Maharashtra Universities Address Attendance and Engagement Issues
Private universities in Maharashtra highlight declining classroom attendance and student reliance on coaching classes, prompting calls for improved engagement.
University heads express concerns over low classroom attendance and the 75% requirement.
Students prioritize coaching classes over traditional learning, questioning classroom value.
Educational leaders advocate for more engaging and practical teaching methods.
In Maharashtra, leaders from private universities have raised alarms regarding dwindling classroom attendance and the enforcement of a 75% attendance mandate. This dialogue with the higher and technical education department underscores a growing trend where students favor coaching classes over on-campus learning experiences. University representatives argue that the focus on obtaining degrees rather than engaging academically diminishes the quality of education and practical skill development.
Many students cite various factors for their absence from lectures, including competing commitments, teaching methodologies, and doubts about the effectiveness of classroom instruction. Some parents echo these sentiments, questioning the value of traditional teaching when students often resort to private coaching for exam preparation. Rahul Karad, executive president of MIT World Peace University, noted that attendance cannot be improved solely through regulations; it requires engaging teaching methods and consistent enforcement to foster a culture of participation.
Professors emphasize that regular classroom attendance is crucial for exposing students to discussions, practical exercises, and peer learning opportunities that cannot be replicated through self-study or last-minute cramming. Mukund Kulkarni, vice-chancellor of Vishwakarma University, stressed the importance of classroom engagement in developing students' knowledge, skills, and overall personality, urging students to view education as a chance to learn and innovate rather than merely a path to a degree.
The implications of these attendance issues extend beyond individual universities, as they reflect broader concerns about the quality of higher education in Maharashtra. With the National Education Policy advocating for practical learning and stronger ties between academia and industry, students like Varun Sathe express the challenges of balancing assignments and exams, suggesting that universities need to create more manageable schedules and interactive classroom environments.
As universities strive to enhance the educational experience, the need for accountability and engagement remains paramount. Recent disputes over examination results have further strained relationships between students and university administrations, highlighting the urgency for institutions to reassess their teaching strategies. Parents are increasingly vocal about their expectations for quality education, urging universities to ensure that classroom experiences meet the needs of students who feel compelled to seek external coaching for academic success.
