Have you ever wondered how, even with the aid of the most well-written text books, the guidance of great mentors, and the presence of a good academic atmosphere, many of our academically brilliant students stumble up on the challenges and quests they have in the real world?
The students who have conquered the heights and glory of ranks in their academic curriculum go in the dark when a real-world situation related to their course is put before them. Have you ever wondered why this is happening? One of the main reasons for the occurrence of this event is the lack of adequate practical knowledge our students are able to gain from their courses and colleges.
Many of the academic curricula we have on our hands are heavily focused on teaching our students theories and aren’t providing them enough chances to obtain practical knowledge. So, what really happens when a student does not get the opportunity to gain practical knowledge? Come, let’s discuss it in detail.
Understanding the concept of practical knowledge
Practical knowledge in the context of college curriculum can be defined as the experiential learning students gain by actively engaging in hands-on tasks or real-world scenarios, as opposed to purely theoretical instruction.
It encompasses activities like internships, laboratory experiments, workshops, and fieldwork. While theoretical knowledge provides students with fundamental concepts and principles, practical knowledge ensures they can apply this understanding in tangible settings. This blend of theory and hands-on experience prepares students not only to grasp academic content deeply but also to navigate challenges they might encounter in their respective professions.
The need for practical knowledge in the real world
Let’s discuss the importance of practical knowledge by discussing a simple real-life scenario. Imagine that you are a person who doesn’t know how to drive a bike and is planning on learning it by yourself. You are looking at YouTube tutorials and the internet for lessons on how to drive a bike, but you are not practicing the lessons with any bikes on any roads or routes.
After taking the online lessons, you are now going for a bike ride through your city. Even if you have abundant theoretical knowledge on the concept of bike riding, you won’t be able to perform well on the road or in busy traffic because you lack practical knowledge and have no hands-on experience facing a real-world bike riding situation.
This is the same with your education as well. If you are learning a course that has practical application in the real world through theoretical concepts only, it will be difficult for you to excel in your career when you are presented with a problem or challenge.
Imagine a budding engineer who’s learned the principles of building bridges but has never actually built one, even in a controlled environment. The true test of their knowledge is not in explaining the theory but in applying it. Here’s where practical experience comes into play.
Prioritizing the Practical Knowledge: The CMRU way
Shining in the realm of education and academics as the best private university in Bangalore, CMRU has always kept a keen eye on the changes and trends that are being introduced in the sphere. We have always tried to come up with innovative changes and an engaging academic curriculum that does not only make our students academically bright but also practically proficient and powerful.
That’s why at CMRU, we address and prioritize the importance of practical knowledge by providing our students with opportunities to participate in workshops, internships, field visits, and much more. CMRU works with the vision “to nurture creative thinkers who will drive positive global change,” and we believe that equipping our students well with the prowess of practical knowledge aids in achieving this mission.
Networking Opportunities through Practical Experiences
It’s often said, “It’s not just what you know, but who you know.” This rings especially true in today’s interconnected world. Practical experiences, especially internships, offer students an invaluable opportunity to network with professionals, mentors, and other interns. Such connections can lead to job referrals, collaborations on future projects, or simply advice and guidance from seasoned professionals. This networking foundation can prove to be a formidable asset in one’s professional journey.
Facing Real-World Challenges Head-On
Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, practical experiences arm students with the resilience and confidence to face real-world challenges. These experiences are replete with failures, successes, feedback, and learning curves. Each challenge faced and overcome is a testament to the student’s capability and adaptability. When these students eventually step into the professional realm, they’re not mere novices but seasoned warriors, ready to face challenges head-on.
Conclusion
While the classroom offers a treasure trove of theoretical knowledge, the practical experiences garnered from campuses are the crucible in which this knowledge is tested and refined. They offer students a sneak peek into the dynamic world outside, allow them to develop invaluable skills, and pave the way for networking opportunities. As academia and industries worldwide recognize this, there’s a growing emphasis on integrating more hands-on experiences within curriculums.
