Assessment Report of

Institutional Accreditation of

St. Xavier’s College of Education

Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu

 

Section 1. Preface

 

St. Xavier's College of Education, Palayamnkottai was started in 1950 by the Society of St.Francis Xavier in a semi urban area to serve the cause of teacher education for both rural and urban students. It is a recognised institution affiliated to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. It offers many advanced programmes in pedagogical sciences, M.Ed., M.Phil. and Ph.D., in addition to the regular B.Ed. course. It is one of the few institutions in the region recognized for offering M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes. The college is endowed with excellent physical infrastructure, buildings, equipment, learning resources. It is situated in an area of 3.72 acres.  The College requested the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to evaluate its performance and submitted its self-study report. NAAC constituted the Peer Team consisting of Prof. Malla Reddy as Chairman and Prof.  Mercy Abraham as Member.  The team visited the college between March 12th  and 13th   2000, examined learning facilities available, interacted with the Principal, the Management, Faculty, parents, Alumni Association and students.  On the basis of its perceptions and information gathered through both observation and interaction, the Peer Team has prepared the following report as per the guidelines suggested by NAAC.

 

Section 2. Criterion-wise Analysis

Criterion I:  Curricular Aspects

 

St. Xavier's College of Education is a single faculty institution for teacher preparation and specialization in pedagogical sciences with an interdisciplinary approach. Since the college is not autonomous, it has limited freedom to design its own course structure. As per the syllabus designed by the Board of Studies of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, the college offers  3 core papers which are common to all the students - Education in Emerging India, Educational Psychology and Educational Management, and  2 Optional papers under instructional technology. However, in the case of this college English is a compulsory paper to all students, as a second area of specialization. In addition to 3 core papers and 2 optional subjects, students are also given opportunity to select one of the papers offered under electives.  Under this category, the subjects Guidance and Counselling, Educational Technology, Physical and Health Education, Adult and Non-formal Education are offered by the college.

 

Being a single faculty institution, there is no scope for horizontal mobility.  But it provides opportunity to meritorious students on competitive basis to move vertically to pursue M.Ed. and Ph.D. programmes. The time frame of the institution is 10 months with 210 working days.  Students normally complete the programme within the prescribed duration with few exceptions.

 

The B.Ed. course designed and offered by the Board of Studies of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University is almost the same as followed in colleges of education across the country.  Despite such uniformity in curricular approach, St. Xavier's College of Education is able to maintain its identity by introducing certain significant programmes which are worth mentioning.

 

The College imparts computer skills to all the students on compulsory basis, without charging any extra fees. The college has also designed a programme in communicative skills in English for the benefit of those students who come from rural areas and first generation disadvantages.  The college has adopted a well-conceived feedback mechanism from academic peers and employees which was substantiated with recorded proof and during interaction with parents and alumni. Despite the complexity of the mechanism, the college gives great importance to the opinion of academic peers and employees.

 

In the case of an institution which helps in the preparation of professional teachers, the concept of industry and institutional relationship is not applicable.  However, many measures have been envisaged to fight against the problems of isolation, The college has established strong linkages with the community and secondary schools on the one hand, the university and other centres of advanced learning on the other. The college is a part of St. Xavier's Educational Society, which has established several educational institutions which work in close collaboration with each other like one family.

 

 

 

 

Criterion II: Teaching-learning and Evaluation

 

There is an ever increasing demand for B.Ed. admissions all over the country and more so in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Government conducts a common entrance test for B.Ed. students and the rank obtained by a student determines his admission chances. The state government has laid down the admission policy, prescribing 50% of the seats in favour of socially disadvantaged communities and 50% seats under management quota. Despite broad discretionary powers enjoyed by the Management, admissions are processed normally with inter-se merit.

 

The faculty have participated in national and international seminars which help them to update their knowledge in their respective fields. As a matter of fact, the college itself organizes refresher courses, seminars and conferences by inviting academicians.

 

In the area of teaching, the faculty is in the forefront of several innovative methods. The students who succeed in the massive competitions seriously pursue the course with an earnest desire to complete the course in time and join the teaching profession; unlike in the case of general disciplines. The syllabus is unitized according to teaching schedule and an annual exam is conducted by the university, which is the pattern followed by all the B. Ed. colleges affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. For promoting new methods of teaching, the College organizes seminars, discourses, panel discussions; and offering media facility to prepare audio-visual and other teaching aids.

 

The college has the freedom to recruit teachers through its own selection criteria.  The selection board is normally appointed by the Governing Body and selections are ratified by the Managing Committee.  As the motto  of the institution is directed towards preparation of competent teachers it does not compromise with merit in the selection of its faculty. It prefers to recruit those who can create a stimulating teaching-learning environment in the institution.

 

Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension

 

The college is both a teaching and research department. Research is introduced at the P.G. level and the students work on a project which is submitted in the form of a small monograph in partial fulfilment of the M.Ed. programme. There are five Ph. D degree holders on the faculty and two others have submitted their theses and awaiting results. The institution encourages both individual and collective research in accordance with its policy.  As an incentive, teachers are given study leave and seed money.

 

The college has constituted a doctoral committee which examines proposals and makes suitable recommendations for funding etc. A good number of teachers who are engaged in Action Research publish papers. The Peer Team has noted in its interaction with the faculty that significant research work is undertaken in the departments of mathematics and sciences.

 

The college is very strong in the field of extension. It undertakes activities with the help of the Alumni Association which is note-worthy. Community development activities, AIDS awareness, blood donation camp, and social service activities have been undertaken during the last two years involving NS S and NCC and with the support of the Alumni Association.

 

Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources

 

St. Xavier's College of Education is one of the few institutions which are endowed with extensive accommodation and the latest infrastructure and learning resources. The Management has built a well-conceived campus and imposing buildings, though in its small area of 3.72 acres. The Peer Team was impressed with the college’s success in the optimum use of land for buildings and for landscaping, transforming the entire precinct into a beautiful ambience.

 

The college has a reasonably good library with more than 9800 books, for the study of the content areas as well as pedagogy. There is an advisory committee for the library and on their recommendation, new books are bought for the library every year. The college is subscribes for twenty journals and periodicals. The library works for 220 days with an open access to students from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There is a central computer facility available in the institution to impart computer skills to all the students, with specialization in some software languages.

 

The college organizes regular medical check-up both in the case of students and staff; both teaching and non-teaching. The basketball court, volley-ball court and ball-badminton court are well laid, facilitating the physical education training in the institution.  Students regularly participate in sports and games in the institution and also take part in regional and state level competitions. The college believes in the philosophy of residential institution. Therefore, it is obligatory on the part of every student to reside in the hostel for the entire duration of the programme. The hostel is not merely a place for living but also a centre of learning and an extension of the college.

 

 

A number of facilities are provided in the hostels which help in offering a holistic education.

 

Criterion V: Student Support and Progression

 

The college, to ensure a rich learning culture, has evolved a high student support structure.  Students in small units are assigned to a member of the faculty in the subject concerned, who in turn acts as a guide throughout the course.  Students are encouraged to share their problem, both academic and personal with their supervisors.

 

 

The college has been maintaining excellent results, with 100% student success in the annual examinations.  In view of the fact that this is a professional institution devoted to preparation of teachers for secondary and primary schools, their placement opportunity to a large measure, depends on the existing vacancies in schools and on the policy of the government.

 

The college publishes a prospectus at the beginning of the academic year giving details of its objectives, courses offered, admission procedures, fee structure, opportunity for sports and games and financial support available. Large sections of students and especially those who come from deprived communities receive free education. Financial support is extended in the form of merit scholarships, loan scholarships on the basis of their merit and socio-economic background.  Teachers in addition to imparting instruction guide their students through personal counselling and extend moral and emotional support, acting as parental surrogates.

 

There is a strong alumni association, taking active interest in the overall development of the institution, including its regular programmes. The association has already demonstrated its commitment to the institution by organizing career guidance for the advantage of secondary school students - a complementary role played in collaboration with the faculty. The association has instituted 10 scholarships of Rs.1,000/-per annum.  In addition to these, the association has adopted a scheme to extend financial support to some selected students in secondary schools. The teacher trainees are awarded prizes for their creative abilities, from philanthropic contributions made by the alumni. It is significant to note that the association has donated a sum of Rs.50,000/- for the construction of the Golden Jubilee Block and helping the institution in several ways as a mark of respect to its alma mater.

 

The college has also broadened its support structure for the progression of students by providing facilities for indoor games, publication of student magazine, audio-video facilities and for organizing cultural programmes.

 

 

Criterion VI: Organization and Management

 

The college is governed by Jesuits of Madurai Province, supported by a Governing Council and Managing Committee.  The President of the Governing Council is the Provincial of Madurai Province who is the supreme authority. The Rector of Xaverian Campus is the Vice-President and the Principal of the College is the Secretary. In addition to President, Vice-president and the Principal, the Co-ordinator forHigher Education, Madurai Province and two staff members are teacher representatives on the committee. The vital policy decisions of the institution are taken by the Committee which meets once in a month, The Principal of the College who is also the Secretary of the Management is empowered to constitute committees with specific responsibilities like Admission Committee, Examination Committee, Library Committee, Sports and Games Committee etc.

 

A special committee to prepare the academic calendar is constituted every year. The annual schedule of the institution prepared by the committee is implemented without any deviation.

 

The college charges a nominal fee of Rs.1000/- per student and the rest of the investment on students education comes from the State Government. There is an internal audit mechanism which ensures institutional financial discipline and accountability,

 

 

Criterion VII: Healthy Practices

 

Being one of the oldest and premier institutions in the region, the college has adopted and built-up several healthy practices enriching its teaching-learning climate. The Peer Team has noted the following healthy practices during its visit:

 

·    There is a mechanism to ensure internal quality control. The teachers receive regular feedback from their academic peers and students which enables them to improve their professional competencies and job performance.

·    The college offers free computer education to students keeping in view the future challenges and welfare of the students - a very significant step.

·    The college imparts value-based education through special discourses on moral and social issues of the society.

·      Involvement of students in the community developmental activities and preparing teachers with the motto 'to serve the community' is a healthy practice.  This helps in the realization of the educational premise that an educational institution is a miniature community and community activities should be integrated into its day-to-day programmes. Even at the research level, topics identified for empirical investigations centre around community based issues - a progressive approach.

·    The commitment of the institution to promote general transferable skills is noted from several programmes organized by the institution.  The institution is aware of the significance of the 'skills for learning to learn' which is evident from the additional general programmes organized by the institution.

 

Section 3. Overall Analysis

 

The college is a minority institution affiliated to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. During its 50 years of existence, the college has produced many outstanding teachers and contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the area of teacher education. Despite the fact that the programmes and the policies of the institution, to a great measure, are dictated either by the government or by the university, the college is striving to realize its goals of excellence through several innovative approaches in teaching, research and extension programmes. The College has adopted its own internal mechanism for ensuring academic excellence and the culture of accountability.

 

 

Keeping in view the infrastructure of the institution and its performance, the college deserves autonomy. The college has restricted its strength to 110 students and maintains 10:1 student-teacher ratio - an ideal situation and is in total agreement with the NCTE norm.  The college is advancing in the direction of its vision through stimulating teaching, and efficient management. It also ensures preparation of ideal teachers, with high cognitive skills, attitude development and strong ethical values.  The Peer Team, based on its observations, would like to commend the institution for the following achievements:

 

High degree of success with 100% result in the annual examination both in theory and practicals which is higher than the general average performance of other colleges of education operating under the jurisdiction of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.

 

·    The college is strictly implements the norms of the state government and known for its transparent admission policy, a commendable tradition in tune with its philosophy.

·    The college is a residential institution and provides hostel accommodation without any discrimination. Life in the hostel is enriched by many extra-curricular activities and organization of social events - thus the hostel is a complementary organ and an integral part of the institution.

·            Characterised by missionary zeal and vision of the founding fathers, the college emphasizes moral education through regular discourses in the institution. The college is thus very strong both in cognitive and affective spheres of modem instruction.

·    In spite of certain formidable constraints, particularly in the absence of autonomy, the college has assumed the responsibility of promoting research in education at an advanced level.

 

However, in the age of knowledge explosion any degree of achievement is not final. There is always scope for further advancement and promotion of excellence.  The college must adjust, therefore, to several challenges in the field of education, in particular the ones listed below:

 

·            Colleges of education, in general, should assume the leadership role in the changing educational scenario, by supplying qualified manpower for teaching both at the secondary and tertiary level. This college being one of the centres of excellence in the field of teacher education, should help in restructuring curriculum, in reforming instructional techniques and evaluation system - the vital aspects of management of education - both secondary and tertiary.

 

·   The college faculty should identify a thrust area for research, either operational or basic research, with long range perspective. The faculty should work on the projects for a period of five to ten years with an integrated approach - not confusing as longitudinal project.  Each unit of research completed at different phases, put together may culminate in a major contribution to theory building in teacher education.  Such a philosophical pursuit for discovery of new knowledge shall help the institution in establishing a higher degree of credibility in the realm of higher education.

 

·   A group of 5 to 10 students must be allotted to each teacher educator who, in turn, should help the students to work in a small area of operation research. The various micro level operational researches must be combined into a multi-project report, based on which faculty can publish papers of practical importance. Teachers should take active interest in the selection of themes, designing of small operational projects applying their knowledge of 'discovery method'.

 

·   Pre-school Education is the most neglected area both in theory and practice in Indian context. St. Xavier's College of Education with its image of a leading institution may start programmes on Pre-school Education for preparing teachers for pre-primary schools on voluntary basis.

 

·            Scholars residing in the hostel under the supervision of teachers can play a crucial role in such programmes, which will give them general transferable skills helpful in later stages of their career.

 

·            Students working at Ph.D. level are not given any financial assistance. The college must explore ways of helping deserving scholars with financial support.

 

·   The institution may organize seminars and conferences on vital themes involving the experts from all over the country. Special fund and resources may be generated for this purpose.

 

·   It is found during our interaction with the faculty that the themes on which the students are working bear little reference to pedagogical issues. This happens in many institutions, for want of philosophical pedagogical insight and in depth understanding of its various facets. The Peer Team considers this as a high degree of wastage at higher education specially teacher education. It is necessary therefore to design and organize foundation courses for research scholars for orienting them to research techniques as well as to them theoretical foundations.

 

We wish that the institution strives to translate these ideas into an action programme in the near future. The Peer Team places on record its appreciation of the warm hospitality and co-operation extended to the members for their interaction with the different constituents of the institution.