Morung Express news
Kohima | May 24
With Under Graduate (UG) colleges in Nagaland set to shift to the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) from the 2021-2022 academic session, the Nagaland College Principals Association (NCPA) organized a webinar today on implementation strategies for college and department heads.
Dr Visakhonü Hibo, Principal, Japfü Christian College, Kigwema & President, NCPA in her welcome address said that in the quest for quality education and reforms in the system in Nagaland, transitions from one system to another was experienced in the past. While the current pursuit to shift to CBCS pattern should not be seen as an obstacle because of ignorance or fear, the President said that colleges should go ahead and welcome the change with positivity.
While there is eagerness on improving quality education, many colleges have been performing well but nonetheless, many are still in need of improvement, Hibo stated. “In the education arena, we need to be locally and globally relevant,” Hibo stated, citing the importance of seeking the unknown.
Nagaland University has already rolled out the CBCS syllabus for UG courses for 21 discipline/courses prepared by their respective Board of Under-Graduate Studies (BUGS) on May 5.
The panelists of the webinar were the heads from the three autonomous colleges in Nagaland following CBCS pattern of syllabus—Dr Sr Ranit, Vice Principal, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama; Teisovi Gerrard, Deputy Controller of Examinations, Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma; and AG Samuel, Controller of Examinations, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chümoukedima, Dimapur.
Dr Sr Ranit spoke on the design and outline of the CBCS pattern, and stated that one of the biggest advantages it would provide is the uniformed system of grading, which will enable students to move within India and across countries. She said that the UG students need to study 26 courses spread over 6 semesters in three academic sessions with the liberty to choose from various options.
Teisovi Gerrard said that offering honours and general papers at the same time have not been undertaken so far due to underlying challenges while there will be easy grading system on a scale of 10.
AG Samuel meanwhile described the system as a paradigm shift in learning and teaching pedagogy; which revamps the examination and grading patterns. It is “learner-centric with a cafeteria approach allowing students to choose courses from a wide range of disciplines: intra-disciplinary as well as inter-disciplinary, depending on the student’s interest in the subject(s) and career choice,” he stated.
He however said that “human resource and infrastructure, availability and procurement of books and study materials and adaptability” are challenges in the area.
The panelists suggested introduction of either honours or general programme of studies; core courses as generic electives; combined classes for honours and generic students; and no generic electives offered by some departments.
Dr Lily Sema, Principal, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma & General Secretary, NCPA was the session chair. Principals of Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima and St Joseph's College (Autonomous), Jakhama were the moderators.
