Engineering Education Scenario in Singapore Universities with Reference to India

forge Education Scenario in capital of capital of capital of Sin hurly burlyore Universities with reference to India Dr. Sushma S. Kulkarni, Director, Prof Martand T. Telsang, Dean academics Rajarambapu name of technology, Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra, www. ritindia. edu 1. 0 Relevance of Engineering education in India with respect to global scenario India has seen sudden growth of design Colleges in last 5- 7 forms. In 2005-06 the moment of colleges was 1475 and kernel come of seats was 499697. Whereas the numbers in 2010-11 is increase to 3241 colleges and 13,24,246 seats (data as published on AICTE website).The number of plan colleges in the current year 2012-13 go off soon rise to 3500 and more(prenominal). The mush meansing of Institutes is in truly sm whole span of time and in like manner geographic lone(prenominal)y unbalanced. Now when we examine the technical education scenario in India with the valet the situation is alarming. At be the number of appli ed science devotes whirl away from these sets is approximately 14 omit but the survey conducted by various agencies like NASSCOM indicates a blockheaded concern regarding the quality of graduates in toll of their employability, look into abilities, conceptual pellucidness and practical exposure of graduates. in that respect ar many ch all toldenges our Engineering Institutes be facing and this pauperization to be attended to. With this objective in mind a study of three Universities in capital of Singapore is presented namely field university of Singapore ,Nanyang Techlogical University & Nanyang engineering school institute which the author recently visited. 1. Engineering Education in ground forces, Singapore and India When we compare the Engineering Education (EE) in three countries in terms of numbers, engineering graduates passing out are mettlesomeest in India, followed by the States (almost 1/8th) and then Singapore.The focus on of EE in USA and Singapore is on fundamental interaction with Industries, manufacture based live juts, Industry Chair, inquiry pith in collaboration with Industry, Incubation Centers etc. program is think on passels on culture with Mini projects from first year onwards for developing innovative and creative mindset in students. thither is provision for field training, giving global exposure to students with credits weight-age(the students truly spend 3 months in a unalike country and leave out some relevant study based project). Entrepreneurship is given picky one subject weight age in curriculum.We could see halal blend of Humanities based subjects in the curriculum with an objective of creating engineers sensible to the needs of society. Other common features are expertness breeding centers and side of meat language learning centers for both competency and Students. We could everyplacely see grant study spaces for students to promote self and separate learning. 1. 2Current Scenario, Q uality issues Indian Engineers reserve earned a name for themselves all over the world. We could meet a large number of Indian professors in US universities as head as in Singapore Universities.Professors are highly respected as inquiry flows from university to fabrication, highly paid jobs, special status for research professors to beam out research, in some places scientists are appointed to pass by special research projects. PG level students are problematic in the projects wherein they get an fortune to learn on very bearing 1 performances. We now need to rethink salubrious-nigh the EE in India in the global consideration with the sudden expansion of EE and the related issues of Quality of education im dissolveed in these crude institutes.There is National get on of Accreditation (NBA) , norms of AICTE etc. But merely adhering to the norms will non ensure quality of graduate engineers. The Institutes need to work beyond norms to inculcate academic ambience in te rms of academics, research, industry institute interaction etc. India is too cerebration of signing Washington assent so that our graduates are accepted all over the world. But what about complying with the conditions of Washington accord? Challenges in India The challenges which we are facing today are the Leadership and governance to be impartd in the Institute.There is sudden shortage of academic draws because of this abrupt unexpected expansion of technical education. There is also shortage of training cogency cadre-wise from professors to associate professors and assistant professors. Inadequate number of readiness with required qualifications are non available. Post graduates and PhDs passing out give first preference to industry jobs because of the glamour and the higher salaries wedded to it. In India teaching jobs are not rated the highest and status wise also not as exceedingly respected as in USA or Singapore.Quality of Students Few premier Institutions like IIT , NITs, Government College and reliable backstage universities attract the talent. Rest separate institutions the Aptitude & post to learning engineering is low, hence the quality of in seat to such(prenominal) other institutes is not as per the expectations. As per the governing body policies students with minimum 45% recognises and for reserved kinsperson students the eligibility criteria is 40% marks in Physics, chemistry and mathematics. Thus sometimes these students befool on very poor fundamentals and are not basically heavy(p) operative type.Engineering education necessitate that the students should cod very good uninflected skills, fundamentals of basic eruditions, good logical, verbal and non verbal abilities on with application oriented mindset, sincerity, hard work and ability to think and apply knowlight-emitting diodege. Although the twelfth standard marks may not directly reflect all these abilities of students but the results of the almost all the newly started Engineering Institutes indicate that a large number of students are struggling with their first year results and the passing percentage is as low as 10% in certain institutes. Research goalIt is a great challenge to develop research culture in engineering institutes. The faculty needs to conduct the aptitude and attitude to do research and get a satisfaction and enjoyment in carrying out research through various projects. Generally it is seen that there is idolatry of taking up research work because of * Basic mindset positive in school as well at home not to try anything new as failure in any project is not accepted * Innovation and creativity are not encourage at school, college, university level through our curriculum No free hand given in terms of funding to try and experiment new things Open and free access to equipments to try and play approximately with equipments in laboratory so that it becomes enjoyable Government should give projects from their hurtle are as along with funding to the engineering institutes along with good mentoring and guidance so that it reaches students and in stages research aptitude and interest is developed instead of a concern of research. Industry Institute Interaction alumnas passing out from these institutes mainly take up jobs in Industries and a very small percentage opt for PG or research jobs.Those opting for entrepreneurship generally do job for 4-5 geezerhood to register the business and related systems. Thus giving exposure to industry working is important. It is important that Industry based electives are introduced in curriculum, real life projects are given to concluding year students and field training do mandatory during the four year of engineering education. Industry academia interaction should lead to the development of curriculum with industry representatives, industry visits, laboratories set up with industry collaboration to bring the latest technology to institutes and develop as centre of excellence etc.This industry interaction will bridge the gap between the two and our graduates will be accepted by industry in a better way. It is observed that when we correlate the theoretical concepts with real life situation the students descry it more interesting and easy to understand. floor Infrastructure and laboratories create the ambience for teaching learning in the institute. research laboratory work is the pulse of engineering program. It helps students to visualize what they learn in possibility and verify the laws, phenomenon, parametric studies etc.Learning by doing is one of the basic methods of developing theory process and acquiring various skills. It is signifi behindt to learn what other universities around the world are doing to achieve the desired quality in engineering education. Tie up with reputed global Universities to learn and understand their best practices and whence try to implement it advise help to develop quality processes. 1. 3 Our plan to visit Singapore University Their meticulous planning was seen right from our first email requesting them to give us appointment to visit their university.Appointment and Schedule of our missionary work , objectives of our visit, what particularly and specifically we would like to see, how many people will be there in delegation along with their position , who will lead it etc. all the details were finalized through email communication. We were received as per schedule, shown around the campus as per our objectives and then finally meeting with the President and other higher officials of the university was ordered to give us the details of university through show along with deliberations on areas of collaboration for mutual interest. They were truly professional in their approach.As our delegation was headed by Honorable Rural Development Minister, Mr Jayant Patil, all the protocols were followed as per the status. Objectives of our Visit * To study the strategies to meta morphose RIT in to technological University and transformation from beneath Graduate breeding Institute to Research Institute. * To study the best practices of individual universities / institutions. * To understand the Governance Structure & Funding Pattern of the University. To study the focalisation of Research, Frontier Areas of Research, Research Funding and Research Promotion Schemes. Opportunities for Collaborative Graduate & Undergraduate Programs (Twinning Programs). * State of the Art Technologies in Teaching Learning (Educational Technology). * To find out how Universities attract and retain the best talent world tolerant as a faculty (specific strategies and schemes) * To study Industry collaboration in Research and Methods for Promotion of Entrepreneurship 2. 0 An overview of universities in Singapore Three universities were visited namely National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Nanyang PolytecnicCertain observations & find out in each University * Students from all over the world could be seen making it truly an international level university, all the universities make believe excellent residential facilities for more than 10000 students, residential rapidness provided such that there is good mix up of students. * about placements global employment in companies, 2 in 3 graduates are engage before graduation the motto of universities is take the students to the world and bring students from the world to the university Faculty appraisal & tenure system followed in each university. unsettled salary given to faculty based on experience and performance. any(prenominal) newly inducted faculty has a tenure stream of minimum 6 years which notify be extended up to 9yrs. If the faculty is not confirmed in 9 years then the faculty is quit * Rigorous Curriculum in association with Industry, Industry attachment programs, faculty deputed to industry for industry exposure and capacity development * Government b ack up Universities in the form of funding for research, student fees etc. Classrooms are intentional with state of art technology with different type of sitting arrangements in furniture, White LCD screens on each wall of class room connected to lap twitch on each table so that the students can view from any side. * CR specially designed in such a way to promote interactive two way teaching process. Not the traditional way of all the students facing the teacher and teacher restricted to dais during teaching. Circular or hexagonal tables provided with 4-5 students per table. * Student ledger entry and attendance allowed in the Class room with the use of RFID reader and rag which is carried by student Teaching Methodology and pedagogy given rotary of importance with class rooms specially designed as per requirements * Faculty appointment done for following purpose for teaching only, for research only and few for both teaching and research * Governance Structure with Board of trus tees ,Senate, Academic Council, Board of Studies, President, Provost, Deans * Entrepreneurship education special courses and programs offered for experiential entrepreneurship, special lectures arranged by entrepreneurs and founders, courses offered in partner university Patents, publications and citations considered for appraisal of faculty * Though technological university it had proper blend of all other streams like Arts, * humanities, sciences, medicine, MBA, Institute of Education, environs and life sciences, media, Journalism, Information and communication etc. * Theory lectures conducted for large number of students from 120 to 400, up to 600 in some cases, Lecture theaters & halls well furnished, with proper lighting and automatic audio and video recording facility. Lectures also put on the intranet for he students to refer to whenever required. One to one focus on students learning in tutorial sessions. * More emphasis on assailable & self learning. Separate Rooms prov ided for students with Internet and various software along with Lap go alongs and Desktops etc in a separate building named as education preference centre wherein Facilities to do self study, general practice assignments/ presentations, etc. dowery of closed open spaces made available to student for purpose of study. Curriculum has focus on developing knowledge based presentation skills/ organizing thoughts.Individual Assignments and forwardness of students encouraged with proper assessment and feedback to students * Research funding given by disposal up to 80% and 20% by industries in thrust areas identified. PG and PhD students take up such research projects under the guidance of faculty * student fees supported by government in the form of scholarships , for students from Singapore supported up to 75% and other than Singapore up to 60% * No non teaching peon level staff seen in university, Faculty was self supported Salient features of each University National University of S ingapore The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapores global university with distinctive strengths in education and research and an entrepreneurial dimension. NUS offers comprehensive curricula in the Faculties of Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Design & Environment, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Science. As a research-intensive institution, the University continues to build on its burden areas of research excellence and to befuddle an impact with revolutionary discoveries. Reflecting squiffy research output a total of 2,146 papers are published in internationally refereed journals.NUS is actively involved in international academic and research networks such as the stand of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU). This global networking gain enhances its international presence. NUS produce research of international quality and impact in a broad range of fields. To maintain its competitive ed ge, the university desires to reinforce its core research infrastructure, faculty and programs. This is achieved by identifying and developing rapidly-emerging areas and promoting multi-disciplinary research.With a prime stead at the heart of University Town (UTown), there is a constant boil at the Education Resource Centre (ERC) where many of the facilities are handy 24/7. Open to the NUS community, the ERC attracts students with its array of IT and multimedia facilities, plentiful study clusters and group discussion spaces where students can brainstorm for group projects or work separately on course assignments. Designed to foster collaborative learning, the technology-infused seminar rooms in UTown also encourage professors to introduce new teaching methods, which could eventually be replicated to the wider NUS community.Such strategical planning demonstrates the Universitys commitment to enhance the overall educational experience for all NUS students. Separate Centre for position language communication (CELC)-Separate side of meat language development programs for Faculty and students, there is focus on reading, writing, intercommunicate and listening in English, special courses organized for Chinese students before they essence regular degree programs. The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers a verificatory and conducive environment for any student with personal issues or challenges to seek help and guidance from a professional counselor.A team of registered psychologist, counselors and case coordinator provide help and support for students from diverse religious, cultural, ethnic and sexual background 3. 11 Salient Features * Leading global university centered in Asia. 37,000 students. * Center for English Language communication. * 180 partnered Universities. Research-intensive institution with Research Areas as- Ageing, Risk Management, Water and Environment, biomedical Science mainly focusing on inter-disciplinary research. Variable salar y for faculty based on previous experience and achievements 3. 20 Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is an international university in all respects recruiting both undergrad and graduate students from many countries, not only in S E Asia and in terms of faculty recruitment but have people from well over 40 countries. IntheQS human University Rankings 2011, NTU is rank 58th in the world a quantum leap from its 74th placing in the 2010 ranking.This makes NTU one of the fastest-rising universities in the top 100 of the 2011 QS World University Rankings, as well as the fastest-rising Asian university. It is highly ranked in both World and Asian terms and are currently ranked 14 in Asia and Business School is ranked 24 in the World by the Financial Times in respect to their MBA programme. There has been a renewed impetus given to research, stimulated in part by the recruitment of leading scientists and technologists from across the World. Th ese leading figures will turn ripe research groups in forefront area.The university is fully committed to the development of multidisciplinary research in many areas of research Endeavour. The university has established its own high level international informatory body the NTUR Research Council, all major(ip) projects are expected to have high level international advisory panels and Appointments, Promotion and Tenure process for faculty is extremely rigorous. In undergraduate education, NUS has seen a rise in the qualifications of the students admitted to NTU. NTU has five distinct programs that allow students to study, do research and work overseas.Among these are the Global Immersion Programme, with four different work/study/research options with leading companies and partner-universities in Asia, Europe and labor union America. Currently, 43% of undergraduates enjoy overseas exposure, which helps them acquire a global mindset. Tech-savvy and adaptable, graduates of the unive rsity are sought-after and well-paid, drawing some of the highest starting salaries among local university graduates. NTU has unveiled its five-year strategic plan, NTU 2015, which maps out how it will become a great global university by 2015.Under this, NTU will build on its current strengths and heritage to make its mark internationally in five areas sustainability, healthcare, new media, the best of the East and West, and innovation. The areas supplement NTUs diverse strengths, particularly its longstanding expertness in engineering and business, and the interfaces these have with various disciplines such as healthcare, science and the humanities. With almost S$1billion of research funding in the area of sustainability, NTU is already a global leader in this area. 3. 21 Salient features * Currently ranked 14 in Asia * 34,000 students Research funding 80% from Govt. and 20% from Industry. Multidisciplinary research, Research areas Earth science innovation center, Environment an d Life science, Bioengineering, Bacterial Biofilm field Faculty on tenure for 6 years and maximum up to nine years. Alumni associations create all over the world in countries like China, india and Thailand. Has a strong alumni base of 1,56,000 in 105 countries NTU believe in 4I s Inspire, inculcate, innovate, cut through Laboratories have equipments made easily available to students. Very impressive lymph node book signing ceremony with the guest and the president of NTU . 30 Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Campus Brief history Established on 1 April 1992. Enrolled its pioneer piling of students for its School of Health Sciences and School of Business Management in July 1992. even off up the School of Engineering and the School of Information Technology in July 1993. The French-Singapore Institute, German-Singapore Institute and the Japan-Singapore Institute were transferred from the Economic Development Board to the Polytechnic in February 1993. Operated from five temporary campuses Bukit Merah, Jurong, Outram, Tiong Bahru and Yishun before moving to its permanent home in Ang Mo Kio in April 1998.Set up the School of Design and School of chemic & Life Sciences in November 2000. The School of Interactive & Digital Media was established in November 2006. Mr Chan Lee Mun took over as Principal and CEO in opulent 2007, Mr Lin Cheng Ton went on to head NYP International. 3. 31 Salient Features * Strategic plan for five years * Works with National Manpower council to work out the manpower needs of industry * Industry collaboration learning grind concept. * Teachers with at least 5 years experience in Industry . * Being a diploma level institute ,Patents registered. * Research determined by faculty & Industry. Polytechnic students take up research projects led by faculty. * Work closely with Industry and inject realism in work. * Innovation Centre * Market- point Planning, tuition Systems, Capabilities Development * Application and Development Oriented Trainin g Regional and International Orientation 3. 32 The Teaching mill Concept A hallmark concept of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) the Teaching factory Concept is a concept that facilitates effective learning in the effectuation of broad-based curricula in the first two years and specialist studies in the final year.The students spend 3-6 months in industry for internship to understand business environment and technical value. It is a concept which adopts a practice and application-oriented training approach that combines the learning and working environment from which realistic and relevant learning experiences arise. 4. 0 end It was seen that all the three Institutes have developed into world class Universities and polytechnic within a span of 15-20 years and this was planned as a strategy and supported by Government.If India has to be known for such globally reputed universities then it calls for a systematic strategic plan to set up goals and achieve it over a planned period with the support of our government and its policies. With all the resources available in our country and strategic planning we can develop our Engineering Institutes into world class Institutes. 8 There was null very different in the working and constitution of NTU and NUS. Both the universities were fling Engineering programs along with all the other programs like sciences, medicine, commerce, journalism, humanities etc.Proper policies to focus on faculty development & creation of research culture can help to transform our Engineering Institutes. There has been a shortage of serve faculty with PhDs and post graduates in engineering for a long period now. We need to scale up PhD and PG programs in our universities ensuring the quality standards . We also should have attractive schemes to be able to attract and convince the young times for higher studies so that there will be a pond of eligible , qualified research minded people available to fill the demand of industries and educatio n sector. There is shortage of 1. 5 lakh engineering teachers.As per NASSCOM News room as demand for engineers grows, experts say India has only 10 to 30% of qualified Instructors it needs. Government policies are supporting the government aided & funded institutes or Government Institutes what about private unaided Institutes which represent almost 90 % of Colleges in India, If in India more number of institutes should be able to provide manpower which is employable & useful to contribute to autochthonous Research & Development, Entrepreneurship in Engineering field, then it is must that our Engineering & Technology Institute should start adopting world class best practices.From all top Institutes almost 1/10th of our graduate engineers wish to take portal in foreign Universities for their post graduate and Ph. D. programmes. We need to reflect on this issue very seriously. How can we develop and improve prevailing engineering education system in India where our own students wi ll give top priority to study. Can Industries, small to medium scale depend on University and Engineering Colleges for their Research & Development?Can we identify certain Institutes as centres of Research & Development for Industries where they can collaborate? We are not thinking of large scale industries with higher turnover of more than Rs. 1000 crores as these industries can set up their own R & D units. If Industries also come forward with their needs and identify certain Education Institutes in their region to collaborate and work together then it will have dual benefit of getting proper manpower and continuous Training as well as Research & Development support, incubation centre etc.The students will get real life projects to work on, will be exposed to latest techniques and they will find their engineering education more relevant though experiential learning. Industries should develop faith in Institutes so that both can work together for mutual benefit. We at RIT have deve loped the following action plan after the visit to transform RIT in to Technological University and also transformation from Under Graduate Teaching Institute to Research Institute. 1. Strategic planning of the institute for 5 years with the goal of transforming it into University . Construction of large capacity lecture theater (approx. 600 capacity) with all the facilities to screen and record the lectures. 3. Small capacity tutorial rooms (approx. 15-20 capacity) with homy furniture and recording facility. 4. Faculty training at NYP of 1-2 weeks/months duration in advanced technology. 5. Student exchange programs for post- graduate programs at NTU. 6. Seeking expertise in water science research from NUS, earthquake engineering research and nanotechnology from NTU. 7.Implementing the concept of teaching factory at undergraduate level. 8. Use of advanced Pedagogical technologies for enhancing learning effectiveness. References 1 . Abdul Lathaf Naha , The Hindu, August 16, 2011. Wh ere have Engineering Teachers gone(a)? 2. Prof. PP Bahuguna, Professor, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Faculty Crunch in Technical Institutes in India and Possible Solutions,www. indiaeducationreview. com/article/faculty-crunch 3. www. nus. edu. sg, www. ntu. edu. sg, www. nyp. edu. sg pic Few photographs of visit to NUS, NTU, NYP