Student performance and Learning Outcomes

The teachers have all been making consistent efforts at improving the parameters of learning in our institute. As far as internal assessments are concerned, in most cases each answer script is individually evaluated by practically all teachers belonging to a respective department. This more than anything ensures 100% transparency and fair play so far as student-evaluation is concerned.

The students too are encouraged to present papers, give oral answers in class and appear for written class assessments on chosen topics that are a part of their curricula.

They also prepare answers on their own and get them corrected from the concerned teachers.

2.5.8 What are the mechanisms for redressal of grievances with reference to evaluation both at the college and University level?

As far as the institutional level is concerned, any student bearing a genuine grievance regarding the evaluation techniques is treated with due consideration, preferably on a one-to–one basis with the respective teacher/s until the matter is amicably settled.

Despite the fact that we strictly adhere to having a full-proof and fair evaluation technique, yet there have been a couple of instances in the past, where genuinely aggrieved candidates have been allowed a re-evaluation of their answer scripts. In instances such as these (which are however indeed a rarity), the genuineness and merit of the case alone is of course the only determinant.

The students are also free to put in whatever grievances that they may be having in the Students‘ Grievance Box, which are looked into from time to time and necessary redressal measures too are implemented accordingly.

At the level of the university, the present-day student is perhaps spoilt by choice, in that they can not only seek re-evaluation of their answer scripts but the more dissatisfied ones amongst them, can even challenge the evaluation system by approaching the court of law. There have been innumerable cases in the recent past which amply prove the fact how the students have been seeking (read legal) justice by taking recourse to the RTI Act.

2.6 Student performance and Learning Outcomes

2.6.1 Does the college have clearly stated learning outcomes? If ‗yes‘ give details on how the students and staff are made aware of these?

The college caters to a large number of underprivileged students and many of them are first generation learners. Academic targets are decided after a careful scrutiny of this ground reality. College has consistently aimed at hundred percent success rate and has been overwhelmingly successful most years in reaching the target. Students are made aware of what is expected of them from the day they step into the college campus through Principal‘s address at the formal orientation programme as well as

introductory lectures delivered by teachers at their respective classes. Staff members go through regular periodic reviews of students‘ performance and those showing potentialities are marked out and special assistances are provided to them so that they can earn academic distinction like first class marks. College wishes to see its students as not only academically accomplished but socially conscious individuals and meaningfully employed in productive work after completion of studies. Students and parents are made aware of this mission of the college to impart holistic education. NSS and other such extension activities develop social awareness in students whereas career counseling and placement drives take care of their career needs.

2.6.2 How are the teaching, learning and assessment strategies of the institution structured to facilitate the achievement of the intended learning outcomes?

The college keeps a close watch on academic progress of each student and promptly takes appropriate corrective measures as and when necessary. Students‘ performances at regular periodical tests, mid-term tests and annual examinations are carefully analyzed. Students failing to come up to required standard after repeated warnings and specialized attention and assistances are advised to shift to general courses from honours courses so that they don‘t have to face failure in university examination.

2.6.3 What are the measures/initiatives taken up by the institution to enhance the social and economic relevance (quality Jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation and research aptitude) of the courses offered?

Counselling programme regularly undertaken by the college are attended by professional career advisers, and other prominent personalities who have made their mark in their respective professions. They impart valuable advice to the students about how to develop their potentialities and find their true calling. The Placement Cell of the college arranges through out the year programmes by corporate houses and other commercial establishments who are looking for young talent both for direct placement or for trainees who will eventually acquire new skills suitable for various professions. IT giants, companies offering training courses for aviation industry, media houses, non- governmental organizations looking for students having right kind of attitude for social works are few examples of professional bodies who have organized programmes under the auspices of Placement Cell in recent past and many of our students have been benefited by such programmes.

2.6.4 How does the institution collect and analyse data on student learning outcomes and use it for planning and overcoming barriers of learning?

As has already been mentioned, students‘ academic progress are continuously tested as they have to take periodic, mid- term and test examinations. Records are kept in

system of report cards. Those showing persistent weakness in academic pursuits are given appropriate advice like repeating a year or shifting to less demanding general courses as the need of the case may be. This is done with the objective of ensuring that students appearing for University examinations are able to clear them at one chance.

Those showing higher aptitude are given special attention and assistance and this approach has bore fruit in the past since almost every year, a few students from various disciplines have managed to secure first class marks.

2.6.5 How does the institution monitor and ensure the achievement of learning outcomes?

Conducting regular tests, keeping proper record of marks, explaining to students their strong points and limitations, informing parents about their wards‘ progress through report cards which students are instructed to submit back to college once it has been signed by guardians are some of the formal mechanisms through which learning outcomes are monitored and attainment of complete success attempted.

2.6.6 What are the graduate attributes specified by the college/affiliating university? How does the college ensure the attainment of these by the students?

The college intends to create graduates who have received a holistic education and have developed in themselves spirit of service to humanity , sense of responsibility to nation and empathy towards other fellow beings, besides having the basic aptitude of earning a living. As has been mentioned earlier, career counseling makes them aware of the skills they must acquire to enhance their employability whereas participation in extension activities under the banner of NSS ensure their blossoming into complete, sensitive and responsible individuals.

Any other relevant information regarding Teaching-Learning and Evaluation which the college would like to include.

Classroom teaching remains the principal format for transmitting knowledge. The critical and analytical skills of the students are honed with the help of a wide range of reading material recommended by the teachers. Intense reference work and assimilation in the form of seminar papers and project work contribute to an enriching learning experience. Students are encouraged to present their arguments in a logical manner before a knowledgeable audience at seminars within the college as well as outside. Inter- departmental student seminars are often organized to foster an interdisciplinary approach. Seminars are also held on a chosen theme in collaboration with other colleges. Such collaborative sessions are all the more useful as the students are compelled to handle questions from their peer group as well as from teachers of other institutions .

Special lectures delivered by speakers who are authorities in their spheres of scholarship are organized with unceasing regularity. These sessions prove to be highly rewarding intellectually as the students have the opportunity of interacting with these scholars of stature. They often shed their inhibitions to ask meaningful questions which are usually appreciated by the resource persons themselves.

Audio visual methods are intermittently used to liven up proceedings in the classrooms. Power point presentations make adequate use of the computer as a teaching aid. Moreover downloaded material from the internet is used from time to time to present latest data to the students.

Information gathering at the micro and macro level in syllabus related topics is encouraged through quiz contests where students are rewarded for commendable performances.

Field trips are organized on a regular basis to generate interest and encourage further reading. Visits to museums, art galleries, heritage sites, the State Legislative Assembly etc have successfully stimulated the interest of the students and motivated them to identify their own spheres of academic interest. Many a time students have been accompanied by their teachers to performances by famed theatre groups in the city who have in their repertoire plays which are part of the undergraduate syllabus. This along with film shows within the college premises help pinpoint the differences in the impact of the written word, stage presentations and the visual medium.

PIX of using AUDIO Visual/ Field Trips (JORASANKHO THAKURBARI)

Criterion III:

Research, Consultancy