28th Jan, 2017

The second part of the Workshop on Finite Element Analysis under the “INDO-UK Higher Education Partnership Programme on Development of Novel Pedagogy Models and Faculty Development Programme – Part-I1” was organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Cute Hall in Paavai Engineering College for two days during 27 & 28, January, 2017. The programme was conducted with the partnership of NAFEMS – India and supported by Newton-Bhaba Fund. The subject of the FDP was Finite Element Analysis which is finding wide applications in all the engineering fields today. The resource person was Dr. DILIP K. MAHANTY, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, NMIMS University, Mumbai. He is an authority on the subject of “Finite Element Analysis” with vast experience in teaching, consulting and research.

The inaugural function held in this connection was presided over by the Principal, Paavai Engineering College, Dr. M. Premkumar. Welcome address was delivered by Assistant Professor Mr. T.Thangavel and a brief about the FDP Part-I conducted during 31.10.2016 to 2.11.2016 was given by Assistant Professor Mr.R.Gunasekaran. Professor and Head of the Department, Mr. A.P.Sivasubramaniam along with heads of various departments graced the occasion. Faculty members of Mechanical Engineering Department from various Paavai Institutions like Paavai Engineering College, Paavai College of Engineering and Paavai College of Technology participated in the FDP.

The Principal, in his presidential address explained the significance of FDPs in general and the special features of this workshop on Finite Element Analysis. He also highlighted the fact that people engaged in all the fields like sales, teaching, medicine or any other field today require upgradation of knowledge to excel in their field. It is more so for the teaching community. He further said that the faculty members should utilize this opportunity to gain knowledge on the subject and learn new approaches to class room teaching.

The Guest speaker Dr. Dilip K. Mahanty began the sessions by refreshing the contents he covered in his previous FDP on Finite Element Analysis conducted during 31.10.16 to 2.11.16. In the present 2-day workshop he covered topics on pedagogy and teaching and learning of Finite Element Analysis subject. He explained how learners can be categorized in to different types and the kind of styles to be adopted to teach each category of students. He also conducted practical sessions by forming project teams among the participants and made each team to realize in which area they are strong like Problem Solving/ Communication/Promotion or any other. The participants found the exercise very useful to know about their strengths.

The participants found all the sessions very interactive, informative and interesting and also learned to apply new approaches in class room teaching. Assistant Professor Mr. J. Sujithkumar

coordinated the programme and Assistant Professor Mr.P.Mohanraj delivered the Vote of Thanks.