A PREMIER COLLEGE IN WEST BENGAL, AFFILIATED TO WEST BENGAL STATE UNIVERSITY, NAAC
Accredited (Grade-‘B++’) 2nd Cycle, UGC Affiliation Under Section 2F And 12B Of The UGC Act
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BEST PRACTICE-I
ROLE OF PRESENT STUDENTS IN MAINTAINING INFORMATION OF OUTGOING STUDENTS
The institution being only twenty year old needs a track of outgoing students for expressing its own progress and understanding its success rate in achieving its goal of all-round development of students. Further, this practice aims at direct involvement of present students in taking up responsibilities and maintaining healthy relationship with the seniors of the Department. The college intends to organise a alumni so that the members can take classes in adjacent areas for promoting education. Further the college would become well reputed through publicity made by members of the association.
THE CONTEXT : Several challenges have to be faced to implement this practice primarily because of the fact that this practice has been introduced in this year only. Since majority of the students belong to backward classes and impoverished background they cannot avail the new-age technological resources which are rampantly used by students of city-based colleges. So contacting the outgoing students becomes a real challenge. Since many of the students are first generation learners they do not have any comprehensive idea about the necessity of alumni association and hence are not quite willing to respond positively.
THE PRACTICE : The present students of all the departments are involved directly in maintaining essential particulars of outgoing students so that correspondence with the latter for future Alumni Association activities gets facilitated. Information on the career progression of the ex-students, for instance, entry in post-graduation programme, employment and other relevant details can be obtained. The modus operandi involved in the implementation of this practice needs more refinement. Presently the ex-students who come to the college for getting certain records like Character Certificate, Migration Certificate, Police Verification are asked to write their details so that their records can be preserved. A log book is maintained where the students are asked to enter their personal details when they to come to collect mark sheets of university examinations.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Though the institution has just begun to implement this practice, some success has already been achieved. Reunions have been arranged in some of the departments on smaller scale where the active participation of the students is commendable. These reunions would ultimately lead to future alumni association activities. The initiative to decentralize the formation about students of their respective departments has been quite successful.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
The problems encountered to implement the practice are several. Since this practice is new one, challenges faced are many students coming from rural background and belonging to backward communities are not conversant enough with technological devices. Thus contacting them is a different task. Non willingness of the ex-students to get involved in the alumni association is another major to be overcome.
Active Participation of both current and ex-students is absolutely essential to made this practice a success. Equipments to maintain database for keeping necessary records is needed. Financial assistance for organising different programmes and providing refreshments to students is a vital requirement.
This practice not only ensures maintenance of data regarding the ex-students and their involvement in the development of the college but also promotes a healthy relationship amongst the present and outgoing students. This would also generate confidence amongst students to organise programmes successfully and thus boost them up for future duties in broader social perspectives.
BEST PRACTICE-II
PUBLICATION OF DEPARTMENTAL WALL MAGAZINE
GOAL : The institution aims at healthy participation of students and their involvement in activities apart from direct learning in the classrooms. The publication of Wall Magazine by the various departments nurtures their creativity and aesthetic sense. This enhances their confidence level. This further increases their sense of responsibility and creates a feeling of ownership as far as the respective departments are concerned. The practice also has a far reaching goal to help the students choose this creativity to earn financially in their future lives.
THE CONTEXT : There are definite challenges that are to be faced to maintain this practice. Since preparing the wall magazine is a time-consuming affair it requires students to stay back in the college for extended hours beyond their regular class schedule. This often becomes difficult since guardians are often unwilling to make their students stay for long hours in the college. Moreover, there are several students who have other engagements like jobs for meeting financial requirements of their own and their families. Hence time constraint is a genuine concern for them though they are eager to contribute towards the wall magazine. Again, there are many students, particularly girls, who are shy and do not want to come out of their shells.
THE PRACTICE : Students of various departments publish wall magazines under the active guidance and mentorship of the teachers. Articles in these magazines are usually subject-based. Some of these reveal advances made in the various disciplines. Again, innovative ideas are also shared through the wall magazines like presentation of ideas through cartoon sketches and diagrams. In some cases the magazines are based on current topics.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Almost all the departments of the college publish wall magazines at regular intervals. This is possible only because of active participation and whole-hearted enthusiasm of the students who come up with innovative thinking and aesthetically enriched ideas as reflected in the wall magazines.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
Constraint of time, unwillingness of guardians and coyness of students are definite problems encountered to implement this practice.
More involvement of students in the making of wall magazine is needed to make this practice even more successful. Encouragement of students by their families to get involved in this project is very essential. Teachers have enormous responsibilities to locate and identify the students with creative excellence and nurture the same in them. Teachers also have to encourage the shy students to get rid of their lack of confidence and participate fully in this enterprise.
NOTES (OPTIONAL)
This practice not only nurtures aesthetic and creative potential of students but also helps to boost up their confidence level and make them responsible individuals.
BEST PRACTICE-I
CLEANLINESS AND BEAUTIFICATION OF THE DEPARTMENTS
GOAL : This practice aims at promoting cleanliness of the Departments and thus inculcates a sense of tidiness amongst the students. Moreover, the endeavour to adorn the departments generates aesthetic sense and teaches them the importance of group activities.
THE CONTEXT : Several challenges have to be faced to implement this practice. It demands a lot of time from the students apart from the regular class hours. This often becomes an issue because students come from far-off pieces and thus have a hurry to get back home after the scheduled classes. There is also unwillingness on the part of guardians in many cases regarding involvement of their wards in cleanliness projects. Further, students are often not comfortable to make posters and indulge in other creative activities.
THE PRACTICE : Students are engaged in departmental ‘Safai Karmasuchi’ (Cleanliness project). This creates a sense of ownership amongst the students as far as the department is concerned. Students arrange furniture and decorate walls with quotations, photographs of renewed personalities as academicians and different posters. Books in the departmental library are also organized by the students. Different departments are assigned responsibilities to plan trees and maintain specific portions of the garden and the college premises.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Remarkable success has been noticed in the implementation of this practice. Students are extremely enthusiastic to adopt specific parts of the garden and often decorate their respective departments with flowers blossoming in their assigned parts of the garden. A healthy competition is witnessed among students of different departments regarding beautification of the same. They are eager enough to maintain the departmental library. Many of the students put in the best of their efforts to decorate walls with literary quotations, photographs and posters.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
Extra time needed from students to implement this practice is a major problem. The lack of interest of guardians is another major hindrance. Moreover, the shyness of students needs also to be addressed.More involvement and active participation of students will make this practice even more successful. Counselling of guardians regarding the same is also needed. Students have to be inspired and motivated so that they can nurture their creative impulses.
NOTES (OPTIONAL)
This practice will make the students understand the value of cleanliness and thus make them socially responsible persons aware of their surroundings. Eco-friendly is generated through this practice. Nurture of aesthetic sense helps them in the long run to pursue the same later in life. The handling of departmental library makes them organized individuals.
BEST PRACTICE II
TO ENHANCE CONFIDENCE REGARDING THE USE OF COMPUTER
GOAL : (i) To empower students of rural and urban areas (mostly first generation learners) through online learning and CBT (Computer based training).
(ii) To help teachers attain professional excellence and explore new avenues of knowledge through wider access to e-resources.
(iii) To motivate officer personnel to upgrade their skills through ‘hand on’ computer training programmes.
THE CONTEXT : There is an urgent need for fostering online collaboration between Teachers, students, office personnel and the outside world. This will increase interaction between them, expand their sources of knowledge and offer them choices on web-content exploration.
THE PRACTICE : Following practices heightened the level of computer awareness.
(i) Students were persuaded to
(a) search for library books from computerized book list.
(b) access books and journals on the net (WiFi, blog, ppt, pdf files, etc.)
(c) make themselves comfortable for e-system of communication outside college campus
(ii) Teachers were encouraged to
(a) access e-resources from various access points (library, department, office, etc.)
(b) develop a modern learning management system (Smart class room, digital boards, power point presentation, etc.)
(iii) Office personnel were provided software package / programme, tailor-made to suit their functional recruitment (packages for cash receipt / payment, accounts, students data, etc.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
(i) Computers have been provided to all departments and laptops were allotted to specific cells.
(ii) Internet and WiFi connection has been provided throughout the campus.
(iii) Work procedures have been computerized to a great extent e.g. admission, fee receipt, accounts, library book accession / issue / return, etc.
(iv) Computer awareness programme have been organized as follows
(a) A lecture cum hands-on training programme on seminar library development (for students)
(b) An Orientation programme on print and e-resources available in the library (for students)
(c) Visit to National Library and Central Library Jadavpur for familiarization with the computerized library procedure (for library personnel)
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
(i) Financial constraints hinder the procurement of the required quantity of computers, accessories and programme packages.
(ii) There is a degree of hesitation among many students and other stakeholders to switch over from the manual to the computerized mode of functioning.
Best Practices-I
PREFERENCE TO MINORITY GIRL STUDENTS REGARDING ADMISSION AND AVAILING SCHOLARSHIP
GOAL : The institution being located in a minority community based area aims at promoting education among the students of the community, particularly the girl students so that proper social and educational upliftment is possible for the, The college intends to promote women power in this community by inspiring them to pursue higher education and this be developed as confident individuals capable of handling diverse issues of life and fighting against all social odds.
THE CONTEXT : Several challenges had to be faced to design and implement this practice. The social set up of the community often promotes early marriage of girls and motherhood. Thus pursuance of higher education becomes a critical and practical problem for them. Moreover, the college being a co-educational institution, there is an inhibition both amongst the parents and the students from taking admission in the college. The girls are often uncomfortable to attend classes along with students of the opposite sex. Again, financial constraint is an enormous problem that poses hindrance in the minority girls taking admission and continuing with their studies because the obvious preference for higher studies is given to the boys of the family as per the socio-cultural milieu of gender preference.
THE PRACTICE : The best practice is maintained in accordance with reservation in intake quota made for minority girls in accordance with subsisting government guidelines regarding OBC-A. Stipends also made available to them according to the guidelines of West Bengal Minority Development Finance Corporation. Girls are inspired to actively participate in different internal and external activities so that their confidence is raised and they can understand their own potential to excel in diverse spheres of life.
Unwillingness of minority girls to attend college (for reasons mentioned in ‘The Context’) and convincing parents about the need for higher education are specific constraints that are to be addressed by the institution constantly.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Preference to minority girl students regarding admission and availing scholarship has had enough success in the college. Majority of the girl students belong to the minority community who attend the college regularly and fare quite well in the examinations. They take active interest in classes, go the libraries for further readings and enrich their knowledge. They participate in various programmes like Youth Parliament, Debates and cultural programmes. Scholarship has acted as an impetus to inspire the girls to attend college regularly since their financial constraint is partly meted out through this practice.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
The problems encountered to implement the practice are several. Early marriage of girls, financial constraints, inhibition of free mixing in co-educational atmosphere, gender discrimination in their families are consistent problems which need to be addressed. Thus meeting the guardians of the minority girl students and convincing them about equality of sexes and need for higher education of girls is an important criterion. Arrangement of conveyance for the safe travel of girls to the college and back home is another requirement which can further ensure attendance of the students. Making the girls understand that their education would not only promote their all-round development and better living but also ensure their roles as socially responsible citizens and family members nurturing values amongst all is another objective of this practice.
NOTES (OPTIONAL)
This practice not only ensures girl students’ attendance but also promotes respect for the girl students and thus aims to create a society without gender bias.
CONTACT DETAILS :
NAME OF THE PRINCIPAL : Dr. Dibyendu Talapatra
NAME OF THE INSTITUTION : Derozio Memorial College
CITY : Kolkata
PIN CODE : 700136
ACCREDITED STATUS : B++
WORK PHONE : 033 25196050
WEBSITE : www.deroziomemorialcollege.org
MOBILE : 09433411868
FAX :
E-MAIL : deroziocollege@gmail.com
Best Practices-II
AWARENESS REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
GOAL : (1) To save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort and help others with the excess energy.
(2) To incorporate devices ways and means of conserving energy so that there is a tangible reduction in wastage.
THE CONTEXT : Energy savings add up when all the stakeholders join together in conservation efforts. Institutions with effective conservation programmes can save a substantial amount in utility bills.
THE PRACTICE : Following practices helped to conserve energy.
(1) Lights and fans are switched off when not in use.
(2) Unneeded electrical fixtures (lights/fans) are removed
(3) Energy efficient light bulbs are used
(4) Energy star equipment are purchased
(5) An energy patrol ensures that the energy saving drive is successful.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
(1) Signs and stickers on walls remain all stakeholders to turn off lights / fans when they leave a rom.
(2) Energy efficient LED lights are used.
(3) Computers with power management features are purchased. These go into the sleep mode when not in use.
(4) Energy star computers, monitors, printers, copiers and air conditioners are purchased.
(5) Circuit breakers have been installed outside classrooms.
(6) Air-conditioners are used only when absolutely necessary.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
(1) A vast majority of stakeholders are simply indifferent to the appeal for energy conservation
(2) It is not possible for the energy patrol (usually an office bearer) to ensure that all lights and fans are switched off because he cannot make frequent beats throughout the day
(3) Some of the electrical gadgets are old and consume a lot of energy. It’s not possible, because of shortage of funds to replace all of them.
(4) Financial constraints hinder the procurement of the required quantity of computers, accessories and programme packages.
(5) There is a degree of hesitation amongst many students and other stakeholders to switch over from the manual to the computerised mode of functioning.
Best Practice-I
TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF DIGITAL INDIA
Goal:
To empower students of rural and Urban areas (mostly first generation learners) through online and computer based training.
To help teachers attain professional excellence and explore new avenues of knowledge through wider access to e-resources.
To motivate office personnel to upgrade their skills through ‘Hand on’ computer
training programmes.
THE CONTEXT: There is an urgent need for fostering online collaboration between teachers, students, office personnel and the outside world. This will increase interaction between them, expand their resources of knowledge and offer them choices on web-content exploration.
THE PRACTICE: Following practices heightened the level of digital awareness:
1) Students were persuaded to
a) Search for Library Books from the online catalog.
b) Access books and Journals on the internet.
c) Make themselves comfortable of e-system of communication of outside college campus.
d) Equipped them to attend online classes (specially in Covid period).
2) Teachers were encouraged to
a) Access e-resources from various access points (Library, Departments, Office, etc.)
b) Develop a modern learning management system (Smart classroom, Digital Boards, Power Point Presentation, etc.)
c) Develop a practice of online classes and meetings through various platforms like WebEx, Google Meet/Classroom, WhatsApp, Discord etc.
Office personnel were trained to operate software package for admission, examination, cashless transaction, maintenance of accounts, student data, etc.)
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
1) Computers already provided /upgraded to all departments.
2) Internet & wifi Connection has been provided throughout the campus.
3) Work procedures have been computerized to a great extent e.g. online classes & examinations, meetings, webinars, admission, accounts, library book accession etc.)
4) An online Orientation Programme on print and e-resources available in the Library Development (for students)
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
1) Financial constraints hinder the procurement of the required quantity of computers, accessories and programme packages
2) There is a degree of hesitation amongst many students and other stakeholders to switch over from the manual to the computerized mode functioning.
3) Students from remote areas were victims of poor internet connectivity.
Best Practice-II
NEW NORMAL TEACHING- LEARNING DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC
Objectives
Context
In India, the COVID 19 outbreak was most intense from March 2020 to February 2021 The Pandemic transformed human life and professional identity and radically revised the ways and practices of traditional education
Practices
Evidence of Success
Problems encountered
Best Practice-I
TITLE OF THE PRACTICE: TO ENHANCE THE AWARNESS OF DIGITAL INDIA
1. Goal:
1. To empower students of rural and Urban areas (mostly first generation learners) through online and computer based training.
2. To help teachers attain professional excellence and explore new avenues of knowledge through wider access to e-recourses.
3. To motivate office personnel to upgrade their skills through ‘Hand on’ computer
training programmes.
2. THE CONTEXT: There is an urgent need for fostering online collaboration between teachers, students, office personnel and the outside world. This will increase interaction between them, expand their resources of knowledge and offer them choices on web-content exploration.
3. THE PRACTICE: Following practices heightened the level of digital awareness:
1) Students were persuaded to
a) Search for Library Books from the online catalog.
b) Access books and Journals on the internet.
c) Make themselves comfortable of e-system of communication of outside college campus.
d) Equipped them to attend online classes (specially in Covid period).
2) Teachers were encouraged to
a) Access e-recourses from various access points (Library, Departments, Office, etc.)
b) Develop a modern learning management system (Smart classroom, Digital Boards, Power Point Presentation, etc.)
c) Develop a practice of online classes and meetings through various platforms like WebEx, Google Meet/Classroom, WhatsApp, Discord etc.
3. Office personnel were trained to operate software package for admission, examination, cashless transaction, maintenance of accounts, student data, etc.)
4. EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS:
1) Computers already provided /upgraded to all departments.
2) Internet & wifi Connection has been provided throughout the campus.
3) Work procedures have been computerized to a great extent e.g. online classes & examinations, meetings, webinars, admission, accounts, library book accession etc.)
4) An online Orientation Programme on print and e-resources available in the Library Development (for students)
5. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED :
1) Financial constraints hinder the procurement of the required quantity of computers, accessories and programme packages
2) There is a degree of hesitation amongst many students and other stakeholders to switch over from the manual to the computerized mode functioning.
3) Students from remote areas were victims of poor internet connectivity.
Best Practice-II
TITLE OF THE PRACTICE: NEW NORMAL TEACHING- LEARNING DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC
Objectives
Context
In India, the COVID 19 outbreak was most intense from March 2020 to February 2021 The Pandemic transformed human life and professional identity and radically revised the ways and practices of traditional education
Practices
Evidence of Success
Problems encountered
Best Practice-I
TITLE OF THE PRACTICE: AWARENESS REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
1. GOAL:
1) To save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort and help others with the excess energy.
2) To incorporate devices ways and means of conserving energy so that there is a tangible reduction in wastage.
2. THE CONTEXT: Energy savings and up when all the stakeholders join together in conservation efforts. Institutions with effective conservation programmes can save a substantial amount in utility bills.
3. THE PRACTICE: Following practices helped to conserve energy.
1) Lights and fans are switched off when not in use.
2) Unneeded electrical fixtures (lights / fans) are removed.
3) Energy efficient light bulbs are used.
4) Energy star equipments are purchased.
5) An energy patrol ensures that the energy saving drive is successful.
4. EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS:
1) Signs and stickers on walls remind all stakeholders to turn off lights / fans when they leave a room.
2) Energy efficient LED lights are used
3) Computers with power management features are purchased. These go into the sleep mode when not in use
4) Energy stars computers, monitors, printers, copiers and air conditioners are purchased.
5) Circuit breakers have been installed outside classrooms
6) Air-conditioners are used only when absolutely necessary
5. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED:
1) A vast majority of stakeholders are simply indifferent to the appeal for energy conservation.
2) It is not possible for the energy patrol (usually an office bearer) to ensure that all lights and fans switched off because he cannot make frequent beats throughout the day.
3) Some of the electrical gadgets are old and consume a lot of energy. It’s not possible, because of shortage of funds to replace all of them.
Best Practice-II
TITLE OF THE PRACTICE: EMPOWERING THE FEMALE LEARNER
Objective
1 Gender - equitable education coupled with co curricular actions.
2 Nurturing the inherent capabilities of female learners , socially as well as intellectually.
3 Ensuring socio -economic protection of female learners.
4 Providing increased educational access and institutional safety to female learners.
5 Actualising the educational re - entry policy especially in the case of young mothers.
Context
Education is the key factor of women's empowerment it helps the female learner realise her potential and achieve the financial independence that she so keenly desires.
It is interesting to note that in the last five years (2018-19 to 2022- 2023 ) out of the total number of students who were placed in jobs or progressed to higher education, female learners were approx 50 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.
Practice
1 Female learner are provided the opportunity of participating in the institutional life of the college as members of various functional committees.
2 The institution facilitates representation of female learners in various administrative, co curricular and extracurricular activities.
3 Female students, with the assistance of their female teachers take the lead in organising International Women's Day every year.
4 Female students also organise Saraswati Puja every year along with their male counterparts.
5 Every year, females students enlist in the Girls unit of the NCC In the past, a female student has participated in the Republic Day parade at Delhi.
6 Female learners also partake in community outreach initiatives as members of NSS
7 Female learners are benefitted from government financial assistance / scholarships like Kanyashree, Aikyashree , OASIS etc
8 The college has allotted an exclusive girls common room to female students
9 Sanitary napkin vending machines have been provided for female learners
Evidence of success
1 A very large number of female learners including young mothers re-entering education, enrol at the institution every year.
2 As already mentioned, female learners are finding gainful employment and progressing to higher studies after graduation.
3 Again, as also mentioned, the participation of female learners in the corporate life of the institution as members of functional committees is praiseworthy.
4 Female learners help to organise cultural events ( eg Rabindrajayanti , drama, recitation ) and also observe significant occasions ( International Women's Day , National Science Day , Bhash Divash etc) with great fervour.
5 As members of the NSS unit, female learners actively participate in college cleanliness drives, interact with schoolchildren at adopted village Barpole, organise seminars and special Lecture sessions and set up health camps from time to time.
6 Financial assistance and scholarships received from the government help the female learners to complete their studies successfully.
7 The provision of sanitary napkin vending machines ensure proper menstrual hygiene management.
Problems encountered
1 Many girls from ultra conservative households do not seek admission at the college after high school.
2 Many girls are married off by their guardians even before they get a chance to complete graduation.
3 A very large number of female learners , especially from the General Degree courses choose to stay away from classes those of them who do attend , skip classes generally after 3:15 pm in order to reach home safely before dusk.