As Delhi University’s four-year undergraduate course, which invited a fair share of criticism from its teaching community, almost completes a year, colleges and teachers who did their best to make best use of this new structure will be rewarded. Every college will be assessed by special teams of the university and the final judging will take place on “Antardhavni,” the university’s third annual fest on February 14.
According to a circular sent out to colleges by the university, participation in the, “award of good practice,” is compulsory and the assessment of the college will begin a month prior to “Antardhvani.” Teams from the university are expected to visit colleges without warning.
Video recordings of 20 minutes for lectures, panel discussions, interaction with students and inter-disciplinary activities will constitute a major part of the assessment of a college. In addition to this, every college will have to prepare a brochure of six to eight pages on the foundation courses, focusing on the special learning that can be acquired through each course. Information booklets on college history, faculty profile, academic and sports achievements along with additional features might also tip the scales.
Stalls from every college will also be expected in the fest, where they will have to showcase their good practises. Each stall will have to be represented by one teacher and two students at all times.
“In the past two years, while the lesser-known colleges chose to participate whole-heartedly, some of the colleges regarded as the “best,” of the university chose to stay away. Students from these colleges prefer their own fests to the more inclusive university fest where many doing part-time and distance courses participate. Making participation in competitions compulsory will at least ensure that some people from all colleges are forced to attend,” said a university official.
Award for good practises has also been extended to departments and faculties but here the focus is on academic research. Here the number of faculty publications, funding for research received and other significant achievements by students will tip the scales for the prize.
The reward is usually a significant grant for both under-graduate and other courses.
