November 28, 2020: Delhi University (DU) second and third-year science students have been asked to submit written answers for their practical examinations online, confusing them if their practical examinations this year is actually “practical”.
Moreover, Delhi University (DU) students are concerned about their future if they are unable to perform experiments and test hands-on during practical examinations. As a result, concerns have been raised by DU students for the commencement of practical examination through online means.
DU is yet to resolve the pending issue related to the external evaluation of practical exams. Science practical exams carry 50 marks. Out of which, 25 marks are given internally while the remaining by an external examiner.
Latest: DU Cut Off 2020: 6th Cut Off List Declared @du.ac.in; Direct Link Here
Kritika Kalra, a third-year Botany (Hons) student at Gargi College stated that they are required to answer the questions for their practical exams online and then submit them. She further added that the practical section has completely become project-based.
She further raised concern that being a science student, we are unable to learn neither about the procedure to dissect plants and identify their parts nor about the chemicals.
Urvashi Chawla, second-year Chemistry (Hons) at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College explained how the system is currently working. She said that instead of learning through practicing and performing experiments they are just polishing the formulas.
Check: DU Admission 2020: Sports, ECA Quota Lists Releasing on Dec 2; Trials Scrapped for COVID-19 Pandemic
She explained that teachers give them one hour lecture on concepts and then students are directed to YouTube videos and other online materials which earlier used to be a four-hour lab time and practice.
She further added, “We see the experiments being carried out, but don't do them ourselves.” Due to which she is worried that this might hamper her during her master’s degree course. Teachers supported the students and said that this recourse is a state of humor, she added.
Pankaj Garg, a mathematics teacher at Rajdhani College New Delhi said that this will be disadvantageous for students when it comes to their future job prospects.
He further added that a committee had reported DU authorities to guide online practical classes which have not been discussed yet. Pankaj said that this negligence clearly shows how the DU administration is serious in imparting proper knowledge to students.
Additionally, a mathematics student Vanshika Aggarwal said that she wasn’t as affected as the other science students but nobody informed them about the 25 marks external practicals.
She raised the concern that every student doesn’t have a computer which is needed to give the practical examinations.
Check: DU to Release Pending Results of UG & PG by Nov 30, Delhi HC Sends Ultimatum; Read Full Story
A chemistry teacher at Sri Venkateswara College New Delhi Sanjay Batra believed that Delhi University could have formed a system for conducting practical examinations this year amid the pandemic.
He said that students’ small batches could have been created and called to colleges allowing them a chance to observe experiments and have a hands-on session.
On the contrary, a physics teacher at Rajdhani College, SK Dhaka offered a different point of view. He said that teachers have conducted online lessons and have used websites with practical simulations. Also, provided online videos for practical work.
Check: DU Colleges Step Ahead to Provide Financial Aid, Data Cards, and Laptops to Students; Details Here
He stated the reason, “With the pandemic around, there was no option. We also could not conduct physical examinations owing to the risks involved. This is better than not teaching anything to the students."
In addition to practical examinations, students will write a theory examination of 75 marks exam which will be open-book this year and 25 marks are left for the internal assessment.
Also Read: DU Cutoff 2020: Special, Sixth, Seventh Cut off Released; Check Consolidated Cutoff List Here
Comments