Dr. Monika Anand is the Professor and Head of the English Department, School of Engineering at SPSU, Udaipur. She has a Ph.D. in English literature and is a certified Associate Practitioner in NLP. She has 18 years of teaching experience and believes that communication is a much sought-after competence. She helps young executives develop a personal brand which further helps in establishing their executive presence. Her areas of excellence are in the domain of soft skills training, instructional design, content creation and Indian Writing in English. 

SPSU

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

“Assisting students to communicate accurately, precisely, and effectively”

The primary responsibility of an English faculty is to help the students hone their communication skills. I help my students to express themselves accurately, precisely and effectively in all walks of life. It is my responsibility to create a mutually respectful and learning class environment. In addition, I strive to make them understand the importance of ethical, responsible, and compassionate conduct. 

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects?

“Simulation exercises combined with discussions”

In order to help students understand the concepts and applications, real and reel life examples are used. Simulation exercises and discussions keep the students up-to-date with the latest developments. Activities based modules delivered in small class sizes facilitate the transfer of soft skills. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated?

“A compilation of ideas received from the industry, alumni and academia”

The curriculum is made keeping in mind the inputs received from the industry, alumni and academia. We keep on updating our curriculum and choice of electives for the students. It is to cater to the changing needs of the industry and society at large. The last major revision happened in June 2021 for the academic session 2021-2022. In the Choice Based Credit System, the student has more opportunities to choose from a variety of courses to further his/her passion. Communication skills are developed and strengthened in all areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in these courses. 

How do you help your student to cope up with the current competitive scenario?

“Consistent efforts always lead to success”

Students learn that consistent effort is a combination of persistence, focus, and commitment. To survive in this ever-changing industry, you must be mentally and emotionally strong. Students can use SWOT analysis to better understand themselves in relation to the constantly changing needs of industry and society. 

Check SPSU Courses & Fees

Do you have any extracurricular activities to enhance the skills of the students?

“Student activity clubs for an innovative environment”

The department of English offers two student activity clubs - Elements and Magnitude. These clubs focus on giving the students a platform to build confidence, showcase their creativity, foster their passion in the areas of creative writing and performing arts. Communication cannot be learned or honed through lecture method. It needs to be practised. There are simulation exercises, role plays, presentations, discussions, and much more in both individual and group settings.

What are the challenges you are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

“Motivating students out of their comfort zone is challenging”

The challenges are numerous but the ones that come in the form of fear, inhibition and resistance to change are the most difficult to overcome. The majority of the students find it difficult to speak effectively in public. Students set boundaries where there are none. The effort of coaxing them out of their shells and comfort zones is draining, but the positive outcomes are worth it. 

What are the interventions you bring in apart from the curriculum to train the students? 

“Implementing the learning by doing approach”

The transfer of communication skills and soft skills happen only through the learning by doing approach. Activities are incorporated in the lesson plan to facilitate interaction and engagement of students like fishbowl discussions, guided analysis, pro and con grid, HAM and JAM, Impromptu presentation, and many more

Click SPSU Placements

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for a prosperous career ahead?

“Be humble, diligent and persevering in life”

Success comes before work only in the dictionary. In real life, one must be diligent, perseverant and meticulous. These three traits will ensure that you climb the ladder of success. But this success is incomplete without the success in your personal life. And that can only be achieved by being sensitive, inclusive and humble.