Giving back through Mentorship
Pedagogy (Teaching Style):
Receiving high quality education is a blessing. Respect it and pass it on.
I am just a facilitator of information and for the students’ learning.
Learning should never stop.
Curiosity drives effort.
No idea is bad if it can be well connected to the discussion at hand.
Learning and inspiration can come from all directions.
It’s important to draw academic connections to real life.
Feedback is one of the most important things for creating good design.
To show up and try your best is the first step to success.
A systems approach is essential to creating impactful design.
Articulating and defending design decisions is an essential skill to possess.
It's important to stay humble.
Educator at George Brown College
Courses and Tasks:
Course Code: INTR1002
Semester(s): Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Course Name: Information Architecture 1
Program: Interaction Design Development (IDD)
Discuss, teach, learn, and practice principles of Information Architecture with interaction design students.
My lectures were initially structured upon the foundation of Jesse Langille who taught this course before me. I then tailored the course to my pedagogy over the next few semesters.
Hosted regular discussions based on weekly readings.
Invited/hosted guest speakers from the industry for continuous student learning and development and to critique students’ final project work.
For the final projects in this class, students must redesign a website or mobile app. Examples can be provided upon request.
Course Code: BDES2401
Semester: Winter 2024
Course Name: Real World Project Lab
Program: Digital Experience Design Program
Due to my interest in learning about the hospitality world, I taught the real-world project lab course through the service design lens, asking and answering questions about the gaps within the hotel/hostel journeys and how they can be addressed.
Recruited industry partners to collaborate with the class, and guided students to help solve problems for the real world. Through cold calling and speaking with various hotels and hostels from around Canada, I was able to partner my class with:
Ode Toronto (A Boutique Hotel)
The Planet Traveler Hostel (Toronto’s Biggest Hostel)Our class delivered 2 projects each to the 2 partners.
What students say about me:
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"As an educator, Arjit always strives to bring the best and highest quality education to his students. His passion for teaching and heart for sharing knowledge is clear through his well thought out lesson plans and classroom presence. Arjit is an excellent communicator, and the material he shares has clear applications. He constantly challenged me to think beyond lecture material in order to critically apply skills and concepts to real industry problems, thus preparing me for the workplace. As well, Arjit also has an open ear for receiving feedback and constantly seeks to improve the classroom experience for his students. "
Sarah Eng, Fall 2022
Extracted from Linkedin review
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Arjit is very understanding and meets his students where they are at. He designed the course delivery considering the students learning first, wanting us to absorb as much information as possible. He is available for questions outside of course material and goes above and beyond to support us. My favourite professor this semester, I learned the most in this class. I also feel that this class was the most relevant to us students for post grad, and made us feel more prepared.
Anonymous, 2024
Extracted from the student feedback questionnaire -
The way Arjit has constructed his course for students truly reflects his personality and his expertise with Information Architecture. The slides he provides thoroughly summarize each week's lecture, and the way he expands on the subject matter encourages students to attend so they don't miss out on useful content. Providing links to course–related articles for in–class discussions is a more effective and engaging way to learn compared to traditional textbook studying, and he is receptive to everyone who has their turn to speak. Given how the course is structurally sound, Arjit clearly sets a standard of self–discipline for students to strive for, and you can expect incredibly useful feedback and critique from him for assignments and projects. I find his delivery method at a level students can expect to experience in real–life workplace scenarios, so this introduction to Information Architecture is exactly what one should expect from a college course.
Anonymous, 2024
Extracted from the student feedback questionnaire
Mentor on ADPList
I have been mentoring on ADPList for the last couple of years - It has been an immensely fulfilling experience for me. Giving back to the community in this manner inspires me to keep supporting fellow designers and upcoming students.
I really enjoy reviewing portfolios and talking to others about their journey in design. It also helps me stay updated and relevant outside of my daily circle.
Some questions I ask:
What’s your story?
What makes you different?
What do you have that others don’t have and how can you leverage that?
If I removed your name from your portfolio and put someone else's name, would their name look out of place?
How can we both be better at what we do? How can I help answer your questions and motivate you?
What mentees say about me:
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It was a great session with Arjit Singh. He is just like a magician who got into my mind and has an incredible knack for understanding and guiding one's thought process. Through his insightful questions and expert guidance, he helped me uncover key aspects of my project that needed focus. The session was thorough and immensely helpful, providing me with clear direction for my project. Thank you so much, Arjit Singh, for an exceptional session. I look forward to connecting with you more : )
Latangi
July 21, 2024
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"Arjit exceeded all expectations for a first mentorship session. His questions encouraged me to consider a high-level approach to career navigation. His passion for design really shines through and his guidance helped establish a working path toward my goals. I'll definitely book another session with him."
Mahima Daga
June 08, 2024
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"After a disappointing initial mentor session, Arjit's session was a treat, especially for my low morale. Arjit's feedback was constructive and motivational. I highly appreciate his insights and suggestions. I will be implementing these suggestions in my portfolio. I am looking forward to another session with Arjit in a few weeks time."
Nour Bireedo
June 03, 2024
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"When it comes to provide practical suggestions, I think Arjit is someone who I would reach out to. He provided me options/alternatives to keep pushing myself all the time but differently. I thoroughly enjoyed the energy he left on me."
Arnav Bhagawati
May 31, 2024
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"Arjit possesses a distinctive approach to guiding mentees toward their established goals. He assisted me in reviewing my resume and navigating the job search process effectively. If you are in search of a mentor who not only great communicator but also provides excellent guidance, Arjit would be an outstanding choice."
Nazira Zhunnisova
March 03, 2024
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"Arjit is an amazing and professional mentor. He gave me lots of great feedback and ideas to improve my resume and portfolio. He's communicative and honest. I will definitely book another session with him."
Atosa MohebbiPour
Auust 12, 2023
Speaking/Guest Engagements:
Better Thinking, Better Outcomes
Resilience Conference
Watch it on YouTube
View the PDF Presentation
Say Hi to The Future, September 2024Get Emotional
Celebrating World Industrial Design Day
International Balkan University, June 2024Design at the Intersection of Accessibility and Inclusion
Year End Show YES! Panel Discussion
School of Design at George Brown College, May 2022.