Since last one year or so I have had a lot of discussions with my friends regarding the state of technical education in India. And I decided that it was high time that I documented it all. So, here I have tried to summarize the discussions I had. The below mentioned points are related to tier 2 and tier 3 institutes and are more specific to Gujarat, but I think that they are applicable at the national level as well.
State of Technical Education
Current scenario:
- A large number of engineering colleges have sprung up in last 10 years.
- We have sufficient colleges now.
- But the quality is lacking significantly.
- The next focus should be on improving quality rather than increasing seats.
- Highly non-motivated faculties.
- Very few sufficiently qualified faculty.
- No recognition in society for faculty.
- Industry more lucrative than academia.
- Not good work in institutes for faculties (unnecessary burden of a lot of administrative duties).
- Many administrations more interested in making money rather than improving quality of education.
- Lack of knowledge about opportunities beyond Bachelors or during Bachelors among students and faculty.
- Non motivated students.
- Getting a job only goal for majority of students.
- By taking help of faculty from good local (eg. IIT Gandhinagar, DAIICT, PDPU, BISAG, ISRO SAC etc.) and other national and international institutes. Through regular interaction sessions.
- Recognition for their work, in society, and it has to be initiated by government, through some awards.
- Informing them about the long term contribution to the society, that they are doing.
- Training sessions to improve their skill sets.
- To put some sort of assessment mechanism (other than publications), on which promotion is based. This mechanism should measure their teaching through student feedback and technical skills, through some exam like GATE.
- Last but by no means the least, 'Money' is the biggest motivation to attract good faculty, so pay well.
- Give them the knowledge of what lies beyond a job.
- Show them the beauty of technology and they are sure to be fascinated by it and delve deep into it.
- Give them the freedom to find out their passion,and show them how interesting things are.
- For all above points best way is to have highly motivated faculty.
- Also organizing regular lectures and seminars by eminent people, and alumni.
- Building a strong alumni network to help and guide current students.
I have tried to put as many points as I can remember. I request you all to contribute to this and give your suggestions and feedback.
