An undergraduate or postgraduate degree goes beyond mere academic credentials, traditional classroom instruction, and routine projects. Today’s education is about cultivating a mindset very intensely focused on critical thinking, spotting market gaps, scaling growth, and reshaping the business landscape for the greater good. At the very core, what propels a growth mindset is a robust applied learning approach at University-Level coupled with the right Infrastructure and curriculum.
Applied learning goes beyond rote memorization in textbooks, propelling students into the dynamic arena of real-world projects. This approach bridges the theory-practice gap by allowing students to grapple with authentic problems and directly apply their knowledge.
Regardless of the discipline—whether it’s technology, design, business, or architecture—those who excel later in their careers are professionals with a robust growth mindset. These are individuals who apply their knowledge effectively, possess a holistic understanding of their roles, and confidently step into leadership positions as CEOs, board members, and chief strategists. They are the forces that set new benchmarks in uncharted territories, inspiring others to follow.
What is the true mark of a successful applied learning program?
Students translate their knowledge into tangible results, like securing grants, developing patentable ideas, and creating impactful work. Let’s delve into a few successful outputs of the applied learning approach.
Proven Benefits of Applied Learning
- Bridges the Theory-Practice Gap
- Nurtures a Growth Mindset In Students
- Prepares a Workforce Ready for the Future
- Boosts Student Engagement
- Sparks Innovation and Entrepreneurship
From Classroom Project to Indo-French Film Festival: How Did Abhinav Sai Kolla Make It Happen?
Let’s consider the journey of Abhinav Sai Kolla, a Product Design student at Woxsen University, Hyderabad. While pursuing his undergraduate studies, Abhinav made history with his film “BAND,” which has recently earned recognition as the “Best Animated Short Film” at the Indo-French International Film Festival. Remarkably, “BAND” is one of the pioneering films crafted using Traditional Kondapalli Toys.
What began as a classroom project evolved into Abhinav’s graduation masterpiece, captivating audiences at the film festival. Reflecting on his journey in an interview with Newsmeter, Abhinav remarked, “…My academic pursuit in B.Des Hons in Product Design equipped me with profound insights into software design, enabling me to breathe life into characters. Furthermore, my education enlightened me about the challenges encountered by craftsmen….”
What drives creative talents like Abhinav is the nurturing of the right skill set, refining their abilities through applied learning practices, and exposing them to industry trends and innovations. While numerous aspiring design students aim to make a mark in the industry, only a select few succeed. The distinguishing factor? A growth mindset, especially cultivated during one’s college years.
How did Avani’s Idea bag a Grant from MSME while she was pursuing her BBA?
While Abhinav’s narrative highlights the transformative power of applied learning in upscaling students’ creative potential, Avani’s Story shows how the power of extraordinary business Ideas takes flight. Even more so, if you are provided with the right platform.
Avani Reddy, a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) student, secured a remarkable grant of 15 Lakhs at the MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0 (Women). Out of an impressive 18,888 submissions, Avani’s venture, Indian Craft Connect, emerged as one of the top 397 projects selected for funding.
Indian Craft Connect is a cutting-edge AI & AR platform designed to bridge the gap between artisans and buyers. It celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering a seamless experience for both artisans showcasing their skills and buyers exploring unique creations.
Avani Reddy, on achieving this remarkable milestone, expressed, “Receiving funding from MSME for my idea fills me with excitement and gratitude. The guidance and mentorship provided by the university and its Trade Tower have been instrumental in this journey,”
Avani’s success story serves as a compelling testament to how applied learning in a University can create a growth mindset in students when provided with a platform like that of Trade Tower. The Trade Tower stands as a boon for budding student entrepreneurs taking them ahead in the Journey of entrepreneurial excellence and embodying commitment to fostering a sustainable ecosystem.
Digging deeper into Avani’s innovative platform, it’s evident that her success stems from an immersive learning experience in a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence Studio and valuable insights from industry leaders that in today’s educational scenario play a vital role in nurturing students.
Waste Not, Want Not: Students Turn Waste into Treasure?
Universities are hotbeds of collaboration, where students and professors team up on groundbreaking projects. A prime example is the “Intelligent Domestic Waste Digester,” a patented student-professor invention by Ravi Gunupuru, Janmejay Sahoo, Kiran K Ravulakollu, and Rohit Polishetty.
As mentioned by the Team from Woxsen University “This invention provides for an intelligent waste digester system and a method thereof. The system consists of a custom-defined bio-accumulator that collects the domestic bio-waste from single or multiple users and feeds into multi-layered and diversified compartments wherein the digestion process is initiated. The intelligent waste digester system contains integrated sensory modules, connected to the parameter validation module and AI module wherein this sensory module communicates to the controller with the centralized network for activating the actuators through AIM (Artificial Intelligence Module)”.
AI Research Center At Woxsen University
This extraordinary invention has been patented by Indian Patent Office, Government of India. The collaboration between students and professors in today’s universities continues to foster innovation and drive groundbreaking advancements in various fields. This project in specific stands as a testament to this synergy. Their patented invention showcases the potential of integrating technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability to address pressing challenges like waste management. Such initiatives highlight the growth mindset that universities nurture in today’s student talent to create a transformative impact.
The Answer For All Of These Extraordinary Milestones: APPLIED LEARNING
Applied learning is a game-changer in higher education. It equips students with the skills and mindset to become future leaders who can solve real-world problems. Stories like Abhinav’s award-winning film, Avani’s grant-winning Business Idea, and countless others show the amazing potential when education goes beyond textbooks.
But how do we explore applied learning further?
The answer lies in a collective effort. Universities need to invest in robust applied learning programs with the right infrastructure and mentorship. Students fueled by a growth mindset should actively seek out these opportunities.
Universities are transforming into hubs of creativity and innovation. This means they are preparing for a future where students can turn their ideas into reality, seamlessly connecting theory to practice and making a positive impact on society.
Let’s harness the power of applied learning by building a future where learning has no limits and where every challenge is a chance to make your mark. Given the platform, power, and price for their innovations, every potential student is a skilled leader in the making.
Together, we can create a world where education fuels endless possibilities.
