KOCHI: The student-teacher rapport is set to step into uncharted waters at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). Now, the teachers could get a taste of their own medicine!
In a novel initiative, the Cusat Syndicate has decided to give students an opportunity to be a part of the performance appraisal of teaching staff. Interestingly, the students’ appraisal could even affect the promotion of teaching staff. The system is being introduced as part of Cusat’s efforts to enhance its academic and administrative competence, thereby making it one of the top 10 universities in the country.
“This practice existed in some of the government engineering colleges in Kerala. Perhaps, Cusat is the first varsity in Kerala to introduce the system. As per the proposed plan, teachers’ Academic Performance Indicators (API) will be 30 marks each for student evaluation, research contribution, for international projects and funds and 10% for innovation,” said Cusat Vice Chancellor J Letha. “The appraisal by students does not influence the promotion of teachers directly. The score is attributed when the head of the respective department prepares recommendation for promotions. Students’ feedback is sought at the end of each semester” the VC said.
“It will evaluate teachers’ performance in class and examine other factors such as regular classes, completion of syllabus on time, effective communication while teaching, answering students’ queries,” the VC said.
Meanwhile, a senior teacher, representing the Cochin University Teachers Association (CUTA), said the teachers would not oppose the move if the assessment brings in some qualitative improvement in the academic field. “But any move to attribute the assessment for promotion will be resisted. We will not allow the assessment report to be forwarded to any higher body beyond the department academic council until the UGC or the state government issues an order in this regard,” he said.
The move should be welcomed as the quality of teaching can be assured. However, if the assessment is linked to promotions... let’s wait and see, how effectively it can be implemented,” said Sidharath O, a student leader at Cusat.