Praxis aims at combining the art and science of theoretical learning with the virtues of practical training. The program at Praxis is, on the one hand, rooted in the principles of academic rigor and discipline, and, on the other, designed to offer multiple touch-points with the industry.
Classroom sessions
Classroom sessions help the students acquire the theoretical foundation and the ability to develop perspectives. The pedagogy at Praxis encourages students to think rather than learn by rote. At Praxis, the text book for any subject is a mere starting point. Faculty expects students to come prepared with the concepts outlined in the text books – the class is the arena to take the discussion to a higher plane. Hence, attendance in class is given enormous importance.
Case studies
Case studies help in achieving three objectives. One, students get an opportunity to apply concepts to real life situations. Two, case studies involve intense participation; this enables the students to discuss their points of view in a formal classroom environment, thus sharpening their analytical and communication skills. Three, case studies train students to get multiple perspectives and appreciate alternate paths to a common goal.
Term papers, business plans, book/article reviews
As mentioned earlier, at Praxis, the text book for a subject is a mere starting point. Term papers, additional readings, book and article reviews ensure that the students seek knowledge beyond the text book. In some courses, students are required to create business plans – this requires them to understand the business environment, assimilate the different functional aspects of a business and create viable business models.
Projects
Projects give students exposure to the field and an insight into real life situations. These also introduce students to a host of secondary data sources and develop in them the skill of mining data and making sense out of it.
Presentations
Students at Praxis are made to deliver a number of presentations as part of the curriculum. This exercise, which emphasizes both content and style, trains students to structure their thoughts and increases their confidence in public speaking.
Tests
Quizzes, which are scheduled through the year, ensure that learning is a continuous process rather than a sporadic effort heightened during year-end examinations. These – along with mid-term and end-term examinations – test the student’s ability to understand concepts and apply them to simulations of real-life situations. To reflect this, most examinations in Praxis are ‘open book,’ i.e., students are allowed to refer to their books and notes (paper or digital) during the tests.
Developing the right attitude
The curriculum at Praxis aims to instill the right attitude for a compelling career:
- Adopting ethics as the underlying imperative.
- Maintaining punctuality and the sanctity of deadlines.
- Maintaining data discipline.
- Appreciating that the locus of control lies within the student.
- Understanding the importance of soft skills.
Soft skills
Praxis believes that the one attribute common to all successful managers is their soft skill proficiency – their ability to communicate, handle themselves at work and relate with people within and outside the organization they work for. From listening and communicating clearly to showing empathy and optimism to extreme self-awareness to knowing what’s going on around them – these vital competencies are an integral part of a progressive manager. The curriculum at Praxis understands the need to give soft skills training the place it deserves. Soft skill training modules will be part of each trimester of study and will attempt to improve the student’s listening, speaking and presentation skills and make the student confident of conducting himself/herself in formal, boardroom like of situations, without losing sight of the virtues of empathy and team work.
Academic evaluation system
The institute’s evaluation system is designed to continually assess the student’s performance with respect to the required standards of academic achievement. Apart from examinations, a student’s performance is assessed on the basis of class participation, preparation of periodic assignments, mid-term tests and surprise quizzes. As specified in the Student Manual, the institute expects a minimum standard of academic performance for promotion and for the award of the certificate. Failure to meet the minimum standards of performance would require a student to discontinue the program.
