. What are the key concerns you have as an educationist?
At present, our education system is still following the traditional way of learning, change of approach is required to learn, unlearn and relearn. Learning should be practical, with emphasis on application rather than theory. This would help students remember concepts for life and apply the same in their work life. Students are more focused on passing their exams. The need to be industry ready is still lacking.
What do you think is the reason behind this?
There has been incredible growth in technology. Technology growth is outpacing the rate at which education can adapt. This had happened earlier in developed countries too, in the 40’s and 50’s, there was a big gap between industrial growth and the education adaptability rate.
In India, Cloud computing, data management are still not in the regular curriculum. A mismatch between implementation and strategic thinking is seen here in education. Leaders  (as in educationists) with foresight are the need of the hour.
What is your opinion about corporate-academia cooperation to make education requirement-specific has been noticed.
Typically education grows at a slower pace, the problem in India is more acute because technology itself is changing at a very fast rate. Yes, there should be collaboration between industry and institute on a continuous basis. But also, Academia should restructure their syllabus according to market requirements and deliver to their students and this in turn would make them industry ready.
 What is your take on skill development organisations and foundations?
At basic level, these foundations will nurture and train the students on their skills. They provide the basics of what is required by the industry. The students need to imbibe these skills, add value and enhance their performance level in the industry to be more competent.
I feel the finishing school concept can be introduced at university/college level, as their regular curriculum to strengthen the capabilities of students.
What steps is your institution taking to make your students better skilled and employable?
We are trying our best to minimise the skill gap. Following steps have been taken by us as an institution, to make our students better skilled and employable

• Comprehensive 200 hours of training program, spread over 4 years to train the students on communication skills, technical skills, aptitude skills and soft skills.
• Industry executives give lectures and insight into industry requirements.
• Students who have been placed in various industries, mentor the pre-final year students.
• Industrial visits and internships are very important to our institution.