Enhancing Engineering Faculty Skills Program
Enhancing Engineering Faculty Skills Program
The initiative targets five main engineering domains: Computer Science and Information Technology, Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation, Mechanical, Aerospace and Energy, Civil and Environment Engineering, and Materials, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering. By focusing on a wide range of core engineering subjects within these domains, the initiative aims to provide comprehensive skill enhancement for faculty, thus improving overall educational standards in engineering .
The total financial outlay for the CEEE initiative is Rs 38.35 Crores over four years. Mentors receive an honorarium of Rs 1,76,000 per year, while mentees receive a stipend of Rs 50,000 for offline participation, which covers travel, accommodation, and daily allowance .
IITs and AICTE play a crucial role in mentoring and certifying participants. Faculty from Tier 3 and Tier 4 institutions benefit by engaging with renowned professors from IITs, enhancing their teaching capabilities. The joint certification from AICTE and eminent IITs provides recognition and credibility to the participants, potentially advancing their academic careers .
The CEEE initiative is structured to provide a combination of physical and virtual mentorship for faculty. The physical mentorship lasts for two weeks annually, while the virtual mentorship is provided for 2-3 weeks annually. The program runs for four years from FY 2024-25 to FY 2027-28 and targets faculty teaching fundamental courses in the second, third, and fourth semesters .
Domain experts for the CEEE initiative are selected through a rigorous screening process; they are sourced from INAE Fellows, INAE Young Associates, and passionate volunteers with proven expertise. Their role is to mentor faculty in their respective regions, covering core subjects across domains, thus ensuring high-quality education and training for the participants .
The CEEE initiative accommodates technological advancements by focusing on modern pedagogy, materials, and training techniques. It incorporates emerging fields such as Data Science, AI/ML, and modern engineering disciplines within its curriculum. This forward-thinking approach ensures that faculty are well-versed in contemporary tools and methodologies, preparing students for future challenges .
In the long term, the CEEE initiative is poised to significantly enhance the quality of engineering education at Tier 3 and Tier 4 institutions by elevating faculty teaching capabilities and updating course content to include modern methodologies and technology. This improvement in teaching quality could lead to better educational outcomes for students, greater employability of graduates, and a stronger reputation for these institutions, ultimately contributing to a more skilled engineering workforce in India .
The governance structure of the CEEE initiative comprises several committees, each playing a critical role. The Advisory Committee consists of industry experts providing strategic advice. The Board of Management, chaired by Prof. Indranil Manna, oversees project execution. The Selection and Evaluation Committee, chaired by the Vice President (Projects) of INAE, is responsible for selecting participants and mentors. This multi-layered governance ensures transparency, accountability, and expert guidance, critical for the successful execution of the program .
Regional coordination under the CEEE initiative allows for tailored implementation that considers regional educational nuances. Each Principal Mentor oversees core subject coverage in their region, ensuring locally appropriate and effective mentorship. This decentralized approach can address specific regional challenges, enhancing the overall quality and relevance of engineering education .
The main objectives of the initiative are to enhance the teaching capabilities of faculty members from Tier 3 and Tier 4 engineering institutions and to upgrade engineering education through the adoption of modern pedagogy, materials, and training techniques .