Students bunking classes has always been a problem but teachers not showing up for their classes has become such a worry that the Delhi University (DU) has decided to launch a helpline for students where they can report on absentee teachers.
The helpline will include a phone number, an email address, a number for fax as well as a mobile app that will help students send a message in case a teacher is not taking class.
The identity of the students will not be revealed.
“We have been taking a lot of steps to ensure that teachers take regular classes and students are not turned back disappointed,” said Dinesh Singh, vice-chancellor of Delhi University.
The helpline comes on the steps of the Delhi University’s student feedback system initiative — a move which was widely criticised by teachers — whereby a student could assess and appraise their teachers by filling out a form.
After assessing 2,000 such forms, Delhi University found out that many students were unhappy with absentee teachers. “Of all the responses that we got from the colleges, 50% said that classes were not being held regularly,” Singh said.
The student empowerment committee of the Delhi university, however, found that classes were taking place when they visited some colleges.
{{/usCountry}}The student empowerment committee of the Delhi university, however, found that classes were taking place when they visited some colleges.
{{/usCountry}}Staff is now being trained to man the helpline at the university and it is expected to start functioning by the coming week.