Innovations in Teaching Methodologies to Improve the Results of Core Subjects at the first Year Level:A Study under Autonomous Scheme

Abstract

In the engineering education, the first year results of a student set the tone for the future and, indeed, whether a student decides to remain in the engineering program at all. Engineering programs around the country experience difficulty in assisting students with the transition from intermediate level to college level, and struggle with the delicate balance between supporting a student's transitional needs and maintaining academic rigor in a Competitive environment. The first year confronts students with a curriculum especially in core subjects that challenges their long held beliefs of "being good in math and science." Their first introduction to engineering education throws them into the realm of learning through experience and discovery. This at times can be overwhelming and challenging, on the way to achieving the goal of providing them with enough information to help them understand the breadth of the engineering profession. This paper elaborates upon three specific discussion points: Core subjects in which generally students score less at first year level, Methodologies and practices implemented to improve the scores in these subjects and the challenges faced in the implementation process.