CRITERIA 2

Criterion II Teaching- Learning – Evaluation

The Government of Kerala appoints teachers to colleges through the Public Service Commission, its official recruiting agency. The rules for admission and number of seats available in each courses are usually conveyed to the students through the college calendar/prospectus. Admission to various courses are based on Merit in the qualifying examination except for M.Phil course for which admission is base on 50:50 credits to qualifying examination and entrance examination.

Assignments, Seminars and Class tests were held as the course progresses. At the end of each academic year, a model examination, funded by the PTA, is conducted. Progress Reports are sent to the parents and a joint session of the teachers, parents and wards is organised to evaluate the performance of students and to take remedial measures if needed. The class-wise P T A is unique feature of this college, where the parents and teachers meet to assess the progress of the students.

The college has a tutorial system under which a set of students is assigned to a group tutor. The system facilitates better interaction between the students and teachers. Four to Five hours were aside weekly for this purpose.

At the end of every academic year, a comprehensive self-appraisal is made by the teachers in the prescribed format and the same is sent to the Director of Collegiate Education after due verification.

The teachers of this college often take up academic assignments. They act as resource persons, course-writers, question paper setters, external examiners, etc.The college principal is empowered to appoint guest lecturers in the event of posts falling vacant consequent upon retirement or other such contingencies.

Criterion II: Teaching – Learning and Evaluation

2.1 Admission Process and Student Profile.

2.1.1 How does the institution ensure wide publicity to the admission process?

University in General give wide publicity to the admission process through its website and News papers. College also ensures publicity to the admission process through, Prospectus, Institutional Website and advertisement in Regional/ National Newspapers. Students are free to apply for any course as per their choice and qualification by paying a nominal amount for the application form. The application forms will be issued to the applicants from the date of the publication of the results of the qualifying examination.

2.1.2 How are the students selected for admission to the following courses? Give the Cut- off percentage for admission at the entry level ?

a) General

1. Professional
   
2. Vocational
   

Admission to various courses are based on Merit at the qualifying examination Except for M.phil course for which the admission is based on 50:50 credits to qualifying examination and an entrance examination conducted by the college. The process of admission in UG level is fully computerized. A College level Admission committee constituted by the college council will monitor the admission process.

There are some restrictions on the admission of Girl students. They are admitted to all PG, M.Phil and Ph.D programmes and in 10 UG Courses. In the remaining 8 UG Courses only 30% seats are reserved for Girl students. There is no cut-off percentage for admission to degree courses. Minimum 50% marks for the qualifying examination is necessary for the admission to PG and M.Phil courses in the general category with relaxation to SC/ST candidates.

2.1.3. How
does the Institution ensure transparency in the Admission process?

The college strictly follows the rules laid down by both the university and the government of Kerala to ensure the transparency of the admission procedure. Duly filled in application forms are sorted and rank list is published accordingly. The rank list shall be prepared by the admission committee in UG level and department admission committee in the case of PG & M.Phil courses.

2.1.4 How do you promote access to ensure equity?

a) Students from disadvantaged community

b) Women

c) Differently-abled

d) Economically-weaker sections

e) Sports persons

f) Any other (specify)

The college adheres to the reservation policy laid down by the government to provide access to students from disadvantaged sections of the society. 50% of the seats on General Merit, 15% seats reserved for SC and 5% seats reserved for ST categories ,20% seats for OBC and 10% seats for BPL section .Sports person, Physically challenged candidates and sections of Linguistic minority will get their due share in admission. The college reserves one seat each in the UG and PG programs for students with out-standing records in sports and games.

RESERVATION OF SEATS

One percent (1%) of the seats in Degree Courses shall be reserved for each of the three sections of the physically handicapped viz. the deaf and the orthopedically handicapped with provision for interchange of seats if candidates are not available in a particular total percentage in this respect is 3%. The physically handicapped candidates should have a certificate of a Civil Surgeon indicating the percentage of their disability.

Admission of SC/ST, OBC/ Socially and Economically Backward Community students to various courses. 15 % of the sanctioned number of seats shall be reserved for SC applicants and 5% for ST candidates. 5% of the total seats in PG & M.Pil courses are reserved for S.E.B.C. candidates subject to the condition that annual income of the parent/guardian is below: Rs.42,000/-.There may be a possibility that some seats reserved either for SC and ST may remain unfilled. In such cases, the unfilled seats reserved for SC will be filled up from among ST candidates and vice versa.

Reservation - Sports Quota

One seat in each degree course for outstanding performance in sports and games.

One seat for every 20 seats in P.G course.

Where the number of seats in less than 20 for a subject, the seats may be pooled together, treating. M.A. and M.Sc separately.

Where the number of seats is still less than 15 after such pooling all the P.G. courses may be pooled together.

A minimum of one seat shall be allowed if there are not sufficient seats.

The applicants for sports seat should have represented at least the District Sports Zone. Preference will be given to those who have represented at the National and State level. The applicant will have to produce the certificate from the Hon. Secretary of the State Association of the event concerned.

2.2 Catering to Diverse Needs

2.2.1 Is there a provision for assessing the students' knowledge and skills before the commencement of the programme? If yes, give details on the strategies of the institution to bridge the knowledge gap of the incoming students for enabling them to cope with the programme to which they are enrolled.

At present there is no common programme to assess a student's knowledge and skills before the commencement of course. Immediately after the commencement of classes, the concerned tutors will have interactive sessions with the students to identify their knowledge and skills as well as their drawbacks in academic and extracurricular activities and will give due attention and guidance to improve them.

2.2.2 How does the institution identify slow and advanced learners? Give details on the strategies adopted for facilitating slow and advanced learners

The following strategies are adopted to facilitate slow learners.

1. Reduce distractions by providing a quiet, private place to work.
   
2. Add variety of academic routine. Do active things
   
3. Work on materials that is some what challenging but allows success. Work that is too hard or too easy is a turn-off
   
4. Make learning fun and comfortable. Provide meaningful, concrete activities rather than abstract.
   
5. Tutorial and remedial classes for slow learners and advance assignments for gifted learners
   
6. Parents of slow learners invited to discuss the progress of their wards.
   

2.2.3 Does the institution have a provision for tutorials for the students? If yes, give details.

There are 4 to 5 hours per week as tutorial. Various activities like counseling of problem students, career guidance, debates, quizzes and personality development are conducted to motivate and inspire the students.

2.2.4 Is there a provision for mentoring of students or any similar process? If yes, give details.

Active support from former professors and Alumni, help a lot in mentoring the students. Planned mentoring and tutor ward system for academic and personal development. Mentoring leads to better attitude towards the Dept. and future, decreased likelihood of initiating drug or alcohol use, improved academic performance and more positive relationships with friends and family.

1. How does the institution cater to the needs of differently- abled students?
   

Tutorial sessions and personal attention inside and outside the campus helps to cater the needs of differently-abled students.

2.3 Teaching -Learning Process

2.3.1 How does the institution plan and organize the teaching-learning and evaluation?

University College is affiliated to Kerala University and has to adhere to the academic calendar published by the University. At the beginning of each academic year, faculty meetings are held in all the departments and an academic programme (based on the academic calendar of the university) for the year/semester is prepared in consultation with the Principal.

2.3.2 What are the various teaching- learning methods (lecture method, interactive method, project-based learning, computer-assisted learning, experiential learning, seminars and others) used by the teachers? Give details.

Members of the faculty encourage the students to acquire knowledge in different ways. Thus inter active learning takes place thorough field work, study tours, group discussions, outdoor-camps, quizzes, workshops audiovisual methods and so on. ) Group discussion, debates and seminars are conducted in both UG and PG classes in which students present papers.

Extension lectures by academic scholars and literary personalities, Folk performances and lecture demonstrations of classical art forms are often offered to the students.

1. How learning is made student-centric? What are the institutional strategies, which contribute to acquisition of life skills, knowledge management skills and lifelong learning?
   

   
   

   At present the college has a teacher-centered-pedagogy in graduate level. In PG level we are shifted to student-centered-pedagogy with the active participation of students in project works, field trips, seminars and discussions.
   

   2.3.4 How does the institution ensure that the students have effective learning experiences?
   

   (Use of modern teaching aids and tools like computers, audio-visuals multi-media, ICT, CAL , Internet and other information /materials)
   

   . Computer assisted learning has been introduced in some departments. Facilities such as LCD Projector, OHP, Computer and Internet are being used for teaching and learning in the departments where such facilities are available. The establishment of Language Laboratory and Edusat Centre has helped the students to keep pace with modern technology in learning process.
   

2.3.5 How do the students and faculty keep pace with the recent developments in the various subjects?

To keep abreast of the new developments in the respective areas of specialization, teachers, PG & M.Phil students and researchers were encouraged to attend seminars/workshops/conferences and to attend refresher/orientation courses organized by other universities and institutions of the country and abroad (details are given in the department profile).

2.3.6 Are there departmental libraries for the use of faculty and students? If yes, how effectively are they used for the enhancement of teaching and learning?

There is a general library which caters the needs in general to the students and the staff. At present the General Library is housed in the Chemistry-Geography block. Library is open to all students and members of staff of the college.
Apart from the central library, there are also exclusive department libraries. Sectional Libraries are attached to the Departments and are under the control of a Faculty Member of the concerned Department.

2.3.7 Has the institution introduced evaluation of the teachers by students? If yes, how is the feedback analyzed and implemented for the improvement of teaching?

Each department has a system for the evaluation of teachers by students, through a feedback mechanism. This is carried out at the end of the course in UG level and at the end of second and fourth semesters in PG level. Based on the report from such feedbacks, appropriate action will be initiated by the principal to improve the quality of teaching. A report is prepared based on the feedback of the students on curriculum, course contents and other aspects of teaching-learning and appropriate action is taken to improve the quality of the academic programme.

2.4 Teacher Quality

2.4.1 How are the members of the faculty selected? Does the college have the required number of qualified and competent teachers to handle all the courses? If not, how does the institution cope with the requirements?

The faculty members are appointed by The Public service Commission of Kerala as per the norms laid down by the U.G.C., The state government and the university. NET is essential for applying lecturer post.The process involves a written examination followed by an interview of the successful candidates in the exam. Merit is the only criterion of appointment. Many of the teachers are university rank holders and quite a few are PhD/ .M. Phil holders even before the appointment.

Presently [academic year 2007-2008] the college is almost sufficient in faculty strength. If the required number of faculty is not available; the college has provision for appointing guest faculty on a temporary basis. These temporary appointments are done strictly on the basis of merit and the vacancies are notified through local news dailies.

2.4.2 How does the college appoint additional faculty to teach new programmes/ modern areas of study (Biotechnology, IT, Bioinformatics etc.)? How many such appointments were made during the last three years?

The principal appoints guest lecturers as per the guidelines of the government and U.G.C. to handle new programmes where permanent posts are not sanctioned by the Govt.

Less than 5% of the total faculty strength

2.4.3 What efforts are made by the management for professional development of the faculty?
(eg: research grants, study leave, deputation to national/ international conferences/ seminars, training programmes, organizing national/ international conferences etc)? How many faculty have availed these facilities during the last three years?

During the last five years, University College teachers attended 127 refresher/orientation programmes and 42 of them have availed FIP for higher studies. More than 44% of them have acted as resource persons in various seminars/workshops/refresher courses. The college as a whole had organized 39 state/national level seminars/workshops, etc. (For department wise split up, refer to profile of the respective departments). Experts from other academic institutions were invited to share their experience and expertise with the teachers and students. More than 50 such lectures were conducted during the last two years.

2.4.4 Give details on the awards/ recognitions received by the faculty during the last five years?

Refer dept. profiles and consolidate

2.4.5 How often does the institution organize training programmes for the faculty in the use of?

a) Computers

b) Internet

c) Audio Visual Aids

d) Computer-Aided Packages

e) Material development for CAL, multi-media etc.

Short- term courses were organized for providing basic computer awareness to the faculty which is enthusiastically welcomed.

2.5 Evaluation Process and Reforms

2.5.1 How are the evaluation methods communicated to the students and other institutional members?

Students and other institutional members are given general instructions regarding the evaluation methods. The periodic instructions issued by the university are promptly communicated to the students. Such instructions are read in the classrooms and the copy of the same is displayed on the students' notice board. The tutors are entrusted with the duty of providing awareness among the students regarding this.

1. How does the institution monitor the progress of the students and communicate it to the students and their parents?
   

   
   

   Academic progress of the students is assessed through a series of class tests, seminars, assignments, model examinations and it is then communicated to the parents through PTA meetings. Internal assessment marks are published on the notice board at the end of each year (for UG courses) or semester (for PG courses).
   

   2.5.3 What is the mechanism for redressal of grievances regarding evaluation?
   

   Students are free to submit their complaints, if any, to the Grievances Readdressal Cell in the department, consisting of HOD and a senior faculty member. If their complaints are not addressed satisfactorily in the department, they can appeal to the college level committee. Further justice, if needed, can be had from the University level committee. Continuous assessment mark sheet has to be signed by the students before forwarding to the University.
   

1. What are the major evaluation reforms initiated by the institution/affiliating University? How does the institution ensure effective implementation of these reforms?
   

   Setting of question papers, valuation of answer books and publication of results are carried out by the University. University is the sole authority for the implementation of reforms in examination and evaluation. Individual colleges don't have a say in this matter.
   

2. Best Practices in Teaching -Learning Process
   

2.6.1 Detail any significant innovations in teaching /evaluation /learning introduced by the institution?

1. Academic calendar prepared prior to the commencement of the academic year based on the academic calendar of the University.
   

1. Course content planned in the beginning of the academic year
   
   1. Motivation programme for the students in the beginning of the academic year
      
   2. Project work and study tour form part of UG & PG curricula
      
   1. Remedial courses conducted in free hours
      
   2. Monthly evaluation in M.Phil course and Research programmes
      

Departments, like Geology and Zoology have setup Audio-Visual labs and teachers use this facility to deliver PowerPoint based lecturers that utilize multimedia to explain complex concepts which require visualization. Additionally, OHP and Paxiscope are used in the Audio- Visual class room.

CRITERIA 1

Criterion 1 : Curricular Aspects

 

 

1. Curriculum Design and Development
   
   1. State the vision and mission of the institution and how it is communicated to the student, teachers, staff and other stakeholders?
      

VISION

To mould the students of the institution into well-meaning citizen of our nation through a socially committed, intellectually, inclined, culture driven and future oriented paradigm of learning.

Also, to empower the students to aspire for significantly contributing to the nation through socialist and secular strategies of instruction.

MISSION

Ø University College, Thiruvananthapuram shall always strive to stride forward and keep pace with changing needs and spirit of the times. It shall not lounge on its glories past alone

Ø This College shall continue to foster talent and build on its rich repository of fame and prestige.

• This College shall continue to upload its commitment to the nation in general and to the society in particular and perpetually strive to carry this out through a series of carefully crafted, scientifically tested and systematically executed steps of action.
  
• University College shall spare no effort to continue to spread and further its academic potential as well as effulgence by providing conducive academic ambience for all classes of students and teacher.
  
• The College shall signify learning from the past, assimilating the present and planning for the future.
  

  
   

1. How does the mission statement reflect the institution's distinctive characteristics in terms of addressing the needs of the society ,the students it seeks to serve ,institution's tradition and value orientation?
   

   The future belongs to those who have the skill to think innovative, who are capable of thinking out-of-the-box. When new waves of changes continuously hit the shore, innovation is the essential requirement to stay above water. The ever changing global economy and business landscape cut-throat explosive development in science and technology and increasing demands and expectation of customers are all contributing to the need for more innovative thinking and approaches .Inventive thinking can be used in tackling the hardest problems and for creating fresh opportunities .Unlike conventional solution can be simpler, more challenging and exciting .Of course, there is also certain amount of risk involved because every new idea generated may not become fruitful. However a policy of encouraging students to come up with more inventive solutions is likely to help educational institution to make a clear edge over others.
   

2. Are the academic programs in line with the institution's goals and objectives? If yes, give details on how the curricula developed/adopted, address the needs of the society and have relevance to regional/national and global trends and developmental needs?(access to the Disadvantaged ,Equity, Self development, Community and National Development ,Ecology and environment value orientation, Employment, ICT introduction Global and National demands and so on
   

   The academic programs in University College are in line with the institution goals and objectives. The curriculum prepared by University is well studied by the concerned teachers and students. For modification and innovation, we approach the academic body of University.
   

3. How does the curriculum cater to inclusion/integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in the curriculum, for equipping to compete in the global employment market?
   

   The departments of Physics, Mathematics and Statistics modified the PG syllabus by introducing new concepts in information Technology .More attention is given to the basic network analysis as applied to information Technology .This will help students to compete in the global employment market.
   

4. Specify the initiatives and contributions of the institutions in the curriculum design and development process.(Need assessment, development of information database, feedback from faculty, student alumni, employees and academic peers and communicating the information and feedback for appropriate inclusion decision in statutory academic bodies, Membership of BOS and by sending agenda items etc.)
   

   The alumni of the various departments in the University College consist of many academic pioneers, employees of various govt./private bodies, retired IAS,IPS,IFS officers. The curriculum designed and the development processes are the outcome of the discussion with these people.
   

5. Academic Flexibility
   

1. What are the range of program options available to learners in term of Degree, Certificates and Diplomas?
   

   The teachers and students of University College are hard working to get best results in the field of higher education. The College offers a number of traditional courses B.Sc, BA, M.Sc, MA, M.Phil and PhD .There are 18 Departments for UG and 20 for PG with 12 M.Phil and 16 PhD programs. The College is offering 7 languages including French.
   

1.2.2
Give details on the following provision with reference to academic flexibility, value addition and course enrichment:

A] Core option

B] Elective option

C] Add on course

D] Interdisciplinary course

E] Flexibility to the students to move from one disciplinary to another

F] Flexibility pursue the program with reference to in the time frame (flexible time for Completion)

A] & B] the College offers programs in a wide range of disciplines. The Core and Elective options offered are as follows:

The College provides instruction for the B.A/ B.Sc and M.A/M.Sc.Degree courses in the following branches of study.

1. B.A and B.Sc
   

   Part1-English
   

   PartII-Additional language-Tamil, Malayalam, Sanskrit, French, Hindi and Arabic.
   

   Part III-Optional Subjects.
   

CORE OPTIONS (UG LEVEL)	ELECTIVE OPTIONS (UG LEVEL)
Group 1 History B.A Group 1(a) Islamic History Group 2 Politics Group 3 Economics Group 4 Philosophy Group 5 (a) English   Group 5 (b)Malayalam language and Literature Group 5 (c) Sanskrit language and Literature Group 5 (d) Hindi language and Literature Group 5 (e) Tamil language and Literature Group 5 (f) Arabic language	Economic and Politics Indian History and General Economics Economics and World History Politics and Indian History Aestoetics and Comparative Religion History of England and World History   Sanskrit and Kerala Culture   Outlines of Indian Culture Indian Culture and Correspondence History of South India and Tamil Culture Tareekhul Islam wa Thaqaafatuhu
B.Sc   Group 1 Mathematics Group 2 Physics Group 3 Chemistry Group 4 Botany Group 5 Zoology Group 6 Geology Group 7 Geography	Physics and Stastics Mathematics and Chemistry/Statistics Physics and Mathematics Chemistry/Bio-Chemistry and Zoology Chemistry/Bio-chemistry Physics/Chemistry and Mathematics Geology and Statistics
M.A Economics History Islamic History Philosophy Politics Psychology Malayalam English Hindi Sanskrit Tamil Arabic
M.Sc Mathematics Physics Chemistry Botany Zoology Geology Geography Statistics
M.Phil Mathematics Physics Chemistry Botany Zoology Economics History Philosophy Malayalam English Hindi Arabic

 

C] Most of the electives offered with the core options are interdisciplinary in nature .

D] Students are permitted to shift from one discipline to another with permission from the University and in accordance with University norms.

E] The courses are to be completed within the time frame specified.

1. Give details of the programs and other facilities available for international students (if any).
   

   So far, the College has not introduced any programs for international students.
   

2. Does the institution offer any self-financed programs in the institution? if yes, list them and indicates how they differ from other programs , with reference to admission , curriculum, fee structure, teacher qualification and salary etc.
   

   Since institution is a government college, self-financing courses have not been introduced.
   

1. Feedback on Curriculum
   
   1. How does the college obtain feedback on curriculum form
      
      1. Students?
         
      2. Alumni?
         
      3. Parents?
         
      4. Employers/Industries?
         
      5. Academic Peers?
         
      6. Community?
         

 

The college obtained feedback on curriculum from student's alumni, parents, employers, academic peers, and different community by conducting seminars and via paper media. The feedback obtained is discussed in group discussion in the respective departments and is communicated to affiliating University for appropriate modification.

1. How are the above feedback analyzed and the outcomes/suggestions used for continues improvement, and communicated to the affiliating University for appropriate inclusion?
   

The faculty communicated suggestions based on the feedback received to the Universities at workshop organized for restructuring the syllabus.

1. Curriculum update
   
   1. What is the frequency and the basis for syllabus revision and what is the major revision made during the last two years?
      

      The syllabus is revised ones in every three year by the University based on the latest trends in various discipline. During the last revision time IT based topic were introduced in the relevant discipline. Also we introduced the importance of Nanotechnology in Physics, Botany and Chemistry syllabuses.
      

   2. How does the institution ensure that the curriculum bears a thrust on core values adopted by NAAC?
      

      The curriculum of the institution is proposed by the Kerala University which follows the core values adopted by NAAC.
      

   3. Does the institution use the guidelines of statutory bodies (UGC/AICTE/State Council of HE and other bodies ) for developing and/ or restructuring the curricula?
      

      Yes
      

   4. How are the existing courses modified to meet the emerging /changing National and global trends?
      

      The college has many members of its faculty in the Board of studies of the University. They keep pace with changing global and national trend through international journals,Seminars,the internet etc and make useful suggestions at the board effecting relevant changes in the existing courses.
      

2. Best Practices in Curricular Aspects
   
   1. What are the quality sustenance and quality enhancement measure undertaken by the institution during the last five years in the curricular aspects?
      

      The University College is affiliated to Kerala University. So we are not in apposition to directly enter in to the quality of curriculum. However the college is always provide good education to the students and also keen in introducing latest aspect in the curriculum. During the last five years, the college gave thrust in the research activities in almost all discipline
      

   2. What best practice in 'Curricular Aspects' have been planned/implemented by the institution?
      

The institution adopts the importance of research in various disciplines. The Science Students are encouraged to take projects from various institutions like NIIST, Rajeev Gandhi Biotechnology Lab, CESS, Sree Chithira Thirunal Institute of Medical Science etc. Syllabus based workshops and seminars are organized annually on a national basis enabling interaction of students and teachers from various parts of India.