Dr. Rani Abraham is an experienced and dedicated educator currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry Department at Christian College, Chengannur. She has 13 years of teaching experience starting as a Lecturer at MBC College of Engineering and Technology. She has MSc and PhD from CUSAT.

In January 2010, Dr. Abraham joined Christian College, Chengannur as an Assistant Professor, and she has been serving in this position ever since. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Rani Abraham actively participates in various professional development activities. She also worked as a deputy desk editor at Macmillan Publishers India Limited for a period of 6 months. She stays updated with the latest advancements in her field and encourages her students to embrace a culture of continuous learning. She is also a member of the Senate of University of Kerala.

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Being the head of the chemistry Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the head of the Chemistry Department, my roles and responsibilities towards the students are multi-faceted. First and foremost, I ensure that the students have a well-structured timetable and that classes are conducted efficiently. It is crucial to adhere to the syllabus and complete it on time while providing opportunities for tests and assessments to gauge the student's progress.

Additionally, I prioritize creating a conducive learning environment by implementing innovative teaching methods and incorporating practical experiences into the curriculum. To further enhance the student's academic journey, I work closely with the faculty members to provide guidance and support. Moreover, we have established partnerships with external organizations, such as an MNC from Denmark, which provides internship opportunities and supports our research endeavors. Additionally, we have embraced online learning platforms like Swayam, offering students access to a wide range of chemistry-related courses and resources.

We intend to provide coaching assistance for PSC and also facilitate preparation for JAM and GATE utilising the various digital platforms provided by the various government  agencies from this academic year onwards 

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

Establishing healthy relationships with students and fellow faculty members is a crucial aspect of my role as the head of the Chemistry Department. Currently, we have a positive and conflict-free environment. However, due to the recent shift to online learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sense of detachment among the students. To address this, we are actively working to engage students by organizing visits, field trips, and practical experiences that allow for more direct contact with faculty members. 

With limited control over their schedule and only a few classes dedicated to the main subject, it can be challenging to significantly impact students’ academic journey. To overcome this, we are aligning our efforts with the courses and activities that the students are already engaged in. We recognize that many of our students come from rural backgrounds and may not be fully aware of the various opportunities available to them after completing their BSc. It is crucial to provide them with guidance and awareness about higher education options and potential career paths. 

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

Bringing a practical subject, an industry-oriented approach is a priority within our Chemistry Department. While we cannot remove certain subjects from the syllabus, we strive to incorporate practical aspects wherever possible. This includes encouraging students, both at the degree and MSc levels, to undertake projects that have practical applications. By orienting their projects towards real-world problems, students gain exposure to industry-related challenges and develop a practical understanding of the subject.

To further enhance industry relevance, we emphasize internships and collaborations with external organizations. These opportunities provide students with firsthand experience in the industry and allow them to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. We also have plans to rebuild and upgrade our facilities to create a more industry-friendly environment. 

How do you strategize the teaching side when curriculum is kept updated by the university?

When the curriculum is updated by the university, we strategize the teaching part by adopting a trial-and-error approach. We closely examine the changes made and evaluate how they can be effectively incorporated into our teaching methods. As a department, we collaborate and share our experiences and strategies for teaching the updated curriculum. We discuss best practices, and innovative teaching techniques, and utilize digital resources to enhance the learning experience for students. 

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of chemistry. Faculty members actively participate in workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance their teaching skills and stay abreast of emerging teaching techniques and technologies.

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What are your views upon the placements and higher education about the students from your department and How does your department prepare students for Higher education?

In terms of placements and higher education, our department has followed a more traditional route. However, in recent years, we have seen a shift with some students opting for higher education abroad for their master's. To further prepare students for higher education, we are actively working on signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with industries. This strategic collaboration aims to provide students with more placement opportunities and industry exposure, enhancing their prospects for higher education or employment. 

Considering the current global circumstances, where survival of the fittest is essential, we are committed to supporting our students and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. By adapting to the changing landscape and exploring new possibilities, we aim to ensure that our students are well-prepared for higher education and have competitive prospects for their future endeavors.

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

To help our students cope with the high competition in the outside world, we have an association within our department, as do all the departments in our institution. This association plays a crucial role in organizing various training programs, seminars, and classes conducted by experts in the field. We also organize exhibitions where students can showcase their projects and experiments, providing them with first-hand experience in designing and setting up experiments. 

In addition to subject-specific activities, we invite renowned scientists and industry experts to deliver talks and share their experiences. These interactions expose students to real-world challenges, advancements, and opportunities in their chosen field. By actively engaging students in these activities, we aim to develop their skills, broaden their perspectives, and equip them with the necessary tools to thrive in a highly competitive outside world.

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

We do have extracurricular activities and programs in place to enhance the skills of our students and expose them to real-world challenges. These initiatives are organized by our department's association, which is specifically dedicated to such activities.

The association takes responsibility for organizing various programs that go beyond the academic curriculum. They arrange visits to charity homes, where students engage in activities such as organizing work-outs, spending time with residents, and providing entertainment. We also encourage students' abilities and interests in sports and the creative field. We provide full support to students who wish to pursue these areas and actively promote their participation in related activities and competitions. Through the association, students receive valuable insights and guidance for potential careers in these fields, helping them explore their passions beyond the academic realm.

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

One of the key challenges we face in uplifting the quality of education in our department is the lack of awareness among students about the possibilities and opportunities available to them after completing their BSc. Many students come from rural backgrounds and may not have access to information about various career paths or higher education options. To address this challenge, we are actively working on creating awareness programs and initiatives. We organize seminars, workshops, and talks by industry experts and professionals to expose students to different career opportunities and pathways

Another challenge we face is the demotivation and lack of enthusiasm among some students. This may be due to the perception that there are limited job prospects or that they have not been able to secure desired opportunities in the past. Additionally, we are exploring innovative teaching methods and technologies to make the learning experience more engaging and relevant. 

What is the biggest strength of the department and how can it be enhanced?

The biggest strength of our department is the highly qualified and experienced faculty members. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and have expertise in various fields of study. To enhance this strength, we can focus on continuous professional development for our faculty members. Encouraging them to attend conferences, workshops, and training programs related to their respective fields can help them stay updated with the latest advancements in their areas of expertise. 

Furthermore, creating a culture of collaboration and peer learning among the faculty can strengthen the department. Facilitating regular meetings, seminars, and discussions where faculty members can share their experiences, expertise, and best practices can create a supportive and dynamic environment. 

The education culture in both foreign and India are different. It is also different in Kerala. as an educator What is your thought on that?

As an educator, I recognize that the education culture varies between different countries and even within regions of a country like India. One observation I have is that students in India, starting from a young age, face significant pressure to perform well academically and secure good scores in exams. This pressure often stems from societal expectations, parental aspirations, and the competitive nature of the education system. While students may achieve high marks, there can sometimes be a lack of deep understanding and conceptual clarity. This indicates a potential gap between rote learning and true comprehension.

In contrast, when comparing students from other states and even some rural areas, there can be a noticeable difference in their approach to learning. Students from rural backgrounds often have a habit of self-directed learning, seeking knowledge through personal initiative, and utilizing resources like village libraries. Their motivation and passion for education may be intrinsic, driven by their own aspirations rather than external pressures.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

My suggestion to the current youth and aspiring students would be to embrace genuine passion and dedication in their pursuits. Instead of merely chasing success or external validation, focus on finding something that truly ignites your passion and interests you. Remember that success is not solely determined by grades or achievements, but by the impact you make and the satisfaction you derive from what you do. So, take the time to explore different subjects and fields, and find something that resonates with your interests and values. 

And don't be afraid to seek guidance and support from mentors, teachers, and professionals in your desired field. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and encouragement along your journey. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning. Embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether through internships, extracurricular activities, or volunteering, as they can help you gain practical skills, expand your network, and discover new interests.