Dr Asangba Tzudir
The Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) was introduced this year for the new batch of students, giving way for the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System), though colleges were given the freedom to decide whether the 3rd semester students should continue with the CBCS or merge into FYUGP and accordingly the colleges made their own decision.
Now, third month into the new system though it’s still early days, there is a perceived danger and needs to be mindful about especially the students. While the new FYUGP system calls for wise and smart decisions at every phase of the semester in consideration of the multiple exit points each year of the programme, most importantly a balance is needed considering the fact that the new system is classified into two broad components. The first is the core courses of a discipline which includes a research/dissertation component in the fourth year; and the second component comprises of skill and value added Inter-disciplinary and multidisciplinary courses.
While the four year syllabus is still in the process of development, there are certain things which can still be rectified and which are also subject to deliberation. An instance being the placement and choice of a minor paper in each semester which is offered by each department for other department students. Not many students get to study the subject of their choice and therefore the minor paper becomes very important, which can be taken up in the Masters program in case a student wants to pursue in the Minor subject rather than the UG major paper.
Coming to the perceived danger, looking at the two broad categories of the syllabus system, it is only natural for most students to strike a chord with the second component papers which are not only more interesting but comparatively easier when compared to the major core papers. So, it is perceived that students might neglect the more important core papers. If this happens, then the very purpose and objective of the FYUGP to transform the education system may be left wanting in its objective. As such, for acquiring a strong foundation in the major paper, a student should not let it drain out and lose focus while giving more importance unmindfully to the second component papers. A balance then is required so that equal attention is given to all the papers, if not more attention on the major core papers especially for those who are thinking and planning to make a career in teaching, academics and research.
Further, because of the still developing syllabus and also the larger concern of the various elements of uncertainty many students will find it difficult to find their career/profession paths at a time when they are required to take wise and smart decisions based on the two broad components. This is where dialogue is required. However, education and learning should primarily serve as a tool for life and not simply for consumption during exams. If education and learning can be applied as a tool for life, then it will never go to waste.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
