Shift from Employability Focus to Future-Ready Skills: A Case Study in Educational Innovation

A Summary of the Presentation by Dr Raman Batra during the First National Conclave on Design Thinking (March 27, 2024)

Holistic education is one that looks at every angle of a student’s development. This also includes skills such as Critical Thinking and Design Thinking. While it is definitely desirable to help students inculcate these skills, how can an educational institution provide the right ambience and facility along with approach?

Dr. Raman Batra, Executive Vice President of Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology (NIET), Greater Noida, shared his perspective on NIET’s remarkable journey of integrating Design Thinking into the institution’s DNA, transforming it into a hub of innovation and future-ready skill development.

The Genesis of Change: A Focus on Employability

Established in 2001, NIET recognized the need to equip students with skills that would make them readily employable. Their pioneering finishing school program significantly boosted placement rates, setting the stage for further innovation. Dr. Batra’s encounter with Design Thinking proved to be a turning point. Inspired by its human-centric approach and problem-solving potential, he embarked on a mission to embed it within NIET’s framework.

Autonomy and Growth: A Catalyst for Transformation

Achieving autonomy granted NIET the freedom to experiment and tailor its teaching methods. This led to a surge in student enrollment and the establishment of the School of Future Skills, a testament to NIET’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Design Thinking in Action: Transforming Communication Skills

One of the most compelling examples of Design Thinking’s impact at NIET is the transformation of students’ communication skills. Recognizing this as a major challenge, NIET developed a mobile app offering 24/7 access to communication skill development resources. Additionally, an innovative speaking assessment method was introduced. The results were remarkable, with placement rates soaring even during an economic downturn.

Beyond Communication: A Holistic Approach

Design Thinking’s influence extends to various aspects of student life at NIET. For instance, a student-run cooperative mess system was implemented to address concerns about hostel food, demonstrating the power of involving stakeholders in problem-solving.

Empowering Educators: Faculty Development and Upskilling

NIET prioritizes faculty development, providing free access to Coursera certifications and incorporating Design Thinking training into performance evaluations. This ensures that educators are equipped to guide students on their Design Thinking journey.

Impact on Research and Innovation

The adoption of Design Thinking has spurred a significant rise in patent publications and research papers at NIET, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering a culture of innovation.

Spreading the Design Thinking Mindset

NIET actively promotes Design Thinking in schools by training school faculty and organizing Design Thinking competitions. This initiative aims to cultivate a problem-solving mindset from a young age.

Success at Smart India Hackathon

NIET’s consistent success in the Smart India Hackathon is a testament to its students’ Design Thinking and prototyping skills, demonstrating the real-world applicability of these skills.

Workshop-Style Learning: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

NIET has implemented workshop-style teaching methods for programming subjects, providing students with hands-on experience and enhancing their employability.

Sustainability and Women Empowerment: A Commitment to Social Impact

NIET supports startups focusing on sustainable development goals and actively promotes women entrepreneurship, aligning its efforts with critical societal needs.

Conclusion

Dr. Batra’s presentation showcased NIET’s successful transformation into a model institution that has embraced Design Thinking. By integrating this human-centered approach into its core, NIET empowers students with future-ready skills, fosters innovation, and creates a positive impact on society. NIET’s journey serves as an inspiration for academic leaders seeking to reimagine education and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

About the First National Conclave on Design Thinking

The School of Design Thinking and Intellect Design Arena hosted the First National Conclave on Design Thinking on March 27, 2024. The conclave provided a platform for participants (Vice Chancellors, Directors and Deans) from across Universities to come together and understand the different perspectives of the academic world on Design Thinking and its application. The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.)T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE as the Chief Guest.

The key highlight of the event was the launch of AcademiaNxt partnership program – a dedicated program for universities and colleges to help shift the mental model of students and faculties – leading to learning excellence and talent development. The partnership provides the higher education institutions an avenue to creating a culture of Design Thinking in the campus through various contextual and composable initiatives.

For more details write to info@d-thinking.com or call +91 96000 05429.