Page 105 - NAAC SSR 2020

6.5 Internal Quality Assurance System

6.5.1 Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has contributed significantly for
institutionalizing the quality assurance strategies and processes by constantly reviewing

the teaching learning process, structures & methodologies of operations and learning

outcomes at periodic intervals

Response

I. Institutionalizing Experiential Learning

Since 2010, VIT has been extensively following the Project Based Learning (PBL) pedagogy. The
implementation of PBL has facilitated hands-on learning and resulted in substantially enhancing

the higher order thinking skills of students. Some of the important learnings from over six years of
practice of PBL are as follows:

• Provides a strong context for learning new ideas and concepts
• Enables accelerated learning and facilitates higher order thinking

• Appeals to slow learners and motivates them to perform well

• Reduces the gap between theory and practical applications

The IQAC reviewed the implementation of PBL in 2016 and decided to continue it further by

proposing the idea of organising school level Hackathons and Makeathons. As a maiden effort, 24
to 48 hour Hackathon and Makeathon events with industry collaboration were organised by five

schools, which provided great learning experience to the students. The competitive ambience of
‘hackathon’ events accelerated the learning pace and enabled deeper understanding of concepts

and applications. It also facilitated team work and collaborative learning among students.

With successful experiences in five schools, organising Hackathon, Makeathon, Codeathon,

Chemathon, Buildathon, Caseathon has evolved as a regular event. The institution allocates annual
budget for organising the ‘hackathons’, to encourage activity based learning. In a few instances,

‘Hackathons’ have resulted in generation of Intellectual Property.

To promote experiential learning, schemes such as Summer Research Grant Programme and Fast

Track Research Initiative were floated by two schools in the year 2016, which proved to be a very
successful venture. This summer research scheme was institutionalized from the AY 2018-19

onwards and the winners are honoured by the institute. In addition, UG students are encouraged to
take-up projects in niche areas namely 3D printing, Wearable technology, Bio-inspired design, IoT

& Cyber Physical Systems and VR & AR.
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