Best Practices
Best Practices
Lab to Land- to bridge gap between academia and real life.
- Objectives of the Practice
- To Inculcate critical thinking, experiential learning, problem solving among students.
- Engage students in more thoughtful way.
- Link curricular concept with its real-world output.
- Create interest in student regarding subjects studied in curriculum and utilize the information with either social contribution or entrepreneurial scale.
- 3. The Context
The new education policy 2020 emphases on developing analytical and critical thinking in students. innovative practices was designed that serves as link between curriculum knowledge and its practical output that can serve as solutions for day-to-day life issues. Institute organizes many innovative practices that are not only able to create interest in students regarding subject but also being audio-visual mode of conveying information, it benefits in developing many facets like public speaking, concept commercialization.
- 4. The Practice
Subjects taught in course of Pharmacy are having practical as part of curriculum. Without disturbing the principle of experiment, procedural changes were inculcated that allows and inspire students to look at it with completely new perspective also the concept to be taught was designed as challenge or awareness program to bring attention and interest of students. In subject Microbiology the introduction of microscope was linked with scanning and cleanliness of nails. The experiment was switched to cleansing of uncut nails of some students, the dirt obtained from nails was observed under microscope. The moving micro-organisms will definitely inspire students to take good care of manicure. It also creates interest among students regarding microscope principle and functions. This experiment was expanded as awareness program our students who learned the concept explain it to pupils of schools. Communication skill, planning of event, execution in team work with different orientations, problems in arrangements and its innovative solutions are some of important life skill which were imparted by faculties. In subject Pharmaceutical Analysis, the experiment involving redox titration using potassium permagnate as self-indicator was reincarnated with beet root juice resembling potassium permagnate with violet red color. Students were challenged to decolorize the beet root juice using liquids found in household. The purpose was to furnish creative instinct of the students. The skills and concepts of titrimetric analysis will be learned by students with curiosity. Secondly the concept of green chemistry minimal use of chemical, avoiding environment harsh chemicals and replacing it with eco-friendly chemicals was unknowingly grasped by students prevailing to garnish the notion wherever possible in upcoming future.
- 5. Evidence of Success
Students bring variety of solutions to decolorize the beet juice, on enquiry it was observed that students like to respond the challenge, to respond they also searched internet, during search they were learning the concepts, learning to link information from different sources. Eventually it addresses the major issue of todays education system that rely on threshold duplication of information without actual accomplishment of it. Awareness program was fruitful for high school students along with students volunteering the project as to represent it confidently they study hard. aligning with quote ‘best way to learn the concept is to teach it to someone’.
- 6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required
The semester duration is too short and it won’t allow teachers to engage students in such activities.
Diamonds in the dustbin– Need of hour
- Objectives of the Practice
- spread awareness among students regarding environment protecting strategies and probable actions.
- Convert biodegradable waste in manure and inculcate optimism regarding such practices in younger minds.
- Non-biodegradable waste to usable asset.
- The Context
Pollution is one of the alarming issues in front of whole human race. The nature of this issue is more of psychological than physical. There is need of solution which is innovative, attractive and simultaneously practical. While designing this activity the major emphasis was given on the scientific concepts and complex science was kept simple so that even high school going kid able to replicate it with ease. The problem of pollution can be solved if it is linked to profitable outcome.
- The Practice
The practice was designed to involve students in construction and working of vermicompost bed. first empty plastic bottles were collected, these bottles are generally made up of 1st type of plastic PET Polyethylene terephthalate and it is designed for single use only as its frequent use may leach the carcinogenic element. Then filled with plastic waste mainly aluminum coated foils, wrappers of chocolate, chips and other fast foods as science explains these aluminum coated plastics cannot be recycled. Filling bottles with these plastic wastes prevent their distribution in land fill and leaching of harmful chemicals in land affecting fertility of soil. Burning these plastics is major practice which is even more harmful polluting air enormously. A liter bottle should weigh at least half kg this denotes proper filling of this bottle and its proper density so that it can further used in construction to build wall as replacement to brick. These eco-bricks used for the construction of vermicompost pit. Now this pit is coated with layer of cement from inner side preventing the contact of worms with plastic bottles or any waste material. The bed of vermicompost was filled with cow dung and other green waste generated from the campus. The students were motivated to visit vermicompost bed and add any wet garbage in that bed, also use of vermicompost was promoted in replenishing the plant and flora in campus. Even the practice of donating vermicompost as well worms to neighboring farmers was executed. Students were appointed responsibility of explaining the whole concept to visitors and farmers. student even volunteer in nearby schools and colleges to motivate students to inculcate such practices in their routine.
- Evidence of Success
Many farmers in vicinity were convinced to replace organic compost instead of chemical fertilizers.
Students were excited to spread the concept and they implied it in their life.
- Problems Encountered and Resources Required
The hesitance and indifference among student were major issues while conducting such practices.
‘awareness is not equal to transformation’ was experienced harshly during this endeavor.
