E-Paper
Can LU handle semester side effects?
HOW WELL Lucknow University (LU) is prepared for the introduction of semester system in all the Post Graduate courses from the new academic session 2006-07?
HOW WELL Lucknow University (LU) is prepared for the introduction of semester system in all the Post Graduate courses from the new academic session 2006-07?
This million dollar question is now doing the rounds on the campus after the Academic Council (AC) has given its go-ahead to this new module. Though a large section of teachers has expressed doubt but the varsity administration exudes confidence that this would do wonders.
Quantum of syllabus
As of today whatever syllabus is being taught at the PG level is tuned to annual examinations. The three-hour question paper is divided into few units. Now that the semester system is to be introduced the entire course curriculum needs to be restructured and reassessed accordingly. Also, this is the time to bring in some moderation, if required, in the course curriculum so that it augments well with the semester system.
But, the varsity administration has a ready answer to this question as well. “As in the case of Physics, similar pattern would be followed in every other subjects. The entire two years, the PG syllabus would be disintegrated into four parts and each part would be taught at each semester. Quantum of syllabus will not make much of a difference. Almost all the departments have sorted out this issue,” the V-C RP Singh said.
Financial implications
Will the students be charged extra fees to meet out the expense of the semester examinations? Says Mohd Muzammil: “Varsity must not overlook this all important question and should sort out the issue before the session commences.
The government is not keen to give any extra money and students might just oppose if they are taxed. This will create piquant situation if it is not sorted out quickly.”
Controller of examination RBS Verma, however, is not so worried. He said it was the internal faculty members who are entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the examination and evaluation. Hence there is no reason to believe that examinations would eat away some useful time. The V-C also thinks likewise and believe that it will not be tickling issue.
Punctuality holds key
Semester system would require punctuality. In the case of annual examinations even one month dispute would not make much of a difference. And in the past, there have been occasions where session would be moved on despite non- teaching for months. But, in the semester system slight disturbance for a week or two can result in delay in the examinations and put the whole session in disarray. But once again LU believe that they would be able to tackle all these delicate issues tactfully.
Positive effects
The semester system would make all three wings—teachers, students and administration—to work hard. Now teachers would have to take more classes than what they were taking in the case of annual examination. Students will have to be more regular in the classes if they wish to fare well in the examinations, said Rakesh Chandra of Philosophy department.
LU administration too needs to put up bold face and should not desist from initiating action either against the teachers or students who are not regular in the class. Muzammil also believe that it would gel well as semester system is prevalent across the globe.
Negative effects
According to the teachers fraternity two different set of teaching pattern might ruffle the academic session. Now at UG level the conventional mode of annual examination would be in practice then at PG level there would be semester system. So teachers after finishing the annual examinations would have to get busy with the PG classes as their semester examination would be due at May.
This needs to be looked into. But varsity administration is unfazed. Says LU V-C: “The semester system was introduced at Physics department last year and it is doing well. By introducing semester system we’re just adhering to recommendations made by NAAC in its earlier report.”
