Odisha Government Issues Modalities for 'Guided Self-Study' in UG and PG Courses

The Odisha Education Department has issued modalities for introducing blended learning in the form of 'guided self-study' which covers 25% of the syllabus of UG and PG courses from the academic session 2020-21.

The education department explained that 'blended learning' is a synergetic combination of standard classroom teaching and experimental learning through practicals, projects, and fieldwork. It also includes student self-study facilitated through teachers' guidance. 

The modalities issued have been sent to the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities and the principals of the colleges functioning under the higher education department.

For the Undergraduate courses, the entire second unit (25% of the total of four units of each subject and paper) has been earmarked for the student's self-study. However, two papers are exempted from this- Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) and Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) 

For Postgraduate courses, 25% of the syllabus for each paper will be earmarked for student self-study. The officials stated that the papers which involve project work, fieldwork and dissertation will be conducted as before.

For the portion earmarked for self-study, a synergetic combination of textbooks and e-learning resources (PPTs/ animated videos, recorded lectures) will be prescribed to the students. No regular classroom teaching will be conducted for that portion.

For the successful self-study, teachers will take doubt clearing classes of 4 hours/ 4-5 classes. One class each can be held in the beginning and the end, whereas 2-3 classes in the between. 

The mid-term internal assessment will be primarily based on the self-study portion of the paper.

For UG courses, Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) will prescribe the textbooks and e-learning resources for self-study. Whereas for PG courses, the PG departments of university and college will advise textbooks and e-learning resources.

The colleges and universities have to make sure that they facilitate easy access to the availability of the study material.

The universities and colleges also have to reflect the doubt clearing classes in their department time table. The Odisha Education Department also said that the teachers should make a progress report of these classes, in their lesson plans and progress register.