As a student who experienced the “cafeteria system” of education for two years (“ >Decline by degrees ”, April 17), I strongly believe that this system is an inappropriate fit for our university education system. It demands that the student apply a particular learning methodology that should have preceded postgraduation and one which needs the use of a strong foundation in concepts. However, it enables a student to focus on a particular area and study it in-depth. Unless our education system, from primary level onwards, is focussed on this pattern of learning, students will find the going to be tough.
Baquir Sadar,
Hyderabad
The article is a vivid portrayal of the need to raise academic standards in our universities. As the writer says, if the curriculum and syllabi for postgraduate programmes and course work needed for the PhD scholars are framed taking into consideration the specialisation of the teachers and the expertise that needs to be developed in developing areas, it will truly create centres of excellence in our universities. Programmes like ‘Make in India’ will become a reality only if the higher education system, the core fabric of a developing nation, is given its due and innovation and creativity are emphasised.
M. Subbiah,
Chennai
The article vividly explains the predicament of universities with regard to the rapid changes being brought in the system. Changes are inevitable and essential for progress but must come after a well-thought analysis of ground realities. The education system is a vital social indicator and the basis of our future. Any rapid change will lead to confusion. The need of the hour is to constitute a rainbow committee with people from diverse backgrounds to study the system and then recommend reforms suited to Indian needs.
Preeti Sharma,
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
It is surprising to see eminent academics coming out against the implementation of the semester system only now, even when it was fully implemented in other universities including those in Kerala for some years now. It has spelt disaster in institutions with mediocre infrastructure and faculty and has compelled students to cram for examinations conducted every six months. The unscientific classification of subjects into semester modules without taking into account student workload and the time needed to build up a knowledge base on various subjects has only helped to churn out a generation of students without any concept or idea worth calling their own. This makes them suitable only for low paid intellectual jobs rather than enabling them to become thought leaders.
Jeevan Dinesan,
Thiruvananthapuram
