Interview: Dr. Artee Aggrawal, Associate Professor at Amity University, Mumbai|Collegedunia

Interview by Bhawna Rawat

Dr. Artee Aggrawal is presently working as the Associate Professor at Amity Universiy Mumbai. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Lucknow University, Lucknow (UP), UGC-NET certificate for lectureship in Sociology, M.Phil. in Business Administration from D.Y. Patil University, MBA from IGNOU and M.A. in Sociology from CCS University.

Dr. Aggrawal has been honoured with the “PROF. INDIRA PAREEKH 50 WOMEN IN EDUCATION LEADERS” award by world education congress- 2018. She has 15 years of teaching and research experience and 2 years of corporate experience. She is the Head of Amity Innovation Incubator and a member of University Research Committee (URC), ICC for sexual harassment at the workplace, Board of Studies and Department Research Council (DRC) with Amity University, Mumbai.

Dr. Aggrawal has authored more than 20 papers published in International Journals and co-authored 9 books. She is the Coordinator for Community Initiatives and has conducted several social activities like teaching village children, computer literacy for village women, cleanliness drive, blood donation camps, cloth and food donation for orphan children etc. She has successfully organized AMINOVA (Amity University Mega Annual Fest) consecutively for three years, Conferences on International Business, National HR conferences, MDPs, FDPs and an Industrial visit to International destination like Singapore and Hong Kong (China) etc.

Sharing knowledge is the most fulfilling gift which only the education sector provides

Education Industry is one of the most rewarding and satisfying in the country. As a I love interacting with my students. Working with today’s dynamic makes it more challenging all the time.

To be able to share knowledge is the most fulfilling gift this industry provides, knowing that I’m contributing by providing a direction and guiding my students.

It is leaders’ responsibility to create opportunities for their team members to maximize their contribution

The core of being a leader is to be able to create an for every member to contribute and grow from the experience, to work alongside his/her team members and empower them.

I believe in leading from behind and allowing each team member to be creative and innovative in accomplishing their tasks.

Team building is the most challenging task for any leader. Understanding the core-competencies of team member and thereby maximizing their contribution in the assigned task is the role of any leader according to me.

Keeping the current generation focussed in the class is the biggest challenge for teachers

Today, we are dealing with the generation in our classrooms. This generation is lazy in nature and has a very short span of attention. There does seem to be more of an emphasis on the self than in previous generations. This is one reason why this generation is also called Generation ‘Me’.

Dealing with this group in the classroom and keeping them focused on the curriculum based teaching is the biggest challenge. Therefore, I use innovative pedagogy in the class to engage my students. So, through storytelling, discussions, Flip learning, audio-visual aids, case studies or field visits, I try to make my class full of activities so that students can connect themselves to the topic and a natural learning happens.

Worked to develop a dynamic curriculum while working at Prakritim Business School

In the capacity of the Director- Academics of Prakritim Business School, I was working constantly for developing a dynamic curriculum, bringing the best global practices to our campus and to look out for engaging activities, simulations and interventions that enable access to more globalized education which would be completely apt for making a well-endowed professional.

We have a dynamic curriculum which integrates the traditional syllabus with the latest industries’ trends

Amity sets the benchmark of the global education with a system that matches the best of practices, theories, resources and standards all over the world. We have a dynamic semester-based courseware created by integrating the traditional syllabus with the latest trends across disciplines to suit the current industry requirements.

We also have a process of evaluation and appraisal involving a bi-annual review by the Area Expert Committee, the Board of Studies and the Academic Council. Evaluation and achievement of course-objectives, based on feedback reports on the placements, employability of the graduating students, developments in technology, and statutory compliance of various bodies.

Impacts of technology on the future education

In the next five years, the whole landscape of education will change. There will be more flexibility of curriculum. Students would be developing relevant skills from various and sources of education. There will be more experiential curriculum introduced in the classes. As far as replacing teachers is concerned, we might be sending kids to school in self-driving cars by 2020, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be taught by teacher-avatars and given tests via drone.

Education needs will drive technology use, rather than the ‘coolness’ of technology trumping education. Instead of simply finding ways to put more tablets in kids’ hands, education technology will find new ways to supplement the best learning possible regardless of the “coolness” of new tech.

The mentor-mentee system in our university ensures a strong teacher-student bond

We have a robust mentor-mentee system in our university through which a continuous mentoring is done to the assigned students. I also interact with the students on a regular basis. Of course new platforms like WhatsApp etc. have made it more convenient to connect with them and guide them.

An ideal school environment for a B School is formed by a knowledgeable faculty

An ideal B-School environment works to build safe learning spaces for students. It attracts teachers who are knowledgeable, about student learning, and adapt their instructions to meet the needs of their learners. It works hard to make the curriculum relevant to the lives of students and also recognizes that students’ success is a complex idea and measuring it must be accomplished with many tools. I would encourage developing such work culture by valuing others.

The top qualities that an aspiring Management student must possess

An MBA degree demands leadership qualities in a student to lead a team in the world. some of the most important qualities are commitment and focus. A student should have a clear idea of why he/she wants an MBA degree and what to do for a . Then comes the communication Skills. Any effective business leader has to have great communication skills and it certainly helps if those communication skills are honed before starting B-School.

Creativity and out of the box thinking is the today along with Decision-Making Skills. And last but not the least is discipline. An MBA candidate should be self-disciplined.

Goals for the Institute for the next few years

Amity has expansion planning. We are looking forward to many tie-ups with renowned international universities and starting off a student exchange program. Some industry oriented tie-ups like with CII and RICKs is already in place.

Words of wisdom to guide the youth and students

For the young generation today, I would like to say Challenge yourself. Do the work you care about. Your passion should drive your profession. You should love what you are doing. There is no profession big or small, high or low. Every profession needs dedication. Dedicate yourself completely to your work and enjoy doing that. And finally, take the risk.