Kerala's new four-year degree programmes face criticism over unchanged learning and exam methods
This issue stems from the failure of the state’s Higher Education Council and universities in providing adequate training to the teachers.
This issue stems from the failure of the state’s Higher Education Council and universities in providing adequate training to the teachers.
This issue stems from the failure of the state’s Higher Education Council and universities in providing adequate training to the teachers.
Even as the first semester examinations for the newly introduced four-year degree programmes approach in Kerala universities, concerns have emerged regarding the conduct of classes and internal assessments. Despite recommendations for a thorough overhaul of teaching and evaluation methods, many colleges are reportedly sticking to their traditional practices when it comes to internal examinations.
The curriculum emphasizes the inclusion of practical work to equip students with essential skills in their respective fields. While science subjects naturally involve laboratory work, practical components have also been recommended for social sciences and language studies.
However, a key challenge has arisen with teachers, particularly in the humanities, getting uncertain about how to implement practical components effectively, as these subjects lack the structured labs available to science courses.
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This issue stems from the failure of the state’s Higher Education Council and universities in providing adequate training to the teachers. When the draft curriculum was released, many highlighted the need for imparting extensive training for teachers. Although the government mandated training sessions, it was not effectively implemented.
While asserting that practical training should be prioritised, the teachers must at least receive online training to ensure proper implementation at the grass roots level. While innovative methods such as open-book exams, field visits, viva voce, group discussions, interviews, video and documentary production were suggested, the current complaint is that courses have been reduced to the usual internals, assignments, and seminars.
Although universities and colleges have a clearer understanding of the technical aspects of these four-year programmes, experts note that substantial changes are still needed in teaching and examination methods.