New structure at BESU

Updated on: Monday, November 16, 2009

Kolkata: Copying in class tests or mugging up answers for semester examinations in engineering colleges has been a cause of concern for teachers. The Bengal Engineering and Science University (Besu), Shibpur, is mulling a new concept to weed out the rot.

Besu vice-chancellor Ajay Ray wants to introduce the open-book system, though in a limited way. The system allows students to consult class notes, reference books and calculators while answering questions. But those who have taken such tests admit that the process is not that easy as it sounds. Mugging up won’t help in such tests.

The preparation requires a good understanding of the subject, so that a student can build up his argument by organising data, examples and theory within a limited time.

If Ray has his way in the coming Besu executive council meeting, open-book tests will form a part of the examination reforms in the university. “We want to introduce the concept on an experimental basis. The questions will be different from the routine ones and extremely difficult. Students will be asked to formulate an answer by consulting class notes and reference books,” said Ray.

However, the university wants a soft launch of the system. At the moment, the V-C’s proposal is to allot only 10 marks to such open-book tests as part of the exam reforms.

This apart, the university also wants to improve the overall grooming of students and give due weightage to group discussions, viva, project works and presentation that students often face while seeking placements. “Our proposal is to allot around 20 marks for these categories in each subject,” said Ray.

At present, Besu holds semester exams twice a year. “The evaluation process will also undergo a sea-change under the new process. Each student will get the answer script after each exam. This will help them identify the mistakes and improve themselves in the next semester. They will also be free to point out mistakes during evaluation by the teacher. Even the marks can be changed. I have also proposed that if a student has to leave the university during an exam due to an emergency, they should be given an opportunity to give a summer quarter exam. It will be held within one or two months of the regular examination that they could not take,” Ray said.

UGC had also proposed similar changes in the examination procedure at a meeting of vice-chancellors held in Chandigarh in the first week of November.

New structure at BESU

More Education news