‘The teaching-learning environment at our university is positive, inclusive, and practice-oriented’

Ria Bhowmick, a B.Ed. student at the School of Education, Apeejay Stya University, shares her enriching and transformative learning journey shaped by experiential practices and strong academic mentoring. With hands-on experience from her internship at Apeejay School, Noida, she reflects on how the University’s supportive, practice-driven approach effectively prepares aspiring teachers for real-world classrooms and professional life. Read edited excerpts: 

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

As a B.Ed. student at the School of Education, Apeejay Stya University, my learning journey has been both enriching and transformative. Having completed my school internship at Apeejay School, Noida, I could clearly see how well the university prepares us for real classroom settings. The teaching–learning environment at ASU is positive, inclusive, and practice-oriented, where theory is consistently connected with real school experiences, encouraging confidence, reflection, and professional growth.

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

Our teachers use interactive strategies such as discussions, role-plays, lesson demonstrations, teaching simulations, and real-life classroom examples. They often share school-based experiences and encourage us to reflect on our internship observations, which makes classroom learning meaningful and closely linked to actual school practices.

How effectively are innovative teaching methods such as experiential learning, ICT integration, group discussions, or projects used in your programme?

Innovative teaching methods are effectively embedded in the programme through experiential learning tasks, ICT tools like presentations and digital resources, collaborative group discussions, and project-based assignments. These approaches make learning active, engaging, and application-oriented rather than purely theoretical.

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 professional teaching roles. For example, activities like micro-teaching, lesson planning, classroom management exercises, and school internships helped me gain confidence in handling real classrooms and understanding students’ needs during my internship at Apeejay School, Noida.

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

The assessment system is fair and transparent, with clearly defined criteria for both internal and external evaluations. Continuous assessments, presentations, assignments, and timely feedback help us understand our progress and improve consistently.

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

These components provide hands-on teaching exposure and encourage reflective thinking. Practicum and internships develop practical teaching skills, while reflective assignments help us analyse our strengths and areas of improvement, shaping us into more thoughtful and effective future teachers.

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

Faculty members are highly supportive, approachable, and encouraging. They are always willing to guide us academically, mentor us professionally, and provide constructive feedback that helps us grow both personally and professionally.

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

These activities play an important role in broadening our perspectives and enhancing our professional competencies. They expose us to new ideas, current educational trends, and social responsibilities, making our learning experience more holistic and enriching.

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

Apeejay Stya University focuses strongly on holistic development by promoting leadership qualities, ethical values, teamwork, and social responsibility through academic programmes, community engagement initiatives, and co-curricular 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?

The School of Education at Apeejay Stya University provides a supportive, practice-based, and value-driven learning environment that truly prepares aspiring teachers for real-world classrooms.