Mary Matha Arts & Science College

NEP-preparedness

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.

Key Aspects

Syro-Malabar Synodal committee for Education - Implementing NEP 2020, a paradigm shift to a new era in education

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.

Faculty of our college participates in various NEP related programmes and are members of committes that is formulated by the university to implement NEP 2020. Mr Regi Francis, Dr Ramya Krishanan M and Dr Eldho k J is part of the master trainers of four year undergraduate programme in kannur university.

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.

  • Open Courses help students in selecting courses from other departments
  • Certificate courses offered by departments help students to acquire knowledge in areas of their interest and choice.
  • Students are encouraged to register for SWAYAM Courses and programmes offered by IGNOU Study Centre in the campus. The rationale behind this encouragement is grounded in the anticipation that once ABC becomes operational, students will derive immense benefits from the transfer of credits earned through these courses.

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

The college has meticulously crafted a series of activities geared towards enhancing capacity and skills, with the ultimate goal of preparing students to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, both in terms of life and employment.
  • The institution houses Skill Development Centre where a diverse range of capacity-building and skill enhancement activities are conducted. Civil Service Coaching classes is an initiative under the centre.
  • The college provides opportunities for skill development through certificate programmes. Programmes like Tally and Python enable students to acquire specialized skills that are highly sought after in job market. This practical exposure enhances students' vocational skills and prepares them for real-world challenges.
  • Physical Education Department organizes a series of games, tournaments, and coaching sessions, fostering physical fitness and wellness among the students. Regular yoga training and exercise sessions are offered, attracting enthusiastic participation.
  • The college strongly believes in community engagement, and students are encouraged to participate in extension programmes organized by NSS, NCC, and various other departments and clubs. These activities offer students valuable opportunities to interact with the public, officials, NGOs and authorities both within and outside the college, broadening their horizons and instilling a sense of responsibility towards society.
  • The college conducts value education classes and counselling sessions.
  • Career Guidance and Counselling Cell, the college regularly organizes counselling sessions, providing students with valuable guidance on their academic and career paths.
  • Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) is an avenue through which the college collaborates with the Kerala government in developing skill-based learning environment in the institution.

Incubation Centre in Mary Matha Arts and Science College, Mananthavady started in 2021. As a first step, Innovation and Incubation Cell was formed, which is aimed at finding students who are interested in setting up teams under the Incubation Centre. The primary target is the first-year students. Students from Computer Science and Zoology came up with a plan to set up their team under the Incubation Centre. The students from computer science planned to start Application Development Centre and the students from Zoology are into ornamental fish farming. Detailed talks with both teams were arranged and a room was allotted for them to carry on their work. The application development centre is in talks with nearby resorts and shops. They plan to design and develop applications useful for society. The college has allotted a computer system with internet access for the application development centre. The Innovation and incubation cell organized different programmes.