EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE IN EDUCATION

Objectives

• To systematically integrate immersive, hands-on professional experiences with the academic curriculum in Commerce.
• To enhance students' conceptual mastery and confidence in subjects like Auditing, Taxation, and Financial Accounting through applied learning.
• To improve academic performance and examination outcomes by grounding theoretical knowledge in real-world practice.
• To cultivate analytical reasoning, professional competence, and familiarity with industry-standard documentation and compliance processes.
• To create a dynamic classroom environment where theoretical discussions are informed and enriched by practical exposure.

The Department of Commerce established the Experiential Learning initiative to address the persistent divide between classroom instruction and professional expectations. Rooted in the pedagogical belief that deep learning occurs through reflection on doing, this program embeds real-world accounting and audit tasks directly into the student’s academic journey. It reflects the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also proficient and adaptable, ready to contribute from day one in their professional careers.

Practice

The Experiential Learning program is a formally structured partnership between the college and Vishnu Daya, a Chartered Accountancy firm. It facilitates a mentorship-driven immersion for b.com students into the professional domains of auditing, taxation, and financial compliance. The practice follows a phased "observe-assist-apply" model, where students initially shadow professionals before undertaking supervised tasks such as vouching, GST return preparation, ledger analysis, and audit documentation. Crucially, this experience is woven into the academic fabric; students maintain structured reflective journals and complete integrative assignments that explicitly link their fieldwork—like preparing an audit observation report using Tableau for data visualization—to theoretical coursework. Guided jointly by faculty and industry experts, the practice moves students from passive absorption to active application, solidifying both conceptual understanding and employable skills. It has proven to be a transformative pedagogical model, turning abstract principles into tangible competencies.

“The experiential learning opportunity at Vishnu Daya enhanced my academic understanding of auditing standards significantly. Concepts like internal control systems and vouching, which I had previously learned theoretically, became clearer when I applied them during real client audits. This practical exposure has strengthened my confidence in the subject and improved my overall academic performance in Auditing and Assurance. I have applied visualization tool for making the audit observation report by using Tablue”

Banutej-B.Com-2022

Experiential learning in the audit firm gave me practical insights into GST filing, ledger scrutiny, and compliance work. This exposure strengthened my conceptual knowledge, especially in Indirect Taxes. I found it easier to grasp complex chapters because I had already seen their application in the firm. It has been one of the most valuable parts of my academic journey.”

Sujay B.Com-2022

EARNING THROUGH LEARNING

Objectives

• To promote financial literacy among students as part of the 100% Financial Literacy Initiative.
• To provide hands-on exposure to DEMAT account usage, stock market operations, and trading.
• To help students learn how financial markets function through real-life participation.
• To cultivate responsible investment behaviour and awareness of risks and returns.
• To empower students to convert learning into earning, even with small investments.
• To bridge the gap between theory and practice in finance-related subjects.

Many students understand finance only theoretically. This practice was introduced to enable them to experience real market behaviour, understand savings and investments, and develop financial confidence at an early age.

Practice

Orientation Session

• Introduction to financial literacy, the role of DEMAT accounts, and SEBI guidelines.
• Explanation of “Earning Through Learning” concept.

DEMAT Account Opening

• Students were guided to open DEMAT accounts with SEBI-registered brokers.
• Step-by-step support: KYC, PAN linking, account activation.

Stock Market Exploration

• Understanding market indices (Sensex, Nifty).
• Creating a Market Watch List.
• Basics of equity buying, selling, and order types.

Guided Small-Value Trading

• Students made small trades to understand price movement.
• Monitoring portfolios daily/weekly.

Learning Sessions

• Basics of Technical & Fundamental analysis.
• Concepts of risk-return, diversification, and long-term investment.
• Introduction to IPOs, mutual funds, and SIPs.

Reflection & Documentation

• Students recorded learning outcomes, trading experiences, and profit/loss understanding.

“The ‘Earning Through Learning’ practice helped me turn my classroom knowledge into practical skills. Even my small trades taught me confidence, discipline, and responsible investment”

“This initiative gave me the courage to start my financial journey early. Understanding how stocks work has changed the way I see money, savings, and the future.”