The college adheres to Kannur University directions in incorporating the New Education Policy. As a preliminary step to the NEP, the college offers Certificate Courses on a variety of new generation subjects which the students can utilise in the Academic Bank of Credit system. The college follows an Outcome Based Education (OBE) system where the attainment of Program Outcomes and Course Outcomes are systematically monitored and assessed. Many of the faculties in the college are Master Trainers in Kannur University NEP policy formulation and execution. Similarly, faculties from the college serve as convenors, subject experts and members of the Four Year Under Graduate Programme to be commenced in 2024-25.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a policy document introduced by the Government of India to bring significant reforms and changes to the country's education system. It aims to transform the existing educational landscape by focusing on various aspects, including early childhood education, curriculum redesign, teacher training, use of technology, and promoting multidisciplinary learning. While the NEP 2020 is a government initiative, its implementation can have implications for various educational institutions, including those affiliated with religious organizations like the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. In the context of the Syro-Malabar Church, the Synodal committee for Education would play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the NEP 2020 in the educational institutions under their purview. Here is how these committee could contribute to this paradigm shift in education:
Curriculum Redesign:The Synodal committee can work with educators and experts to redesign the curriculum in line with the principles outlined in the NEP 2020. This could involve adopting a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, promoting creativity and critical thinking, and integrating Indian knowledge and heritage into the curriculum.
Teacher Training and Professional Development:To align with the new pedagogical methods and approaches, the committee can organize training programmes for teachers to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the NEP 2020 effectively. Embracing Technology: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of technology in education. The Synodal committee can support educational institutions in adopting digital tools and platforms for teaching, learning, and assessment.
Early Childhood Education:The policy recognizes the importance of early childhood education. The committee can advocate for the establishment of quality pre-primary educational centers within the Church's educational network.
Multilingualism:The NEP 2020 promotes multilingualism and encourages schools to teach students in their mother tongue or regional languages. The committee can ensure that the Syro-Malabar schools promote regional languages while also offering English and other languages.
Inclusivity and Equity:The policy emphasizes inclusive education and bridging the equity gap. The committee can take measures to ensure that education is accessible to all, including marginalized and economically disadvantaged students.
Research and Innovation:The committee can promote research and innovation in education and support institutions in conducting studies to identify best practices and effective strategies for implementing the NEP 2020.
The college, a non-autonomous institution affiliated to Kannur University, adheres to the curriculum and regulations related to the university academic programmes. Hence, the college is not entitled to introduce the academic bank of credits and multiple entry-exit provisions. However, the curriculum of all our programmes follows modular patterns compatible with easy credit stacking and credit transferability envisaged by ABC.
Apart from offering better employability, these programmes will enable students to reap the benefits of ABC in the future. We plan to develop all the existing certificate programmes of the college into Academic Bank of Credits once the University approves the ABC. It is a testament to the college's commitment in providing students with a holistic and forward-looking educational experience. This vision aligns perfectly with the evolving educational landscape, where credit transferability and flexibility are increasingly vital. The institution is ensuring that its students are well-prepared to leverage the benefits of this innovative system, both through SWAYAM and IGNOU courses. As the higher education sphere evolves, Mary Matha Arts & Science College stands ready to offer its students a competitive edge in their academic and professional pursuits. The novel approach of Academic Bank of Credit has been open for the students as well as the teachers from 2020 March. The teaching faculty has made use of the different online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) during this period. As the university introduces Four Year Undergraduate Programmes, ABC system will become absolutely functional in the academic affairs of the college