Best Practice 1

Title : Value Orientation for holistic development

Objectives:

Consistent with the vision of the college, the Value Orientation Programs primarily aim at enabling each student to realize her full potential through a comprehensive training in Life Skills.  They seek to empower each student to seek guidance from within as embodied in the College Motto- 'ATMA DEEPO BHAVA' ( Be your own guiding light).

The objectives of our Value Orientation Programs  are as follows:

•  To encourage the students to embrace universal values of honesty, truth, peace, integrity and compassion.  
•  To empower the students to face the vicissitudes of life with equanimity, resist distractions and increase concentration.
•  To instill in the students the qualities of respect,  environmental awareness, inclusiveness,  tolerance, social responsibility, discipline and punctuality.
•  To inculcate Decision making, Leadership and Nation building Skills so that they become socially responsible citizens and contribute to the development of the country.

The context

Value Education plays an important role in addressing the following issues which threaten the growth and development of the young generation today:

•  The highly competitive world today creates pressure on today's youth which often leads to anxiety problems and depression . Moreover, most of the students come from nuclear families where they often face loneliness and the lack of family support and guidance when necessary.
•  The ever increasing distractions of a technology-driven world have affected the young generation in a  multitude  of ways.  Increasing addiction to the internet and social media have resulted in a lack of social skills, inability to concentrate, health effects and the exposure to inappropriate content.  
•  The Covid-19  pandemic has left in its wake loss, disorientation,  despair,  and depression.Many students have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Loss of loved ones has lead to severe depression. Loss of family income has  led to uncertainty regarding the continuation of their education and a lack of direction.

In view of the above, the institution has deeply felt the  necessity for imparting Value Education and is continually engaged in upgrading  the quality of the same.

The Practice

Imparting value based education has been a long-standing best practice of the Institution. Since 2005, our college has collaborated with Vivekananda Nidhi, Serampore,   Institute of Value Orientation and Environmental Education for conducting innumerable programs on Human values, Environmental awareness,  and the relevance of the Indian Knowledge System in today's world.  

Some of the highlights of the Value Education imparted by the college in the last few years are as follows:

1. Annual Value Orientation Camps:  Under the supervision of college teachers, students are sent to Value Orientation Camps of 2-3 days duration in Vivekananda Nidhi,  Serampore where they undergo intensive training on Self Management based on the principles  in ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. The Camp activities include:

(i)  Self governance and Leadership training

(ii) Interactive lectures on  the relevance and importance of values based on the Indian Knowledge System,

(iii) Practice of Pratyahara meditation  for  increasing calmness of mind and concentration and  reducing stress.

The Camp was held from  22nd -25th March 2018, 27th - 30th March in 2019 and 27th- 28th August in 2022.

2. A  Stress management workshop for students ( on 26-03-18) and a 3-day Workshop for teachers and non-teaching staff on  "Value Orientation for Self Management and Self Empowerment: The Indian Way" (3rd -5th Nay, 2018) were held at the college in collaboration with Vivekananda Nidhi.

3. Online  Lecture Series on 'Human values in the present scenario'   and online Open forum discussions on Stress Relief have been held for the students during the pandemic from 11-06-2020 to 26-06-2020.

4. A 3-day Online  Workshop for Students titled '  Relevance of the Srimadbhagvadgita in the present day ' was held in 2021.

5. A one day Workshop for teachers and non-teaching staff  on Self Management Skills and Basic Yoga for better Work- Life Balance  was organized by the IQAC  on 14-05-22 .

6.  A Webinar on Value Orientation,  Forum Theater and Rural Development was organized by the College in collaboration with Vivekananda Nidhi and the Institute of Value Orientation and Environmental Education on 18-09-2021.

7. The different departments also hold Stress Management and

Motivational lecture sessions. An Add-on Course titled 'Human Values as reflected in Sanskrit Texts' was organized by the Department of Sanskrit from 25-04-22 to 13-05-22. 

8. The solid foundation on  Value Education built over the years has prompted the college to enter into collaborative ventures in this field . The first endeavor in this direction, A Special Lecture Series on the ' Relevance of Values and Value Orientation in the New Normal ' was held in collaboration with Vivekananda Nidhi  and Narasimha Dutta College, Howrah from 04-03-22 to 06-03-22.

Evidence of success

Students are immensely benefited by the Value initiatives of the College as evidenced by the feedback received from them after the completion of these activities. A large number of students are motivated to join the NCC and  NSS to offer volunteering services for various types of outreach activities.   

The emphasis placed on value Education in the College has earned it a  unique reputation for discipline and orderliness.The teachers are constantly engaged in the inculcation of good moral values in the students through their guidance in day-to-day activities. Respect for teachers and elders, tolerance and inclusiveness is encouraged inside and outside the  college.  The college students have a reputation for orderly behavior and obedience even in times of widespread student unrest regarding different issues.Students manage their activities in an orderly manner and show punctuality and decorum. Any instance of unruly behavior is firmly dealt with.The programs conducted by student bodies reflect good taste and inclusiveness. 

Problems encountered and Challenges faced

In the busy academic and curriculum related activity schedule of the present CBCS system, the college finds it difficult to find time to organize  as many programs of this nature as it would have liked. Because of this,  such programs are being held in online mode in recent times in order to save  time and reach out to a larger number of students.  

Other than the time constraint, very little difficulty is faced in the conduct of these activities. It is fortunate that the college has adequate infrastructural resources and the manpower necessary to conduct these programs with great success.  

Value Orientation Programs in other Institutions

The institution is fortunate to have among its faculty teachers with considerable expertise in the field of Value Education. Dr. Suchhanda Sen, Associate Professor of the Department of Mathematics,  is  an experienced Value Educator and regularly conducts Value Orientation Programs in the College as well as in other Institutions. Experienced teachers in the Sanskrit Department are also involved in the conduct of these programs. This   internal expertise has prompted the college to launch,  in 2021,  JDC-Springboard-a unique  comprehensive 5- module Women's Empowerment program for outgoing batches(classes 9, 10, 11 and 12) of Girls' Schools. The first module consists of Interactive training sessions on Value Orientation, Leadership and decision making . The program was designed and conducted entirely by the teachers of the college.  It  has  already successfully completed two sessions in two  Girls Schools in the city. More schools have shown interest  in this program and plans for carrying out more programs of this nature in other Institutions are in the pipeline.  

Best Practice 2.

Add-on Courses for Career Orientation,  Skill Development and Social Awareness

Objectives:

The Objectives of the Add-on courses conducted by the college are:

1. To prepare the students for higher education and research by giving them a valuable exposure to emerging areas of research in their subjects.

2. To enhance employability and entrepreneurship development through training  in soft skills and personality development and foreign languages.

3. To increase awareness on cross-cutting issues like gender sensitivity, environment and human rights.  

4. To acquaint the students with software-based applications and research methodology in their subject areas.

5. To provide Life Skill training through a comprehensive  Value Education Program.

6. To enable students to break away from compartmentalized thinking and adopt a multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary approach to the learning process.

 

The context

While the undergraduate curriculum  provides the student with a sound knowledge foundation in their subject areas, it has become essential these days to equip them with additional skills that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market and also prepare them for careers in higher education. Skill Development training for enhancement of employability and Capacity Building is  the need of the hour and the college has devoted much time and resources towards this.

A good training in soft skills,   including overall personality development, improvement of communication skills,  writing resumes,  facing interviews, making presentations and participating in group discussions,   is considered an asset in any employment sector. Exposure to cutting-edge research topics, both subject-specific and multidisciplinary, helps them to extend the frontiers of their knowledge and prepares and motivates students aspiring for careers in teaching and Research. Development of  gender sensitivity , environmental awareness and other cross-cutting issues ensure all round development of the individual and fosters  values like empathy, tolerance, compassion and inclusiveness.  All these aspects are addressed in the development of add-on courses by the college.

The practice

The college has offered a variety  of 30 - hour Add-on Certificate Courses over  the last five years. An Outcome-Based Approach  has been adopted by the college in the design  of these courses.

The subject-specific courses  aim at exposing the student to frontier areas of research  which sharpens their interest and motivates them to take up higher studies and research. These courses also provide training on aspects of research methodology and acquaints the students with the use of subject-related computer software, data analysis and visualization tools which are routinely used for research purposes.  These courses are designed  by the college teachers,  are  free of cost and have been made compulsory  for the students,  so that each student gets the opportunity to acquire some additional skill alongside their degrees. The courses include hands-on laboratory work and assessment through assignments and tests. 

Dropout rates in the first semester due to inability to cope with the undergraduate curriculum  has prompted the college start  an  Add- on  course on Basic Mathematics and  Basic English  to address the lacunae in  basic mathematical skills  and  language proficiency.

The skill development courses are taught by professionals from reputed institutions at  easily affordable course fees.

Subject-related courses (2022)

•  Data Management and Analysis by Excel Functions
•  Culture and Heritage of India
•  Gateway to the Research World
•  Know your invisible neighbour
•  Solving Mathematical Problems Using PYTHON.
•  Advanced Instrumental Techniques in Chemistry
•  Basics of  Geo-informatics
•  Freshwater Aquaculture
•  Western  Ethics and the Philosophy of Language
•  A Study on Behavioural Finance in relation to Indian Accounting Standards
•  Personality Assessment – Projective Techniques

Multidisciplinary/ interdisciplinary courses

2019

• 30- hour Interdisciplinary Lecture Series

2022

•  'Groundwater Quality:General Idea, Data Acquisition, Representation and  Present Scenario'
•  Basic Introduction to Women’s studies; An Interdisciplinary Approach.

Entrepreneurship and Skill Development

2018

• Front Office Management and Basic Montessori Training (1 year courses )

•  French language Course
•  Soft Skill and Personality development Courses

2019

•  Front Office Management and Basic Montessori Training 

(1 year courses )

•  French language Course
•  Soft Skill and Personality development Course( in collaboration with George Telegraph) 
•  Basic First Aid and Disaster Risk Reduction ( In collaboration with Red Cross Society)

2020

• German language course ( could not be completed because of  the pandemic)

2020 ( in online mode)

•  Basic Cooking and Bakery
•  Basic Art
•  Basic Acting Skills

2021

•  Soft Skill and Personality development Courses

2022

•  Communicative Spanish Course ( ongoing)
•  Development of Nation building attitudes.
•  'Shikader Daana Hok' ( Let the Roots have Wings')-Multi- Skill Development Courses  organized by the Departments of English and Bengali.

Cross-cutting issues

2018

• Human Rights with a Special emphasis on Women's Rights

2022

•  Gender, Violence and Law:An Indian Perspective
•  'Human Values as reflected in Sanskrit Texts'

 

Evidence of success

As a result of these courses,  students are equipped with enhanced employability skills and   find themselves in a better  position to face the professional world. The feedback received from the participants after the completion of these courses indicate their satisfaction regarding the content and delivery of the course curriculum. Student progression data also reveal that many students are employed in sectors where the soft skill training received in the College  is of great use.

Problems encountered and resources required

The introduction of more  innovative add-on courses without encroaching upon  the time that needs to be dedicated to the teaching of the main undergraduate and Postgraduate programs presents a challenge.  It is also difficult to allot classroom space for these courses when regular classes are in full swing. These problems are addressed to a certain extent by holding such courses in online mode .

Fortunately, the  college has adequate infrastructural capacity to arrange for  these courses at an affordable fee.  However,  for add-on courses on more advanced topics, infrastructural upgradation is necessary and more  funds are  required.  

Add-on Courses in other Institutions

The college is exploring the possibility of collaboration with other institutions for the purpose of conducting add-on courses,  especially on areas of  Value  Orientation and Skill Development for which it has ample expertise. A small step in this direction has been taken in the add-on course on 'Groundwater Quality:General Idea, Data Acquisition, Representation and  Present Scenario' , which was attended by students from other  Institutions.  We are looking forward to further collaborative ventures in this area.

Goal of the practice: To ensure that no student gets compelled to drop out of study midway.

The context: Due to pandemic, large number of students faced financial crisis. To give them a bit of relief, college announced full Admission-Fee-waiver to 250 students of even semester.

The practice: Students who do not get help of any kind of Govt Scholarship and whose parents got jobless during pandemic are given total fee waiver.

Evidence of success: Almost 250 students applied and granted to get their fee waived. No significant percentage of drop-out was noticed as had been feared at the beginning of pandemic.

Problems encountered and resource required: College had to bear extra financial burden but managed to do so for sake of students’ welfare.

 

2. Title: JDC-SPRINGBOARD-2021-A women’s empowerment programme meant for girls of local Bengali-medium schools.

Goal of the practice: To empower girl children at school level through life skill training.

The context: College teachers normally notice lack of certain life skills among students when they first join college. This experience pioneers the idea of training girls of local schools.

The practice: Local schools are offered the proposal of online training their students regarding different life skills like leadership and decision making, basic conversational English skill, basic yoga, career counselling etc. Schedule of 30 hours training has been sent to willing institutions. The training was accomplished through online live sessions.

Evidence of success: Almost 80 students of class 9 to 12 enrolled. Since, the programme was interactive, only senior students of class 12 were accommodated. 34 students participated and certified by college.

Problems encountered and resource required: College teachers took the initiative and the practice is welcomed by all stakeholders.

1. Title: Enrolment to College NCC Unit

Goal of the practice: To ensure that large number of girl students get themselves enrolled for NCC through College NCC Unit.

The context: The college has one of the largest Girls’ NCC Unit in Bengal which remains engaged in various co-curricular activities throughout the year.

The practice: Students are encouraged to join NCC at the time of admission and are given concession in terms of class attendance during their attendance at various national and state level camps.

Evidence of success: Every year students achieve various awards given by NCC. In 2019-20, two students were selected for and awarded GOVERNOR’S MEDAL among thousands cadets for their overall performance among

Problems encountered and resource required: Designated teacher and students enjoy their role.

2. Title: Value Orientation Camp for Students

Goal of the practice: To inculcate moral values in students

The context:  College has long relationship with Vivekananda Nidhi, A Charitable Trust in collaboration with which moral education is taught to students.

• The practice: Students are sent to Value Orientation Camps every year where they are taught Indian traditional methods of Self-Empowerment, Stress Management and decision making through the inculcation of good values.

Evidence of success: Every year large number of students join the camp on their own.

Problems encountered and resource required: The practice is welcomed by all stakeholders.

 

• Value-orientation for self- empowerment and self- management –the Indian Way
• Supervisory skills for HumanResource Development and soft-skill development.

 

Practice I

• Title of the practice: Value-orientation for self- empowerment and self- management –the Indian Way 

Goal: To provide holistic education that goes beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge.

The Context: These camps help to develop the student’s personality and lead them to the highest self-fulfilment of which she is capable.

The Practice: The 3-day value orientation camps are held each year in Vivekananda Nidhi, Srirampur. This is an institution of value orientation and environmental education recognised by DSIR, Govt. of India. The camps aim at inculcating eternal values that are deeply rooted in Indian tradition that enable students to adopt a stress-free and focussed approach to the pursuit of their education and subsequent careers. Lectures are held on the social responsibilities, environmental consciousness, respect of national symbols and basic yoga techniques.

Evidence of success: The students attending these camps have expressed their deep satisfaction with the training received and have tried to apply these concepts in their daily lives. This is also reflected in their performance in examinations and general conduct.

Problems encountered & resource required: No significant problem encountered. As the camps are held at Vivekananda Nidhi, Srirampur. The college does not have to deploy any additional resources for this.

 

Practice :  II

Problems encountered: The courses have been functioning smoothly. No significant  problem has been encountered so far.