Learning via reflection on doing things is one of humanity's most distinctive features that facilitated its incredible advancement. Without formal education, knowledge was passed down through the centuries through a pedagogical method that was action-oriented and on-the-job. However, educators have discovered through time that rote learning and lecture-based pedagogy are inadequate in ensuring that learning objectives are accomplished. The desire to engage students in a more creative manner evolved as the millennial generation's attention spans shrank. As a result, the participant-centered experiential learning style of teaching, which is founded on student interaction, has emerged. Previously, this was accomplished by carefully planned in-class activities that included the use of activity boards, stationery, and other materials. The number of options for experiential learning grew as the use of technology in education grew. The covid-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting utilization of the online medium of instruction, emphasized the necessity for increased student participation through technology. It's no surprise that experiential learning is now a required component of business education. And undoubtedly SMS Lucknow is at the cutting edge of pedagogical innovation in terms of participant-centered and experiential learning.
The following is a partial list of the Institute faculty members' many experiential learning initiatives:
1. ROLE PLAYS - In order to replicate a genuine business setting, students are given well-defined roles to play in an in-class activity. For example, a presentation to senior management by a middle level manager, or students acting as assembly line operators or Team leader etc. These activities do not only make for a vibrant classroom environment, but they also teach students critical lessons about how to behave in such situations.
2. CONTENT-CREATION - This not only pushes students intellectually, but it also helps them improve presenting and writing abilities, which are critical in today's world. SMS Lucknow offers a number of courses that require students to not only consume but also create information, for example writing blogs, articles, making short videos, awareness posters etc.
3. ONLINE EVENTS - In context of experiential learning, SMS Lucknow host many online events like "ABHIROOP", "INGENUITY" etc in which students present various videos, posters, collages and models which allows them to show case both their abilities and their creativity. These events help students to be innovation oriented which will lead them to a path of success in their further career.
4. CLUBS AND COMMITTEES - Apart from the aforementioned programmes, the Institute also supports a variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities through clubs and committees like Introspection Management Club. These are entirely developed, arranged, and performed by students which teach them valuable skills in event management, interpersonal relationships management, and managerial communication.
Students must comprehend the intricacies and complexities of decision-making in organizational environments in order to be good business managers. Simply providing management literature to a student on a theoretical level may not be enough to give the learner a well-rounded perspective. As a result, experiential learning is essential in developing socially responsible business leaders.
