Know Your Faculty: ‘I strongly believe in interactive and student-centred teaching methods’

Mudita Raj is an Assistant Professor at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) in Dwarka. With a passion for interactive and student-centered teaching methods, Prof Mudita brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. A graduate in Psychology, the Apeejay Prof’s keen interest in understanding human behaviour combined with her love for media and communication led her to pursue a career in academia.

Read edited excerpts:

What inspired you to pursue a career in mass communication and become an educator?

My journey in the field of mass communication and education began when I had the opportunity to work with the Teach for India project – Bhaav. As a researcher, I contributed to developing a curriculum focused on Social Emotional Learning for pre-adolescents. This experience provided me with valuable insights into child psychology and made me keenly aware of the significant impact of media and societal influences on a child’s development. Being a graduate in Psychology, this experience ignited a deep desire within me to pursue a career in education and make a positive impact on young minds.

Furthermore, my passion for writing and research further motivated me to explore the world of mass communication and academia. I realised that I could combine my interest in understanding human behaviour with my love for media and communication to help shape the future of aspiring media professionals.

Can you share any memorable experiences or projects from your professional journey in the field of mass communication?

One of the most memorable projects in my professional journey was when I had the opportunity to be part of a UNESCO – AWA Training of Trainers workshop. The workshop’s theme was “Strengthening a Gender-Sensitive Media Environment in Maldives.” During this project, I delved into understanding how the concept of gender is evolving in the Maldives and gained insightful perspectives from media practitioners in both India and the Maldives regarding gender roles and identities. This experience not only broadened my understanding of gender representation in the media, but also allowed me to contribute to creating a more gender-sensitive media environment.

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How long have you been associated with Apeejay, and what do you have to say about the journey?

I am grateful to have been associated with Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication for the past one year. The journey has been nothing short of enriching and diverse in nurturing my academic and professional growth. The institute’s nurturing environment, supportive faculty, and diverse student body have contributed immensely to my development as an educator in mass communication. It has been a transformative experience that has broadened my horizons and provided me with a platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

As an assistant professor, what teaching methods or techniques do you employ to engage and motivate your students in the classroom?

As an assistant professor, I strongly believe in interactive and student-centered teaching methods. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, traditional one-way communication is not enough to engage and motivate students effectively. Therefore, I actively incorporate interactive elements in my classroom, encouraging open discussions, group activities, and multimedia presentations. Recognising the visual nature of modern students, I make use of video trends to capture their attention and keep them engaged. I create a free-thinking space in the classroom, allowing students to express themselves freely and analyse topics from multiple perspectives. Emphasising interdisciplinary understanding, I encourage students to connect concepts from various disciplines, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

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Are there any research or academic projects that you are currently working on, or any upcoming conferences or events in which you will be participating?

Currently, I am pursuing my PhD on the topic “Effect of Animated Cinema on the Social and Emotional Learning of Pre-adolescents and Adolescents: A Case Study on Disney and Green Gold Animation.” This research project aims to explore how animated media influences the emotional and social development of young audiences. By studying the impact of popular animation studios such as Disney and Green Gold, I hope to shed light on the importance of media in shaping emotional intelligence and social skills in children and teenagers.

How did Apeejay contribute to your career growth?

AIMC has been a pivotal contributor to my holistic career growth as a media professional and educator. The institute’s supportive leadership has fostered an environment that encourages academic development and growth. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the academic community at Apeejay and positively impact the lives of my students. The experiences and knowledge gained here continue to shape my journey as an educator, and I look forward to furthering my contributions to the field of mass communication through this institution.