UGC Proposes New Curriculum Combining Theory and Practical Work for Students
Fifty years ago | UGC proposal to give practical work to students
The Hindu
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has proposed a new curriculum that combines two theoretical subjects with one practical subject, aiming to provide students with hands-on experience. This initiative, highlighted by Dr. Malcolm S. Adiseshiah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras, seeks to address the urban bias in education and enhance rural engagement.
- 01UGC proposes combining theoretical and practical subjects in degree courses.
- 02Students will be required to complete one year of practical experience.
- 03The initiative aims to reduce urban bias in education.
- 04Madurai University is among the first to implement this new curriculum.
- 05A report on the evaluation system for student performance is also being developed.
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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed a significant reform in degree courses by integrating two theoretical subjects with one practical subject, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and public health or economics, commerce, and Panchayati Raj. This initiative, announced by Dr. Malcolm S. Adiseshiah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras, aims to provide students with practical experience in relevant fields or factories for one year. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to shift the education system away from its current urban focus to better serve rural communities. Madurai University has been selected to implement this new curriculum, while Madras University is also exploring similar programs for colleges in rural areas. Additionally, Dr. Adiseshiah called for a review of the evaluation system to ensure diverse methods for assessing student performance, as currently, 30 percent of students come from only 20 percent of society. This reform is intended to broaden educational access and quality across India.
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This new curriculum aims to enhance the employability of students by providing them with practical skills and experience, particularly benefiting those from rural backgrounds.
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