‘My university nurtures holistic growth and leadership qualities’

Ashima Tanwar, a final-year B.Ed student at the School of Education, Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, shares her enriching learning journey shaped by a supportive and student-friendly academic environment. Through interactive classrooms, innovative teaching methods, and strong integration of theory with real school practices, she has gained valuable insights into the realities of teaching. In this interview, Ashima reflects on experiential learning, fair assessment systems, hands-on internships, and continuous faculty mentorship that have helped build her confidence, professional skills, and sense of social responsibility as a future educator. Read edited excerpts: 

How would you describe the overall teaching–learning environment in the School of Education at Apeejay Stya University?

The teaching–learning environment in the School of Education at Apeejay Stya University is positive and encouraging. The atmosphere is student-friendly, and we feel comfortable sharing our ideas and learning through discussion and practice.

In what ways do your teachers make classroom teaching interactive, engaging, and connected to real school practices?

Our teachers make classroom teaching interactive by using discussions, activities, lesson demonstrations, micro-teaching sessions, and examples from real school classrooms, which helps us understand concepts better.

Do you feel that the curriculum prepares you well for the realities of school teaching and professional life? Please share an example.

Yes, the curriculum prepares us well for real school teaching. For example, lesson planning, teaching practice, and school internships have helped us understand classroom realities and student behaviour.

How would you evaluate the assessment and evaluation system in terms of fairness, transparency, and continuous feedback?

The assessment system is fair and transparent. Continuous assessments through assignments, presentations, and internal tests, along with regular feedback, help us improve throughout the semester.

In what ways do internal assessments, practicum, school internships, and reflective assignments help in your professional growth as a future teacher?

Internal assessments, practicum work, school internships, and reflective assignments play an important role in building our confidence, teaching skills, classroom management abilities, and professional attitude.

How supportive and approachable are the faculty members when it comes to academic guidance, mentoring, and evaluation feedback?

Faculty members are supportive and approachable. They guide us academically, mentor us during internships and practicum, and provide helpful feedback to improve our performance.

What role do seminars, workshops, FDPs, community engagement, and co-curricular activities play in enhancing your learning experience?

Seminars, workshops, community activities, and co-curricular events give us exposure beyond textbooks and help in developing communication skills, teamwork, and professional awareness.

How does Apeejay Stya University contribute to your holistic development beyond academics—such as leadership, values, and social responsibility?

Apeejay Stya University focuses on overall development by encouraging leadership, ethical values, social responsibility, and active participation in academic and community activities.

If you had to describe your experience at the School of Education and ASU in one sentence for future aspiring teachers, what would it be?

My experience at the School of Education, ASU, has been enriching and practical, helping me grow into a confident and responsible future teacher.