Innovative Pedagogical Approaches for Diverse Learning Styles and Student-Centric Learning

Abstract

Abstract— Amidst the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of education in India has undergone a profound transformation. Traditional methods of teaching and learning, once the bedrock of our educational system, now find themselves met with skepticism from both students and educational institutions. In response to this paradigm shift, this paper delves into the pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of pedagogical methodologies within the context of engineering education in India. It emphasizes the pivotal role of education and pedagogy, advocating for a departure from conventional models towards a more learner-centric and adaptable framework, tailored to the nuances of the Indian education landscape. In this context, the paper sheds light on the intrinsic value of understanding diverse learning styles, particularly within the backdrop of a digitally driven era. The profound impact of digital platforms on modern education in India is explored, underscoring their potential to revolutionize and enhance the learning experience for Indian students. The paper further examines unconventional techniques that challenge the norms of education as conventionally understood, recognizing their potential to bridge the gap between students' expectations and institutional methodologies. Within the discourse of this paper, special attention is accorded to three distinctive non-conventional pedagogical approaches: 'Cyberhunt', 'Keyword Concept' and ‘Role Switch Teaching’. These methodologies are scrutinized as quintessential examples of innovative strategies that can foster an intuitive and engaging learning environment within Indian classrooms. 'Cyberhunt' immerses students in experiential learning by assigning them virtual quests that mirror real-world challenges, thereby nurturing critical thinking and problem- solving skills tailored to the Indian context. Similarly, the 'Keyword Concept' approach capitalizes on cognitive associations to enhance memory retention and conceptual understanding, catering to the unique learning styles often found in India. Further, the innovative ‘Role Switch’ teaching methodology, which involves assigning students diverse roles in course delivery, was successfully implemented to further enrich the learning experience in the context of control engineering course. Keywords— Need for Change; Learning Style; Cyber hunt; Keyword Concept