Internal evaluation

CONTINUOUS EVALUATION SYSTEM (CHOICE BASED CREDIT SYSTEM)

Scope of the Continuous Evaluation System:

The continuous evaluation system covers all academic programs and courses offered by the college based on outcome-based education (OBE) policy. It assesses students' progress through various evaluation methods conducted at regular intervals throughout the academic year.The primary objectives of the continuous evaluation system are to encourage active learning, provide timely feedback to students, and promote a fair and accurate assessment of their knowledge and skills.

Methodology of the Continuous Evaluation System

The continuous evaluation system at Newman College Thodupuzha, an affiliated college under MG University is designed to ensure a comprehensive and well-organized assessment of students' progress. The continuous evaluation system covers all academic programs and courses offered by the college based on outcome-based education (OBE) policy. It assesses students' progress through various evaluation methods conducted at regular intervals throughout the academic year. The primary objectives of the continuous evaluation system are to encourage active learning, provide timely feedback to students, and promote a fair and accurate assessment of their knowledge and skills. It consists of two main parts: Internal Semester Assessment and End Semester Assessment, both of which contribute to the overall evaluation of students' performance.

  1. Internal Semester Assessment and End Semester Assessment:
  • Internal Semester Assessment: This assessment is conducted by the college following the guidelines provided by MG University. It includes four components for theory courses and three components for practical courses, each comprising 20% of the overall assessment.
  • End Semester Assessment: The end semester examinations are conducted by MG University. These exams cover the remaining percentage of the overall assessment for each course.
  1. Components of Continuous Evaluation for Theory and Practical Courses:
  • Theory Courses: For theory courses, the continuous evaluation system consists of the following components:
    1. Attendance: Regular attendance is taken into account and contributes to the overall evaluation of the students.
    2. Assignments: Students are given assignments to assess their understanding and application of course concepts.
    3. Two Internal Examinations: Two internal examinations are conducted in a centralized manner, following the exam duration, settings, and execution specified by the university.
  • Practical Courses: For practical courses, the continuous evaluation system includes three components:
    1. Attendance: Regular attendance in practical sessions is considered for evaluation.
    2. Submission of Records: Students are required to submit records related to their practical work.
    3. Knowledge and Performance: Students' practical knowledge and performance are assessed to determine their overall scores.
    4. Internal Examination Process:
  • Conducting Internal Examinations: The two internal examinations for theory courses are conducted in a centralized manner, following the university's guidelines. Students are informed about the examination dates well in advance.
  • Question Paper Preparation and Evaluation: Faculty members are responsible for preparing the question papers for internal examinations. The invigilation and evaluation processes mirror those used in the end semester examinations, ensuring consistency and fairness.
  • Results Publication and Verification:Following the examinations, the faculty members assess the answer scripts, and the students get chance to clarify and correct their marks in the classrooms itself.

Additionally, as part of this procedure, every department displays the A form (containing individual course marks) and the B form (comprising aggregate marks of all courses in a semester) on their notice boards and shared in students' WhatsApp groups for verification before the end semester examinations. This transparent practice empowers students to verify their marks and cross-reference their overall performance and raise any concerns if necessary.

  1. Outcome-Based Education System:

Enhancing OBE Implementation through Software Integration: Since 2022, the college has embraced the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) system, leveraging cutting-edge software to streamline the process. This software-driven approach has revolutionized how faculty members manage their courses and assessments.

To begin with, faculty members utilize the software to input the course outcomes for the subjects they are responsible for teaching. This step ensures that each course has clear and well-defined learning objectives, aligned with the principles of Bloom's Taxonomy. By integrating Bloom's Taxonomy into the software, faculty members can effectively map their question papers to the respective course outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of student learning. As the examinations take place, the faculty members evaluate the answer scripts diligently. They then use the software to record the marks obtained for each question. Software generates the program outcomes that are directly mapped with the course outcomes. This seamless process of mapping not only simplifies assessment but also ensures that the evaluation is tightly focused on the specific learning objectives set for each course.

By leveraging software to align assessment with course outcomes, the college enhances the effectiveness of the evaluation process. This approach not only promotes greater clarity in learning objectives but also empowers faculty members to gain valuable insights into student performance. Through data-driven analytics provided by the software, faculty members can identify areas of strength and weakness in the curriculum and make informed decisions to continuously improve the quality of education. As technology continues to evolve, the college remains committed to harnessing its potential to further elevate the standards of education and foster a culture of excellence.

  1. Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

Students are provided with multiple avenues to address their grievances effectively. They can communicate their concerns to their Tutors/Mentors, Heads of Departments (HoDs), the Principal's office, or utilize the complaint boxes conveniently placed across various blocks within the college premises. Additionally, the college software also offers a digital platform for students to submit their grievances.

Types of Concerns:

Students typically encounter three main types of concerns: those related to exams, time management, and evaluation processes. These issues are categorized and addressed within a three-tier grievance resolution system. Should students come across any inconsistencies or wish to express complaints regarding the internal evaluation procedures, the college offers a comprehensive three-tier complaint system designed to appropriately handle and resolve their issues.

Three-Tier Complaint System: In case students find any discrepancies or have complaints about their evaluation results, the college provides a three-tier complaint system to address their concerns. This system ensures transparency and fairness in handling student grievances. In the first tier, students can approach their respective faculty members or department heads with their complaints. If the issue remains unresolved, it can be escalated to the second tier, where the Principal and Exam Office itself gets involved to investigate the matter thoroughly. Should the concern still persist, the matter reaches the third tier, where it is reviewed by university for an impartial resolution. This three-tier complaint system ensures that student grievances are heard, addressed promptly, and the evaluation process remains unbiased and reliable.

The methodology of the continuous evaluation system at the college aims to provide a comprehensive and fair assessment of students' academic progress. By combining internal and end semester assessments, and incorporating outcome-based education principles, the college ensures that students' performance is evaluated effectively and transparently, ultimately promoting their overall growth and success.

  1. Major services provided by the Exam Office:

The Exam Office plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, transparent and efficient conduct of examinations and evaluations within the academic institution. It provides a range of essential services to facilitate the examination process and maintain fairness and transparency.

  • Student Registration for Evaluation:

One of the primary responsibilities of the Exam Office is to inform students about the registration process for end-semester examinations. They communicate important deadlines, guidelines, and procedures to students, enabling them to register for their exams on time. This service ensures that all eligible students are aware of the examination schedule and can participate in the evaluation process without any issues.

  • Examination Scheduling:

The Exam Office collaborates closely with the staff council to create and announce the schedules for internal examinations. These schedules are carefully planned to avoid conflicts and ensure that students have ample time to prepare for each subject. By efficiently coordinating with faculty members and other stakeholders, the Exam Office ensures a well-organized examination timetable that meets the academic requirements of the institution.

  • Evaluation Coordination:

To conduct examinations smoothly, the Exam Office maintains a well-defined evaluation coordination process. Faculty members are requested to submit the question papers to the Exam Office well in advance, typically three days before the exam date. After the examinations, the faculty members evaluate the answer scripts, and the Exam Office plays a vital role in distributing these evaluated scripts back to the students.

As part of this process, each department publishes the A form (which contains the marks awarded for each course) and the B form (which contains aggregate marks of all courses in a semester) on their notice boards. This transparency allows students to verify their marks and cross-check their performance. The controller of examinations and the administrative team meticulously manage the continuous internal evaluation administration process, ensuring adherence to the evaluation guidelines set forth by the university. This service ensures that the evaluation process is fair, consistent, and aligns with academic standards.

  • Handling Special Cases and Accommodations:

The Exam Office is also responsible for addressing the needs of students with special circumstances, such as disabilities or health-related challenges. They strictly adhere to established guidelines and protocols for handling such cases. By providing necessary accommodations and support, the Exam Office ensures that every student can fully participate in the examination process, regardless of their individual circumstances.

  • Feedback Mechanisms-Three-Tier Complaint System:

Recognizing the importance of transparency and fairness in the evaluation process, the Exam Office stands in the second tier of comprehensive three-tier complaint system. This system allows students to voice their concerns and report any discrepancies they may find in their evaluation results.

Exam Office provides a range of critical services that ensure the smooth and fair conduct of examinations within the academic institution. Through effective coordination, transparent evaluation processes, and a responsive complaint system, the Exam Office plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the evaluation system and fostering a conducive academic environment for all students.

The implementation of a transparent continuous evaluation system has emerged as a cornerstone of academic excellence within our institution. By employing a comprehensive methodology, which includes both internal semester and end semester assessments, we have successfully fostered a holistic approach to student evaluation. The components of continuous evaluation for theory and practical courses have allowed us to gauge not just theoretical knowledge but also practical application and skill development. In the pursuit of excellence, our institution remains committed to upholding the values of transparency, fairness, and continuous improvement in the evaluation process. By consistently refining our methodologies and embracing technological advancements, we strive to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and beyond. With transparency as our guiding principle, we look forward to a future where our students thrive and achieve their full potential in an environment of mutual trust and academic rigor.