Prof. Venkatesh Donekal – Professional Background, Teaching Experience & Teaching Approach
I am Venkatesh Donekal, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering with more than 36 years of experience in teaching, mentoring, academic administration, curriculum development, research, project guidance and professional training. I have dedicated a major part of my professional career to engineering education, with a particular focus on helping students develop strong fundamentals, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving abilities.
I have been associated with M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru, since 1999, where I have been actively involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Prior to joining MSRIT, I served at Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru, and Sandur Polytechnic, gaining experience in teaching students at different academic levels. This extensive experience has helped me understand the different learning requirements of Diploma, B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech. students and working professionals.
Academic and Teaching Experience
Throughout my teaching career, I have handled a wide range of Mechanical Engineering theory and practical subjects. My areas of teaching and academic expertise include:
- Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Machinery
- Strength of Materials and Solid Mechanics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Mechanical Vibrations
- Finite Element Method (FEM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
- Engineering Analysis
- Engineering Drawing
- Mechanical Design and core Mechanical Engineering subjects
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Control Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- MATLAB for Mechanical Engineering
- ANSYS APDL
- Solid Edge
- Fracture Mechanics
- Robotics and Simulation
My teaching experience extends beyond conventional classroom instruction. I have also delivered technical lectures and training programmes for students, faculty members and working professionals in areas such as FEM, CAE, Applied Mechanics, Design, Vibrations and Mechanical Engineering analysis.
My Teaching Philosophy
I strongly believe that engineering education should go beyond memorising formulas and preparing only for examinations.
A student should understand:
What is the concept?
Why does it work?
How is it derived?
How do we solve an engineering problem using it?
Where is it applied in real life?
Therefore, my teaching approach generally follows:
Fundamentals → Conceptual Understanding → Derivation → Worked Examples → Numerical Problems → Engineering Application → Practice → Examination Preparation
I make a conscious effort to explain difficult concepts in a simple, structured and logical manner. Where necessary, I use diagrams, practical examples, step-by-step calculations and engineering applications to make the subject easier to understand.
I also recognise that every student has a different academic background and learning speed. Some students may need a detailed explanation of fundamentals, while others may require advanced problem solving or examination-oriented practice. Hence, I prefer to customise my teaching according to the student's individual requirement.
Helping Students Who Find Engineering Difficult
Mechanical Engineering subjects can sometimes appear difficult because several concepts, mathematical principles and analytical techniques are interconnected.
My approach is to first identify the student's difficulty and then build the required knowledge systematically.
For example, if a student is struggling with Fluid Mechanics, FEM, Strength of Materials or Vibrations, I do not simply provide the final solution. I work through the underlying fundamentals, explain the physical meaning of the equations, demonstrate the solution procedure and then provide additional problems for practice.
My objective is to gradually take the student from:
“I am unable to understand this topic”
to
“I understand the concept”
and finally to
“I can solve the problem independently.”
I believe that developing this confidence and independence is one of the most important outcomes of good teaching.
Examination and Academic Support
Students can approach me for support with individual topics, complete subjects, semester examinations, assignments, numerical problems and revision.
Depending on the requirement, I can provide:
- Concept clarification
- Detailed subject teaching
- Numerical problem solving
- Assignment guidance
- Examination-oriented preparation
- Revision classes
- Important problem practice
- Doubt-clearing sessions
- Backlog/arrear examination preparation
- Project guidance
- Seminar and technical presentation guidance
- Academic mentoring
My objective is to balance conceptual understanding with examination requirements, so that students are able to perform well academically without compromising their understanding of the subject.
Project, Research and Technical Guidance
I have extensive experience in guiding undergraduate and postgraduate engineering projects and mentoring students in technical activities.
I have guided numerous UG and PG projects and have supported students in areas including project planning, technical analysis, report preparation, experimentation, software-based analysis, technical presentations and project exhibitions.
I also have research experience in Mechanical Engineering and hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).
My academic career has included research publications, participation in national and international conferences, preparation of academic learning resources and involvement in technical training programmes.
Students interested in FEM/FEA, CAE, mechanical analysis, engineering design, vibrations and related areas can also approach me for advanced academic and technical guidance.
Curriculum Development and Academic Responsibilities
My professional experience also includes significant involvement in academic and curriculum-related activities.
As part of my academic responsibilities, I have participated in Board of Studies, curriculum development, syllabus preparation, examination-related activities, academic planning and departmental activities.
I have contributed to the development and improvement of Mechanical Engineering curricula with an emphasis on maintaining an appropriate balance between theoretical fundamentals and practical engineering applications.
This experience gives me a broader understanding of what students are expected to learn at different stages of their engineering education and how individual subjects connect with one another.
Faculty Development and Professional Training
Continuous learning is an essential part of engineering education. During my career, I have participated in numerous faculty development programmes, short-term training programmes, workshops, conferences and seminars.
I have also been involved in organising technical training programmes and short-term courses for students and faculty members.
These experiences have enabled me to remain familiar with developments in engineering education, analytical methods, computer-aided engineering and engineering software.
Online and Personalised Teaching
I offer personalised online teaching as well as face-to-face sessions, depending on the student's requirement.
Online classes can be structured around the student's academic schedule and may include:
- Live interactive teaching
- Digital whiteboard/screen-sharing
- Step-by-step numerical problem solving
- Discussion of assignments
- Doubt clarification
- Revision and examination preparation
- Technical presentations
- Project guidance
I prefer interactive teaching rather than simply providing recorded material or solutions. Students are encouraged to ask questions, discuss difficulties and actively participate in solving problems.
My Approach to Student Mentoring
Over the years, I have interacted with students from different academic backgrounds and have also undertaken student counselling and mentoring responsibilities.
I believe that a teacher should be patient, approachable and willing to explain a concept in more than one way when required.
A student should feel comfortable asking questions, including basic questions. In my classes, I encourage students to clarify their doubts rather than remain silent because they are hesitant to ask.
My role as a teacher is therefore not limited to delivering a lecture. I see myself as a teacher, mentor and academic guide who can help students understand their subjects, improve their problem-solving abilities and make informed academic and professional decisions.
What Students Can Expect From My Classes
Students who learn with me can expect:
Strong fundamentals – Concepts are explained from the required foundation.
Structured learning – Topics are organised logically so that students can follow the subject step by step.
Practical orientation – Engineering concepts are connected to practical applications wherever possible.
Numerical practice – Emphasis is given to solving problems systematically rather than simply memorising formulas.
Personalised attention – Teaching can be adapted to the student's current level and objective.
Examination support – Important concepts and problem-solving techniques are covered with examination requirements in mind.
Patient doubt clarification – Students are encouraged to ask questions and clarify their difficulties.
Project and technical guidance – Support is available for academic projects, seminars and technical presentations.
Long-term mentoring – Students can also seek guidance for strengthening their engineering fundamentals and planning their academic development.
My Objective as a Teacher
After more than three decades in engineering education, I continue to believe that the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing a student gain confidence.
My goal is not merely to complete a syllabus or help a student obtain marks. I want students to develop the ability to understand engineering concepts, analyse problems, apply appropriate methods and arrive at solutions independently.
Whether a student needs help with a single difficult topic, a complete Mechanical Engineering course, examination preparation, numerical problem solving, project guidance or advanced technical learning, I aim to provide clear, systematic and personalised guidance.
I welcome students who are willing to learn, ask questions and work consistently. Together, we can build a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering and develop the confidence required for academic success, higher studies and professional engineering practice.
