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The Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) is an institution of University of Delhi, established in 2011. Based on interdisciplinary learning, it has been designed to seek and derive answers to the real world problems in all spheres, and look for innovative solutions for problems of the society.

It is a Meta College as well as a Meta University concept with an innovative curriculum, which is more project-oriented and tailored to the need of the society and industry.

Located in the quaint premises of Rugby Sevens Building, University Stadium in North Campus, it is a promising course for students who wish to seek the connect of research with its practical application.

COURSES OFFERED AT CLUSTER INNOVATION CENTRE:

Currently there are three courses offered at CIC-

  1. B.A. (Honours) Humanities and Social Sciences
  2. B. Tech (IT and Mathematical Innovations)
  3. M.Sc. (Mathematics Education)

SEAT MATRIX FOR B.A. AND B. TECH COURSE:

In 2019 – 20 there will be 44 seats each in both the courses. They are distributed as:

General Category – 20 seats

EWS – 2 seats

OBC Category – 12 seats

SC Category – 7 seats

ST Category – 3 seats

Apart from these there are 6 supernumerary seats distributed as:

PwD Category – 2 seats

CW Category – 2 seats

Foreign Nationals – 2 seats

 

  • B.A.(Honours) Humanities and Social Sciences

This is an off-beat course compared to other regular honours programmes offered by University of Delhi.  It is based on interdisciplinary learning, which presents an opportunity to the student to design his/her own degree.

This course is divided into four streams:

  1. Journalism
  2. Counselling
  3. Historical Tourism
  4. Art & Design

Based on these four streams a student can study a variety of subjects offered in different colleges of University of Delhi in semesters two to five, and study some basic courses at the centre itself in semester one and six. Apart from the core papers, the distinctive aspect of the curriculum is the hands-on research project, which gives the students a grass-root level experience of the functionality of the society.

One can schematically study Political Science at Hindu College in one semester and Economics at SRCC in another! The interdisciplinary nature of the course gives a holistic view in the field of humanities and social sciences.

Commenting on the course, Rishabh Gogoi, a third year student of CIC says, “It’s unlike any other course in the country, and a much needed alternative in an otherwise restrictive education system. We all know the efforts of the University of Delhi to enhance the flexibility of its course structure through the Credit Based Credit System (CBCS). The course at CIC takes the same concept several steps ahead to present its scholars an absolute freedom to design their own degree. Although there are a number of nuances associated with the aforementioned “freedom”, but regardless, the B.A. course at CIC is undoubtedly the best decision any indecisive student can make who wants to study humanities and/or social sciences.”

Niharika Dabral, an outgoing student of CIC reminisces her experience at CIC as, “I would never change my experience at CIC for anything. It’s a college experience like none other. Since I’ve survived the project presentations I think I can survive anything. It has been intense.

There are so many things that have to improve, but that University stadium is comfort. Four colleges in six semesters is bound to make one like a nomad, but today I’m more independent than ever.”

However, a person may feel detached and have a certain sense of instability due to changing colleges in each semester, from semester two to five. It may not be the best fit option for students not willing to feel so.  But this rigorous course would surely develop leadership qualities and improve one’s perspective towards humanities and social sciences.

  • B. Tech (IT & Mathematical Innovations)

Cluster Innovation Centre offers a four-year B.Tech. programme in Information Technology & Mathematical Innovation.

According to the official website of CIC, “The B. Tech course offered is a unique programme, is designed to inculcate an innovation mind-set as part of the curriculum and pedagogy. Building strong analytical skills through Mathematics and application skills of Information Technology (IT), this course encourages students to recognize the connectedness of various disciplines.”

The streams offered in the B. Tech programme are-

  1. Robotics and Embedded Systems
  2. Economics and Management
  3. System Biology

The innovation lab known as the “Engineering Kitchen” is the place where students carry out hands-on projects, experiments and model implementations which are linked to the curriculum.

Yatharth Rai, a third year student from B. Tech. says, “The curriculum, although hectic, is quite flexible. The three minor streams grant a clarity. There is a focus on practical applications, rather than theoretical expertise. Each paper in the semester has an accompanying project. I personally find these projects extremely beneficial as they provide an outlet to the theoretical concepts learnt during the semester paper.”

The B.Tech course offered is comprehensive with a special emphasis given on practical learning. In last semester of the course i.e. 8th semester, the programme is based on industrial internship to give students the necessary work experience.

Unlike other B. Tech courses, a student of Arts or Commerce having Mathematics and English can apply in the B.Tech (IT and Mathematical Innovations) course on the condition that he/she fulfils the eligibility criteria as laid down by the Cluster Innovation Centre.

  • M.Sc. (Mathematics Education)

It is a meta-university concept, which offers a two year post graduate programme jointly offered by University of Delhi and Jamia Milia Islamia. The course is developed to give students theoretical as well as hands-on experience of mathematics education.

There are total 20 seats in the programme distributed as:

University of Delhi: 10

Jamia Millia Islamia: 10

Seat Matrix:

 

IMG-20190612-WA0046

  

Source: www.ducic.ac.in

All the three courses offered at Cluster Innovation Centre are uniquely designed and promote hands-on learning in addition to building theoretical concepts. Therefore, these courses offer a different experience of academics altogether.

Selection to these courses is based on an entrance test which is to be conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) this year.

The entrances for the Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes are to be conducted between 30th June, 2019 – 6th July, 2019.

Feature Image Credits: www.ducic.ac.in

Sriya Rane

[email protected]

 

The Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) kicked off its journey with an orientation programme in seminar hall of Cluster Innovation Centre on 26th September. The event which marked the beginning of DSJ saw Prof. Yogesh Tyagi, Vice-Chancellor of the University; Prof. Devesh Kumar Sinha, Dean of Colleges; Prof J.P Dubey, Dean of Faculty of Social Science as the guests of the occasion.
The celebration began with a customary welcome song which was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr.Manaswani Tyagi, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of DSJ paid her tributes to the Chairman of Syllabus Committee, Dr Savita Dutta. This was followed by the address of Prof. J.P Dubey who said, “Resources and the potential available in and around Delhi will be sufficient to nourish the students” and encouraged students to work hard and reach the zenith of their careers. His address was followed by the address of Prof. Devesh Sinha who in his speech urged students to put efforts to achieve their goals. Stating a popular Sanskrit quote he said, “No deer enters the mouth of the Lion who is sleeping”.

This was followed by a speech by Prof. Tarun Das, the registrar of the University who congratulated and welcomed the students and parents to the University of Delhi. Highlighting the auspiciousness of the occasion, he said that it is a holy coincidence that the opening of the occasion is on the same day as Durgasthami.
This was followed by an address of Dr M.K. Pandit, the chairman of the admissions committee who spoke about the  power of the pen and said, “ I wish that students at DSJ write stories that would inspire generations to come.”

This was followed by the much awaited inaugural lecture by Prof. Yogesh Tyagi who started his lecture by paying homage to Dr Savita Dutta.  He said, “ Students sitting here today are making history”. Speaking about his dream project he said that he believes that the new school is going to revolutionize the education of Journalism in the country. ” I want the Delhi School of Journalism to become even a better centre than the famous Columbia School of Journalism” and urged the students to resolute to be best human beings and the best journalists in the world.

The program drew its curtain with everyone singing the National Anthem and distribution of refreshment packets later.

Image Credits: Sandeep Samal and Srivedant Kar for DU Beat
Sandeep Samal
[email protected]

In another incident of hooliganism on the University campus, miscreants tried to beat up a female faculty member who came to the defence of her students.

On 30th August 2017, two female students complained about constant harassment and gawking they were being subjected to by an outsider, who was coming to the Cluster Innovation Centre’s canteen for the last couple of weeks. After getting a complaint, one of the faculty member confronted the guy and asked him to not to avail canteen services on the grounds of the complaint and the fact that canteen is open only for CIC students, faculty and workers. The accused apologized and left the CIC premises.

Next day, on 1st September, a group of 7-8 people barged in the canteen despite clear restrictions of no outsider entry. When they didn’t leave after over an hour and intimidated the canteen workers, the canteen worker complained to the faculty. The faculty member, who confronted them a day before, asked them to leave again and within minutes the encounter became violent. The miscreants boasted about their authority aggressively and insulted the professor.

The miscreants also tried to beat up a student who tried to record the entire incident on his phone. “They were speaking to the professor very disrespectfully, so I stepped in and told them to tone down. They didn’t stop so I sneakily started recording them. One of the guys noticed and they came after me, started pulling my collar,” says the student who was assaulted by the miscreants. “Later the guys closed the canteen door and threatened the workers to not serve anyone,” says Lalit Bod, a student who was an eye witness to the incident.

The security guards who tried to save the student were also roughed up in the process of protecting the student. The miscreants left the spot after the incident and later returned with canes and lathis and tried to beat up the teacher. They were stopped by the students who were present at the spot and intervened to protect their teacher from getting beaten up. “While I was standing near the lobby, I saw these miscreants coming towards the teacher with lathis. Immediately I and some of my friends rushed towards him and overpowered him. Then we took him away from the teacher”, says Siddharth Nandan, one of the students who intervened to save their teacher. Later all the miscreants fled from the spot.

Delhi Police has taken cognizance of the offence and registered a FIR for the case. “A case has been registered and we are investigating the matter,” said Pradeep Narwal, DCP of North Delhi.

After the incident, the CIC administration has put up a notice banning everyone from the campus after 7 PM. This notice has put many students who used to stay till late evening to work on various projects and assignments at a problem. “We used to watch lectures and use internet facilities for our academic work. Now sadly, we have to suffer for the work of miscreants,” said one of the final-year students who did not wish to be named. “The administration should not restrict the students, it should rather curb the illegal entry of outsiders,” he said.

Meanwhile, teachers and students are hopeful that the administration will take up the issue with police, and ensure that the safety of the students is maintained on the campus. Prof. H.P Singh, the director of the centre, refused to comment on the issue.

Image credits: DU Beat

Srivedant Kar

[email protected]

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) at Cluster Innovation Centre. What is Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC)? The Cluster Innovation Centre, established in 2011, is an institution of University of Delhi. Located at Rugby Sevens Building, University Stadium, it seeks to foster an ecosystem of innovation and aims at connecting research with its practical application for the betterment of society. Currently, CIC is offering three courses:

  1. BTech (Information Technology & Mathematical Innovation)
  2. BA (Hons) Humanities and Social Sciences.
  3. M. Sc. (Mathematics Education)
What is the concept of B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences)? According to the official website, “B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) seeks to enable students to draw upon the resources, talent and expertise available in different colleges. Instead of prescribing a fixed set of courses, this course presents an opportunity to the student to design his/her own degree. Inter and trans-disciplinarily will be encouraged for a holistic understanding of Humanities and Social Sciences.” There are 40 seats in total (reservation applicable as per university rules) and admission is sought through a written MCQ based entrance test conducted across centers in India. Currently, the fees is 5000 per semester. This course is divided into four streams. Namely:
  1. Journalism
  2. Art & Design
  3. Historical Tourism
  4. Counselling
  [caption id="attachment_49652" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Course Structure of B.A Hons Humanities and Social Sciences Course Structure of B.A Hons Humanities and Social Sciences[/caption] Course Structure: Of papers and projects. In the three-year programme, student will be required to take some basic papers in the first and sixth semester at the Cluster Innovation Centre itself. In semester two to five, students can choose three papers each semester from the large variety of courses available in various colleges. A student must take a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 papers from the stream she belongs to, and must not take more than 5 papers of any other subject. Other than taking papers from colleges, students will also work on a compulsory project work under the guidance of a mentor at CIC. The projects ensure that the students explore out of the classroom via field visits and surveys so that they can define and understand problems through social interaction and create innovative ways of resolving social issues. [caption id="attachment_49653" align="aligncenter" width="800"]The infrastructure at CIC The infrastructure at CIC[/caption] The pros and cons Since you’ll be changing colleges/departments each semester, there are chances of you developing a sense of detachment and instability. Besides, if you are not generally interested in disciplines of Humanities & Social Sciences, and are not ready to invest in project work (which often mean field visits and surveys) then this course may not be the best fit for you. However, the constant change, project works and the interdisciplinary trajectory will shape your self-reliance and will give you a holistic perspective towards life. The program essentially builds the leader in you and makes you very adaptive. Cluster Innovation Centre provides students with the top- opulent infrastructure, air-conditioned building, well-equipped computer lab, and free wifi which is like a cherry on the top. Join this journey for interdisciplinarity, innovation, and independence. It’ll be a little whirlwind, but definitely worth it. P.S- Intrigued and confused people will keep on asking you about the functioning of your course; you’ll spend a considerable time explaining the nuances and details of the same. Prepare accordingly. (With inputs from redefining boundaries project team) Niharika Dabral [email protected]]]>

This semester I took the fourth-semester papers of Journalism Hons at Lady Shri Ram College and next semester I’ll be taking the third-semester Sociology Hons papers at Miranda House.

But how can that be? You may wonder.

Because I’m a student of B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) at Cluster Innovation Centre.

What is Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC)?

The Cluster Innovation Centre, established in 2011, is an institution of University of Delhi. Located at Rugby Sevens Building, University Stadium, it seeks to foster an ecosystem of innovation and aims at connecting research with its practical application for the betterment of society.

Currently, CIC is offering three courses:

  1. BTech (Information Technology & Mathematical Innovation)
  2. BA (Hons) Humanities and Social Sciences.
  3. M. Sc. (Mathematics Education)

What is the concept of B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences)?

According to the official website, “B.A. Honours (Humanities & Social Sciences) seeks to enable students to draw upon the resources, talent and expertise available in different colleges. Instead of prescribing a fixed set of courses, this course presents an opportunity to the student to design his/her own degree. Inter and trans-disciplinarily will be encouraged for a holistic understanding of Humanities and Social Sciences.”

There are 40 seats in total (reservation applicable as per university rules) and admission is sought through a written MCQ based entrance test conducted across centers in India. Currently, the fees is 5000 per semester.

This course is divided into four streams. Namely:

  1. Journalism
  2. Art & Design
  3. Historical Tourism
  4. Counselling

 

Course Structure of B.A Hons Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Structure of B.A Hons Humanities and Social Sciences

Course Structure: Of papers and projects.

In the three-year programme, student will be required to take some basic papers in the first and sixth semester at the Cluster Innovation Centre itself.

In semester two to five, students can choose three papers each semester from the large variety of courses available in various colleges. A student must take a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 papers from the stream she belongs to, and must not take more than 5 papers of any other subject.

Other than taking papers from colleges, students will also work on a compulsory project work under the guidance of a mentor at CIC. The projects ensure that the students explore out of the classroom via field visits and surveys so that they can define and understand problems through social interaction and create innovative ways of resolving social issues.

The infrastructure at CIC
The infrastructure at CIC

The pros and cons

Since you’ll be changing colleges/departments each semester, there are chances of you developing a sense of detachment and instability. Besides, if you are not generally interested in disciplines of Humanities & Social Sciences, and are not ready to invest in project work (which often mean field visits and surveys) then this course may not be the best fit for you. However, the constant change, project works and the interdisciplinary trajectory will shape your self-reliance and will give you a holistic perspective towards life. The program essentially builds the leader in you and makes you very adaptive. Cluster Innovation Centre provides students with the top- opulent infrastructure, air-conditioned building, well-equipped computer lab, and free wifi which is like a cherry on the top.

Join this journey for interdisciplinarity, innovation, and independence. It’ll be a little whirlwind, but definitely worth it.

P.S- Intrigued and confused people will keep on asking you about the functioning of your course; you’ll spend a considerable time explaining the nuances and details of the same. Prepare accordingly.

(With inputs from redefining boundaries project team)

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

Often numbers and shapes of mathematics give schoolchildren their most scary days. To dispel this fear around mathematics the students of Mathematics education have been organizing an annual event ‘Matrix’ which organises games,  rangolis and employs several other creative ways to help school and college students fight their fear of mathematics. This time ‘Matrix’- the mathematics education society of Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) organized its second event, Matrix 1.1, on 29th and 30th March 2017. The two day long fest featured several games, activities, competitions and film screening which saw participation from students from across various colleges of Delhi.

Participants of Kolam explaining their work to the judges
Participants of Kolam explaining their work to the judges

Day 1

Day one of the fest begun with Rangoli (KOLAM), a team affair which was judged on the basis of design and creativity. This was followed by a talk titled “Let’s discuss Math” by Prof. V. Ravichandran, head of department (Mathematics), University of Delhi. After a small break, the next competition that followed was ‘Tangram & Pentominoes’ which required players to arrange tans to form a given shape in the first round and form rectangles of given order using pentominoes in the second round. The participants were pitted against their own self and were evaluated through both rounds. The day drew its closure with a small snacks party.

The Ludo Game
The Ludo Game
Tangrams and Pentominos
Tangrams and Pentominos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2

Day two of the fest started with the events ‘Dimension Destination’ and ‘Tarsia Puzzle’. While one required participating pairs to cross a maze using mathematical vocabulary  and relied heavily on players’ coordination with each other, the latter demanded sound conceptual knowledge and members to work in teams in order to emerge victorious. Another innovative highlight of second day was “Mathematical Storyboard” competition, where teams had to think of a mathematical story and posturize it with help of handmade storyboards. A treasure hunt based on guessing answers and deriving directions from clues that were completely mathematical was organised and had the maximum participation and participants jostling around to find the treasure.

Apart from these competitive events, several others were also held throughout the day. Games like ‘Magic Polygon Puzzles’-requiring players to arrange natural numbers along the sides of given polygons to get a specific sum, ‘Mathematical Ludo’-incorporating strategy and binary operations, ‘Hope to 100’- a game of luck and content knowledge, screening of inspirational movie based on life of women mathematicians titled ‘Hidden Figures’ kept the visitors engaged throughout the day. The event drew its curtains with musical performances and prize distribution ceremony.

With a smiling face  a participant replied that “We need more of such events in many other colleges and schools, because it’s in schools where children are most haunted by mathematics” when we asked him about his experience of the event. Priyankesh Dixit, one of the organisers of the event said ” We at Matrix look towards hosting more such events in future and would try to keep working for removing the dread and stigma associated with mathematics in society.”

Design your Mathematical Storyboard
Design your Mathematical Storyboard
hope-to-100
Hope to 100 game

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

trasia-puzzle
Trasia Puzzle Game

 

Image Credits: Matrix Team

With inputs from Robin Sharma and Priyankesh Dixit

 

Srivedant Kar

[email protected]

In a new development and a major change of guard in an institution of Delhi University after the new vice chancellor took over, Prof. Harinder P. Singh has been appointed the new director of Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC). A professor at department of Physics and Astrophysics, Prof. Singh is also the dean of International Relations of the university. An eminent researcher in the field of astronomy, he has been the vice president of Astronomical society of India. He is also a member of the International Astronomical Union as well as a fellow at Royal Astronomical society, London.

Speaking to DU beat, Prof. Singh outlined various things of importance that would be taken up for development of the institute. CIC was set up as a centre to promote interdisciplinary framework as well as promote innovation in the University. “We would look towards increasing projects which can promote science along with a human face, which would in turn promote interdisciplinarity” said Prof. Singh.

Speaking about his plans for various programmes, he pointed out that the students of B.A (Hons.) Humanities and Social Sciences get a lot of freedom in choosing their course which they should use to engage themselves in various activities that could help create a social impact. He also noted, that projects also need to be more socially engaging and should include students from across programmes. “In order to promote the academic environment more seminars, lectures and discussions will be organised. We should be able to give an education that is above the marks and grades system” said Prof. Singh. He also emphasised on increasing attention towards various extracurricular activities which would help in personality development of students in the institute.

Amongst his various new initiatives planned, he wanted the institute to have its own newspaper. “We do so many things the whole year, but don’t showcase it anywhere. We must have our own newspaper.” CIC which has Design Innovation Centre, Startup Incubation Centre and Centre for Scientific Communication as various organs other than its academic programmes had organised an exhibition of various products designed by its students which drew major attention last year. This initiative if successful, would improve the impact factor the institute’s research profile.
“Every student comes with lots of hopes and dreams when he come to an institute. How much of that he is able to fulfill within his time as a student is what determines the success of the institute as whole. We should try our best to help students achieve their dreams” said Prof. Singh.

 

Srivedant Kar
[email protected]

Almost every day we find cases of violence amongst school children cropping up in the newspapers and media. Taking inspiration from this disturbing trend  Delhi University’s Innovation Project team of Cluster Innovation Centre undertook an Innovative Project entitled “Aggressive Behaviour amongst School Children of India

The team comprised of the following students: Aayushi Anand, Abhinav Sharma, Akshay Akash,  Anand Kumar, Biraj Majumdar,  Ened D’souza, Kritika Gosain, Shreya Khurana, Sruthi V S,  Vivek Kumar Gaurav.

The team was supervised and guided by Principal Investigators: Dr. Achla Tandon, Dr. Subhash Chander and Ms. Geetanjali Kala.

Aggressive behaviour is a conflict generating act which often manifests itself though constant teasing, beating or just mocking. Children are not unaffected by what their peers do to them or others around them. This aggression in thoughts, emotions, words and action can have a significant impact on people’s personality formation, peer choices and even career desires. However, the fact that there is often compliance towards such attitudes and in some cases aggressors in schools are not only popular amongst students but may enjoy a good achievement quotient academically or in sports /extracurricular, makes matters even more complex. So, to understand this complication of what constitutes, instigates and motivates aggression and find possible solutions to this problem this project was undertaken.

Through interviews, questionnaires and narratives, students attempted to address the issues and factors relating to aggression in school settings.  1400 questionnaires were administered in several schools of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In-depth schedules were conducted to obtain greater insight into the inter-sectionality of social institutions like family, school, media, and peer formations. Besides, an interventionist exercise at national-level inter-school competition was organized to encourage students to open up about their feelings. Other than that thirty five in depth interviews were conducted to acquire a viewpoint of the students on the forms of aggressive behaviour in school environment and form of semi-participant observation format was adopted to gain an idea regarding the issue of aggressive behaviour amongst the students in school premises.

At the end of exhaustive and extensive data collection, the qualitative and quantitative analysis was discussed in three perspectives: gender-wise, state-wise, and government-private schools. Examination of the data gave in depth understanding of the context and the participants. After the analysis of the data, a framework to address aggression in schools was developed.

Image credits: Innovation Project team, Cluster Innovation Centre 

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

Almost every day we find cases of violence amongst school children cropping up in the newspapers and media. Taking inspiration from this disturbing trend  Delhi University’s Innovation Project team of Cluster Innovation Centre undertook an Innovative Project entitled “Aggressive Behaviour amongst School Children of India

The team comprised of the following students: Aayushi Anand, Abhinav Sharma, Akshay Akash,  Anand Kumar, Biraj Majumdar,  Ened D’souza, Kritika Gosain, Shreya Khurana, Sruthi V S,  Vivek Kumar Gaurav.

The team was supervised and guided by Principal Investigators: Dr. Achla Tandon, Dr. Subhash Chander and Ms. Geetanjali Kala.

Aggressive behaviour is a conflict generating act which often manifests itself though constant teasing, beating or just mocking. Children are not unaffected by what their peers do to them or others around them. This aggression in thoughts, emotions, words and action can have a significant impact on people’s personality formation, peer choices and even career desires. However, the fact that there is often compliance towards such attitudes and in some cases aggressors in schools are not only popular amongst students but may enjoy a good achievement quotient academically or in sports /extracurricular, makes matters even more complex. So, to understand this complication of what constitutes, instigates and motivates aggression and find possible solutions to this problem this project was undertaken.

Through interviews, questionnaires and narratives, students attempted to address the issues and factors relating to aggression in school settings.  1400 questionnaires were administered in several schools of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In-depth schedules were conducted to obtain greater insight into the inter-sectionality of social institutions like family, school, media, and peer formations. Besides, an interventionist exercise at national-level inter-school competition was organized to encourage students to open up about their feelings. Other than that thirty five in depth interviews were conducted to acquire a viewpoint of the students on the forms of aggressive behaviour in school environment and form of semi-participant observation format was adopted to gain an idea regarding the issue of aggressive behaviour amongst the students in school premises.

At the end of exhaustive and extensive data collection, the qualitative and quantitative analysis was discussed in three perspectives: gender-wise, state-wise, and government-private schools. Examination of the data gave in depth understanding of the context and the participants. After the analysis of the data, a framework to address aggression in schools was developed.

Image credits: Innovation Project team, Cluster Innovation Centre 

Niharika Dabral

[email protected]

]]>

Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) is known to provide unique and innovative solutions to various problems of the society within the university. It has often known to have worked of problems of gender, disability, history and environment through several of its projects. This time, the mathematics society of CIC- Matrix organised an event ‘Matrix 1.0’ on 5th October 2016 as a unique initiative to dispel the fear of students for Maths through various interactive activities. The daylong event which featured several games, activities and a film screening saw participation of students from across various colleges and several schools in Delhi.

The event started with mathematics quiz prelims, whose qualifiers were paired up for the final round where questions from mathematical philosophy to jigsaw puzzle chose the winners. This was followed by an open film screening of ‘The man who knew Infinity’, a film based on Ramanujan’s life to inspire students to break their fear of mathematics.

After a brisk break, ‘Mathematical Rangoli’ was started. This competition, which was a team affair, saw the participants being judged on the basis of color combination, design and the mathematical concept of their respective Rangoli.  This was followed by ‘chess based games’ where individual participants were pitted against their own self. They were evaluated through several rounds and were judged on the basis of the improvement they showed in subsequent rounds.

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Apart from these major competitions, several others were also held throughout the day. Games like Tangram Puzzles which require the players to arrange tans (mathematical shapes) in a given stencil, Magic Polygon Puzzles in which the players had to arrange natural numbers along the sides of given polygons to get a specific sum and many other games ensured that the visitors don’t get bored for even a minute.

The event drew its curtains after prize distribution. “We need more of such events in many other colleges and schools, because it’s in schools where children are most haunted by mathematics.” said one of the participants. This kind of initiative of dispelling notions about a subject is praiseworthy and departments in colleges should organise such events in order to dispel several myths around their own subjects through plays, games, films or other innovative methods.

(With inputs from Priyankesh Dixit)

Srivedant Kar

[email protected]