Innovations by the Faculty in Teaching and Learning:

Goals:

In addition to conventional classroom instruction, the department utilizes inventive strategies and implements them through measurable programs to improve the educational experience for students.

The department is committed to:

• Improve student education using innovative approaches.
• Enhance students understanding of and proficiency with innovative techniques and approaches.
• Employ innovative methodologies to broaden student’s outlooks on contemporary and societal matters, in addition to acquiring technology and tools in academics.
• Promote a culture of creative thinking among students by encouraging idea generation and collaborative execution through a variety of group activities.

List of initiatives in teaching and learning process followed by the department:

Every faculty member uses innovative techniques to improve instruction. Every faculty member, uses innovative strategies to improve each student's teaching-learning experience and assist them in comprehending the concepts throughout the year. The following are important efforts undertaken by the department faculty. However, it should not be taken as a complete list; instead it should be viewed as a phase in an ongoing process of progress.

1. CESA activities
2. Virtual labs /MS teams
3. Knowledge wall
4. Use of ICT based teaching tools
5. E content on Slide share/YouTube Etc
6. Project Based Learning
7. Advanced initiative
8. Industrial Visits
9. Publications by students
10. Self-Learning through NPTEL Courses

1. CESA activities:

The department has CESA (Civil Engineering Students Association), which provide a good platform for students to participate actively in the various competitions and lectures. CESA activities include guest lectures, quiz competitions, debate competition, soft skill lectures, and celebrations of Teachers Day, Engineers Day etc. Each student chapter has one faculty advisor for mentoring, guidance, and overall governance.

Outcome: Enrich students learning the skills like communication, presentation, leadership etc.

Table1(a): Activity for Academic Year 2021-22

Figure 1: Design of Water Supply System using EPANET

Figure 2: Introduction to Geoinformatics with Digitization of Maps

Figure 3: Planning of Residential and Public Building using AutoCAD

Table 1(b): Activity for Academic Year 2022-23

Figure 4: Workshop on Hydraulic Design of Water and waste Water using Sewer GEMS and Water GEMS

Figure 5: Battle of Brains

Table 1(c): Activity for Academic Year 2023-24

Figure 6: Calci Event

Figure 7: Engineer’s Day Celebration

2. Virtual labs /MS teams

Some relevant experiments are carried out online with the assistance of simulators. Such online resources are known as virtual labs and they are part of an excellent innovative initiative, spear headed by Govt. of India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development. During the pandemic, staff and students effectively used virtual labs to conduct practical classes. During the pandemic period, staff members and students have effectively utilized Microsoft Teams for conduction of theory and practical classes as shown in Figure.8, 9, 10 and 11.It is also used for sharing of learning material and assignments submission. Staff member shared learning material to students by creating team on Microsoft team platform so that student can have easy access to all as shown in Figure.12.

Outcome: Itcontribute significantly to enhancing learning outcomes, promoting collaboration and improving productivity in educational and professional skills of students.

Figure 8: Snapshots of Lectures conducted on MS Team Platform

Figure 9: Snapshots of Lectures conducted on MS Team Platform

Figure 10: Snapshots of Lectures conducted on MS Team Platform

Figure 11: Snapshots of Lectures conducted on MS Team Platform

Figure 12: Learning material uploaded by faculty on MS Teams

3. Knowledge wall:

Faculty members use models to increase students interest and level of learning. The main goal of this is to engage students in an active learning environment. Every professor has created a knowledge wall for their respective subjects. The knowledge wall was used by the subject teacher to provide brief overview of subjective along with their relevance with POs and PSOs during theory and practical sessions. Sample of Knowledge wall is given in Figure.13.

Outcome: It helps in Subject knowledge enhancement of students.

Figure 13: Knowledge Wall of Concrete Technology

4. Use of ICT based teaching tools:

In order to boost students interest and level of learning, professors use animations, PPT, videos and CASE studies with the help of smart board. The major objective is to spark student’s attention and strengthen their knowledge.

• Easy Note software has been installed in all smartboards & is used by faculty to write the problem solutions & calculations. This is shown in Figure.14 and 15.
• Faculty members upload their course learning material, presentations prepared using ICT tools on MS-Teams.
• During online teaching mode, faculty members use MS-Teams & Office 365. This enables them to conduct online lectures, online assessment & upload course material. Moreover, recordings of video lectures prepared by faculty members are also available in MS-Teams.

Outcome: Due to usage of ICT based teaching tools students will have better understating of topic related respective subjective.

Figure 14: Use of Smart Board for Classroom Teaching

Figure 15: Use of Smart Board for Classroom Teaching

5. E content on Slide share/YouTube Etc.:

Some Faculty members have also created their own Slide share and You Tube accounts where they post study materials for their specific subjects. The links are distributed to the students and the content is available to all.

Outcome: It contributes to student’s knowledge and opportunity for self-study.

(https://www.slideshare.net/DarshPatel8/edit_my_uploads)
Figure 16: Snapshots of Presentation Shared on Slide Share Platform

(https://www.slideshare.net/BASWESHWARJIRWANKAR1)
Figure 17: Snapshots of Presentation Shared on Slide Share Platform

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIcJaU7pmtIPbOKhVzhYeQ)
Figure 18: Snapshots of Presentation on YouTube Platform

Figure 19: Snapshots of Presentation on YouTube Platform

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNpjP8gEDAw)
Figure 20: Snapshots of Presentation Shared on YouTube Platform

(https://www.studocu.com/in/user/9951661)
Figure 21: Snapshots of Presentation Shared on Studocu Platform

6.Project Based Learning:

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been implemented for students with the aim of fostering motivation through collaborative group work to tackle challenges. PBL, a student-focused teaching method, utilizes an interactive classroom environment where students delve into real-world problems to enhance comprehension. Through investigating and addressing complex questions or issues, students acquire knowledge about a subject gradually, engaging in inquiry-driven and active learning. Moreover, PBL transforms the teacher's role into that of a mentor, guiding students throughout the learning journey. Details of PBL done by students are summarized in table 5.5.6 given below.

Outcome: Students can complete projects and develop expertise of creative methods.

Table 6: Project Based Learning

7. Advanced initiative:

The contemporary education system is swiftly progressing to integrate innovative teaching methodologies and approaches aimed at fostering a climate of diversity and inclusivity. Likewise, every educator possesses a unique instructional approach, yet they all share the common objective of nurturing a passion for learning among their students. Departments implement various advanced initiatives such as Avishkar and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan cell etc. leveraging modern technology to enhance educational practices.

Outcome: By employing Advanced Initiative, students enhance their problem-solving and innovative thinking skills while broadening their perspectives on emerging technologies, tools in academia, contemporary issues, and social issues.

Figure 22: Snapshots of Presentation of Students in Avishkar 2023-2024

Figure 23: Participation of Student in Maharashtra Startup Yatra 2022 Certificate

Figure 24: Project on Comprehensive Study of Green Roof Performance and its Suitability in Indian Climatic Condition

Figure 25: District Level Project Competition which was associated with Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) and was the winner

8. Industrial Visits:

Enhancing collaboration between educational institutions and industries is crucial in contemporary society, serving as a robust platform for fostering innovative pedagogy. The objective of this collaboration is to enhance the calibre of technical education to align with industry demands. This synergy between academia and industry not only enhances the teaching-learning process but also enriches students' understanding of industrial dynamics, equipping them with practical expertise and nurturing their entrepreneurial confidence. Through initiatives like guest lectures, field trips, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities, students acquire a diverse range of skills. Furthermore, the department has established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various corporations, enabling students to gain valuable industrial insights through these partnerships.

Outcome: Provides a platform for students to learn about industry expectations

Figure 26: Visit at Water Treatment Plant(WTP) at Hanuman Tekri, Dhule (MS)