Teachers still truant at Patna University: survey
The survey points out that nearly 30 per cent of the teachers are still perceived to be truant when it comes to regularity and punctuality in Patna University, reports Arun Kumar.
Despite concerted efforts by the Chancellor's office to streamline the functioning of colleges and universities, nearly 30 per cent of the teachers are still perceived to be truant when it comes to regularity and punctuality in Patna University.
This is the finding of a survey conducted by the students of the Department of Psychology, Patna University, as part of a 100-marks project work under Prof Kartik Jha. Smita Supriyo of MA Final Year helped in data collection and analysis. The survey was done between November and January.
Of the 70 per cent, who were identified as regular and punctual, the students found that 10 per cent were not up to the mark in terms of effective teaching. Again, students found 50 per cent of the punctual teachers not interested in regular interaction, while those eager to play the social role by organising debates and symposiums was even less at 35 per cent.
"There was no individual rating of teachers done in the survey. The study was based on a sample of 100 students from each of the nine departments. The students were asked to rate their teachers on nine different parameters on a scale
of four, viz how many they rated as regular, punctual or the best in terms of teaching and involvement," said Jha.
Jha said that the performance varied from department to department. "Some of the departments like Physics and Geography scored nearly 80 per cent in terms of effective teaching," he said, adding a steady improvement in students' perception about teachers was evident in the survey. The parameters on which the students gave their opinion included punctuality, effective teaching, encouragement and motivation of students, social and extra-curricular activities, etc.
Three departments refused to allow the survey to be conducted among their students.
Jha has submitted a synopsis of the project to PU Vice-Chancellor Dr YC Simhadri and sought permission for a comprehensive research study to evolve a more systematic, scientific and acceptable appraisal mechanism. "In fact, the Department of Psychology should have a centre for performance appraisal and evaluation," he added.
The Sachchidanand Committee, constituted by the state government for suggesting reforms in higher education, had also vouched for appraisal of teachers by the students in its report submitted last year. The Chancellor's office had also talked of such a mechanism for teachers' appraisal.
