Reforms in Continuous Internal Evaluation (CIE) system at the institutional level

Response:

DSCW follows guidelines as per Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.  

CIE: Assimilation and Evaluation tests are conducting on regular basis.

SLIP TESTS: Slip test is carried out on completion of each topic, basically to evaluate the level of understanding. It reflects the degree of difficulties on the topics delivered by the faculties.

UNIT-WISE TEST: After the completion of each unit an assessment test will be conducted. This test allows the teacher to assess the student progress continuously to identify slow and advanced learners.

OBJECTIVE TEST: Online tools (Edmodo, Kahoot, Google Form, Mircosoft Form etc.) are used to conduct a quiz test, to promote learning experience which is used by DSCW before every Mid - term examination. The results are used to give the Internal Assessment marks proportionately.

 ASSIGNMENT TEST: Two assignments per each unit are given to instil self study of subjects beyond the syllabus to fill the void between Industry and Institution.

MID – TERM EXAMINATIONS: Two mid term examinations were conducted as per the schedule and directions given by PU. Slow learners/performers are identified and given extra inputs for better understanding.

 CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT IN PRACTICAL SUBJECTS:  The practical on respective subjects are carried out as per the guidelines given by PU. However exposure to additional tools and techniques are given to undertake Student Skill Development Centre (SSDC) projects.

Students are encouraged to addon to the practical to formulate minor projects and agreement with Industrial problems to convert into Industry Projects for the students. The success of each practical application is assessed through Outcome Based Education (OBE).

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT IN PROJECTS: All the Minor/Major projects are Industry defined/Community Problems under the guidance of SSDC. Feasibility study is carried out with the guidance of faculty assigned as a Project Coordinator. In House Projects and Community based projects supporting the society are given priority. Development of the project assistance is taken from sources like, Industry/Centre of Excellence/Research labs.  Project coordinator reviews the projects periodically and assessment is done based on the presentation and demonstration of the project. Further study of the project if required, is recommended to carry forward for the next batch. Success in the form of expected outcome is initiated towards Patent/Startup.

Mechanism of internal assessment is transparent and robust in terms of frequency and variety

Response:

As the Institute is affiliated to PU, guidelines issued by the said university is followed from time to time while assessing the students through Internal Assessment. The academic calendar issued by the university before summer vacations mentions the dates on which the internal assessment exams (CAT – 1, MST & CAT – 2)  are to be conducted. All the students are informed about the events for the year through the academic calendar issued by the university and institution.

In general, the first Class Assessment Test (CAT – 1) is conducted after the completion of approximately 28 days (4 weeks of teaching), the Mid Term Exam (MST) is planned after the completion of 42 days (6 weeks) of teaching and the second Class Assessment Test (CAT – 2) is conducted at the end of the each academic semester after completion of 70 days (10 weeks) of teaching or the entire curriculum. Apart from the College Academic Calendar, the scheduling of the CAT – 1, MST & CAT – 2 exams are informed to the students through circulars to the class rooms, whatsapp groups, notice boards, ERP portal etc.

The mid term examinations for the students are conducted in Theory and Practical. Apart from the mid term examinations regular assessment of the students is carried out through Class Assessment Tests , Assignments, participative learning etc. The question paper consists of objective and subjective questions. The question papers for all UG & PG classes are being prepared by the institution itself. The concerned subject teacher has to prepare one set of objective & subjective question paper by applying the Blooms Taxonomy Levels to meet the expected course outcomes.

The exams are conducted as per guidelines prescribed by the university and institution. Once the examinations are conducted, the answer scripts (answer sheets) of students are evaluated by the concerned faculty members. It is mandatory for all faculty members who are assessing these sheets to do so in the examination branch and in the presence of the exam branch incharge. This evaluation is done as per the guidelines and scheme of evaluation. The teachers maintain impartiality and fairness. They ensure that they mark each student equally and maintain a code of sincerity.

Once the papers have been evaluated, they are distributed back to the students by the teachers. The faculty is to discuss the entire length of the question paper and their subsequent correct answers. This helps the student understand their mistakes and note down the correction. Finalized marks are verified by the teachers and students before displaying on the notice boards of respective departments. These mark sheets are also intimated to the parents. Thus the institute ensures that the assessment process through continuous internal assessment is carried out with complete transparency.

The institution adheres to the academic calendar for the conduct of CIE

Response:

DSCW academic calendar is made line with the academic calendar of Panjab University. The college carries out effective planning to stick to academic calendar. This allows the teachers and the students to space out their teaching and learning process.

Every academic year consists of two semesters. Each semester consists of 90 days (13 weeks approximately) duration. DSCW follows PU academic calendar consisting of the date of commencement of the Instruction and Conduct of Mid Term examinations, Parents-Teacher meetings (PTM), submission of Mid Marks to the university, Conduction of Practical examinations and commencement of End Semester Examinations along with the Vacation period.

The above mentioned 13 weeks of instruction of the concerned syllabus is taught to the students. They are tested on the same material. All CIE question papers are set based on Blooxm’s Taxanomy. The average obtained from CAT – 1, MST & CAT – 2  examinations is calculated to attain the final internal marks of the individual student for External Examinations. These marks are also vitalized to decide the course nature of teaching for slow learners and identify their learning ability of the concerned subject before going to attempt external examination.

As part of the CIE, the assignments given to the students to involve unaddressed Program Outcomes. This helps the students to attain knowledge beyond the syllabus, as majority of these topics are not covered by the exams conducted by the university. The assignments are given within a set timeframe. The students have to complete them within the time given to adhere to the university’s timeline.

By following the university calendar, every department creates Departmental Plan of Action to ensure timely delivery of syllabus and other activities to meet the deadline for conducting the CIE. The students are given enough time before the examinations to prepare and practice the concepts.

In case of sudden change in Academic calendar, the university communicates the modifications to the respective colleges. It is mandatory to follow Academic calendar given by Affiliated University.

Mechanism to deal with examination related grievances is transparent, time-bound and efficient

Response:

DSCW establishes an examination cell with one of the senior faculty assigned with the duties of examination coordinator who coordinates with all the departments for smooth conduct of internal examinations and coordinates with the affiliating university for conduct of semester end examinations.

All the examinations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner without scope for any grievances from the students by taking the following measures. The hall tickets are issued to the students well in advance. Any grievance related to the hall ticket like printing of wrong name or delay in issuance is addressed by the examination cell. The examination cell immediately looks into the matter and takes necessary actions. The issues of the students are dealt with high priority and solved as soon as possible.

Post internal examinations, students are givenback their evaluated answer scripts. Timely corrections are done by the teachers in the examination cell under the supervision of a controller / in-charge. Students are permitted to assess their own performance and seek any clarifications. All queries are addressed at appropriate level and the Internal Assessment marks are displayed on Notice boards before forwarding them to the University Portal.

In the case of external examination, all grievances are handled at PU examination section, Chandigarh after forwarding such quires through the college examination section. The SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) of conduct of examination is activated and submission of applications for grievances if any is being followed and the students are brought the awareness through circulars, notice boards and announcement in the class rooms by the concerned faculty.

If a student is having grievance in terms of marks obtained for any of the subject in the semester end examination, then she will apply for revaluation of the script for necessary corrections by paying the prescribed fee to the university. The University appoints an examiner to re-evaluate the answer sheet and the results are announced almost within 30 days depending on the quantum of re-evaluation answer sheets. If the candidate is not satisfied with the re-evaluation results and is confident enough, then he raise that grievance by applying for Challenge Re-evaluation in which the script will be physically checked by the student in PU examination section. The outcome of the Challenge Re-evaluation is communicated within one week and if there is any increase of marks, then the 90% of the fee is returned to the candidate by the university.

College level grievances are solved within two-three days. However, the university level grievances are addressed and resolved before the commencement of the next semester.