Cijin K. Paul is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Computer Science at Union Christian College, Aluva. His academic journey includes diverse roles, starting with his tenure as a Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) in Computer Science at government higher secondary schools from 2007 to 2011. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA) from the University of Madras, completed in 2003. In 2007, he achieved the qualification of Lectureship from the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. His academic involvement extends to being a Bachelor of Science in Electronics (BSc.) graduate from Mahatma Gandhi University in 1997. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the academic community by serving as the Chairman of the UG Board of Examinations in Computer Science at Mahatma Gandhi. His professional interests revolve around the domains of Computer Programming, Computer Architecture, and Computer Networks. Furthermore, he has been an active member of the Board of Studies since 2012, demonstrating his dedication to shaping educational curricula and programs.

Union Christian College

Being a Faculty of the Computer Science Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

I am a faculty facilitator, mentor and motivator for the students. All the teachers at Union Christian College monitor the progress of all our students in their academic and non-academic matters and then suggest to them the areas they have to work on. We also provide proper guidance to them periodically.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

The department is well-equipped with ICT-enabled classrooms, a library and other necessary facilities. We make sure that all the teachers are present in the department throughout the working hours so that we are able to strengthen relations between students and even between faculty. Personal conversations with the students are the best way to maintain relations. Also, peer learning has come out to be a support that is enhancing study relations.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

In the syllabus, we have only two projects, but in the department, each subject is supported with a small individual project to enhance their understanding of the subject.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain the necessary skills?

We give assignments to the students on a regular basis and assist them in making notes that can be used by any students who need them. The learning materials are also made available on Moodle platform to students for better understanding and learning. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

The curriculum is set by the university, but its delivery is done by our faculty with proper planning that includes the influence of the academic calendar, department calendar and lesson plans.

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department or How does your department prepare students for Higher education?

The proper curriculum delivery that we are doing is enough to act as a base for higher studies such as MCA or MSc in various specializations. The placement training for students commences in semester 3 and is supported by different aptitude books in the department library. We are also conducting mock interviews that are helping our students at large. Normally we have 30% placements every year which varies up to 70% in some years.

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How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high on the outside world?

As I told you, our curriculum delivery method in itself is practical-oriented which gives students an upper hand when compared to other colleges. For this reason, we are getting high-merit students for admissions as well. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

Seminars, workshops and alumni talks are arranged regularly. A daily quiz is conducted that helps students to acquire knowledge about current trends.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

Switching to adapting the style of learning the higher secondary schools are following has been the most difficult task we have been facing. 

When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

It is the vision that we are practicing, an application-based learning style and understanding of concepts is our learning algorithm.

How does the curriculum of your department/college ensure the best practice of the industry?

Our method of delivering the curriculum is very unique as compared to other colleges. 

How does the department/ college/University enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

Faculty members are encouraged to attend 21 days of refresher courses and one week of faculty workshops, seminars, etc. Also, we are sponsoring for Ph.D. for our faculty members for both national and international universities.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from the curriculum to train/teach the students?

We are offering extension programs which include sharing knowledge with school students, to community people such as Kudumbasree, teachings, trainings, etc. that build confidence in the students.

What do you see as the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

Personal relations with students are the most effective method to conquer their hearts. The love and affection that we are getting from the students encourage the teachers to increase their productivity and efficiency in delivering lectures. 

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

Understand the concepts, while you learn, don’t study to score marks only. Always be a helping hand to others for academic and non-academic activities. Be 100% committed to your work even though the task is simple or complex.