Dr. Monoranjan Bhowmik is the Principal at Vidyasagar Teacher Training College, Kolkata. He has done masters in mathematics and has 2 Ph.Ds, one is in mathematics and the other is in education. Since 1995, he has been into teaching service and also has experience in research and administration. With his vast experience, he wants to help learners become qualified professionals in this field.
What are your roles and responsibilities towards your students?
“Guide students in the best practices of the industry and teach accordingly”
Since I am the principal of the college, the responsibilities of not only students but also faculty and non-teaching staff lie on my shoulders. My first priority as a principal is students, and during the past three years, I have introduced many new initiatives like the book bank and canteen. Also, implemented several other changes that will benefit students.
How do you establish healthy relationships with the students and your fellow faculty members?
“Clear communication and transparent policies”
I was the assistant professor from 2006-2015, so I have a personal connection with all the teachers and non-teachers. All the faculty members are my friends and we often have a healthy discussion regarding the future of the students. Being open about our policies and expectations has helped us maintain excellent relations with all the stakeholders.
How do you bring about the practical approach toward subjects?
“Field visits and practical activities help focus on the subject in an enhanced manner”
NCTE introduced the 2 years curriculum of B.Ed in such a way that the practical part is maximum. Further in 2 semesters there is an optional part where students can visit the industry and understand how their management system works. Students have a great learning experience during such activities.
How do you strategize curriculum to make it beneficial for the students?
“Including extra and remedial classes for needy students has helped immensely”
The NCTE has framed the curriculum but not the routine. In our college, we framed the routine as per students requirements. We have included remedial classes for several students. We have hostel facilities and a library as well for better learning. Further, the female ratio is higher in our college as 76 out of 100 students are female. We have also accommodated the female students in our hostel, they can also access the library in the evening.
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What are your thoughts regarding higher education and job opportunities in terms of students?
“Higher education is a preferred route for maximum students in the region”
In West Bengal, 10 years back there was a good system of a school commission where a maximum number of students got the job opportunity. But in the last few years, SSC is not conducting the exams, so there is a lacuna for passed out students to get into school services. The English and Hindi medium students are getting jobs in other states but the percentage is very low. Hence, maximum students are going for higher degree i.e., Master’s degree after completion of bachelors.
What are the challenges you faced to enhance the quality of education of your department?
“Reluctance on students part to attend regular classes is a worrisome issue”
Students are the most valuable stakeholder. Most students are not interested in coming into class, though it is a regular course. They seem not to be interested in coming to regular class and they go to private institutions for their coaching for competitive exams instead. We have attendance restrictions to solve this issue.
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What valuable advice do you want to give to your students to have a prosperous career ahead?
“Be dedicated in your efforts for a bright future”
Since our college is a government college and university rules suggest 70% mandatory attendance. In the class, you can interact with teachers directly which will further help you in SSC viva. Hence, I always suggest to them that attending class is a benefit. Moreover, if you are a regular student then I as an SSC board member will have sympathy towards them.
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