“Quality
Enhancement in Teacher Education through
Academic
and Administrative Audit”
Prof. Deepak Sharma
Mob-91-9213195598
Abstract
India is a great
country and at the developing stage having large population. Due to developing
large numbers of educational institute established for provide education to
large population. It is very difficult to detect quality of education for each
institute. So the academic and administrative audit helps to maintain quality
of knowledge of educational institutes. India is becoming a global hub for
educational activities and a feeder for all kinds of international man-power
requirement. Academic and Administrative Audit provide quality education with
standard curriculum and globally acceptable system of education. This paper
highlights the objective, methods, strategies and functions of academic and
administrative audit.
Academic Audit is an integral part
in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) strategy for assuring the quality
of learning provided to students and the standards of programmes and degree
awards. It is an explicit provision of the HEIs quality assurance strategy that
their departments take responsibility for assuring quality of their teaching,
research and other services.
Academic and
administrative audit evaluate the performance of the institution and to
identify the issues those are to be attended to in order to improve the quality
of Teaching and Research.
KEY WORDS: Quality, Education,
Academic, Administrative, Audit, Performance……
INTODUCTION:
The success of any
system of education is evaluated in terms of its qualitative aspects, its
activities and achievements. In the present competitive educational
environment, it is necessary to achieve remarkable academic standards. The
National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) have evolved certain
benchmarks for assuring the quality at different levels of higher education.
Almost in all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Internal Quality Assurance
Cell (IQAC) is established to identify the benchmark for achieving the quality.
It is necessary to assess the performance of academic and administrative unit
of any educational institution.
21st century has
witnessed rapid changes in every sphere of the life which also has emerged in
the field of teacher education. To meet these changes various methods and
innovative practices have been implemented to maintain and enhance the quality
of education. To assess these practices, strategies, institutional planning and
policies the academic and administrative audits have great importance. Academic
and Administrative Audit is a systematic approach to control and maintain
standards in the field of Teacher Education. It plays significant role in
providing quality education, better learning opportunities to learners, setting
academic standards, integrate academic planning, research assessment as well as
quality assurance. It is a continuous process of self introspection for better
growth of the institution and its learners. Academic Audit is a mechanism to
examine and enhance the quality of academic aspects of teacher education
institutes. It is systemic and scientific process of designing, implementing,
monitoring and reviewing all academic activities to maintain standards and
enhance the quality of education. On the other hand by Administrative Audit the
efficiency and effectiveness of the operation system of administrative
policies, procedure, decision making authorities, functioning, strategies,
process, feedback system and control mechanism etc are assessed. It locates
stagnation and affected functioning and also identifies the areas where special
attention and efforts are required. In short it can be concluded that Academic
and Administrative Audit laid emphasis on standard system base on the
parameters of quality education.
What is Academic Audit?
The term 'audit' is
Latin, translating as, 'he heard'. In other words, the student has experienced
the course, but has not been assessed. Some students audit a class merely for
enjoyment, including purposes of self-enrichment and academic exploration, with
no need or desire of academic credit. Sometimes this technique is employed by
individuals who wish to take a specific course without the risk of
under-performance resulting in a poor or failing grade. This may be helpful
when reviewing a long-unstudied subject, or when first beginning or exploring
the study of a discipline where one has little experience or confidence.
Academic Audit is a
mechanism to examine and enhance the quality of academic aspects of institute
of Higher Education. It is a systematic and scientific process of designing
implementing, mentoring and reviewing the quality of academic systems i.e.
inputs, processes and outputs. It emphasizes on reviewing the performance of
academic inputs with respect to quality assurance.
The purpose of the
Academic Audit is to evaluate the performance of the university
departments/institution, schools and the centers and appreciate their
achievements and give suggestions for further improvement of the quality of
teaching, research, curricular and extra-curricular activities.
After visiting the
departments, schools and centers, and interacting with the
HODs/Directors/Coordinators, teaching and non-teaching faculties, students,
alumni and parents and validating the data the committee gives valuable
suggestions on the following points:
·
Availability of teaching faculty.
·
Infrastructural facilities available for
carrying out academic activities.
·
Efforts taken for curricular
development.
·
Teacher quality.
·
Teaching methods adopted and use of ICT
in teaching & learning process.
·
Feedback mechanism used for assessing
the performance of teachers by students and for curricular development.
·
Faculty development programmes
implemented by the department/institution.
·
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Challenges of the department/institution.
·
Research facilities and research output
in the form of publications and patents.
·
Computer, internet and library
facilities available.
·
Mentoring system, introduction of
Remedial classes, Bridge courses, guidance for NET/SET and competitive
examinations.
·
Skill development and personality
development programmes.
·
Generation of funds and optimum
utilization.
·
Evaluation methods adopted for internal
and external examinations.
·
Future plans of the
department/institution.
What is Administrative Audit?
Administrative Audit is
a method of assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of operation systems of
the administrative procedures, policies decision making authorities and
functionaries, strategies, process, feedback, control, mechanism etc. The
Administrative audit would certainly make the functionaries to ascertain the
strengths and weaknesses of the operating system in general and found out the
areas in specific and to ascertain where the function is stagnated and affected
and where special attention is required along with man and material resources.
Academic and Administrative Audit is a standard strategy for quality
enhancement of Higher Education Institutes.
Aim of Academic and Administrative
Audit:-
Ø To
set and maintain the academic standards.
Ø To
provide qualitative learning opportunities’ to the learners.
Ø To
enhance the quality of higher education.
Ø To
integrate academic planning, research assessment and quality assurance.
Ø To
recognize and implementing the outcomes from professional association
activities.
Ø To
recognize the importance of quality enhancement.
Importance of Academic and
Administrative Audit:-
Ø To
confirm that the arrangements for quality assurance are fit for purpose vision
and mission of the institution
Ø To
provide assurance that the standards of higher education align with
expectations
Ø To
ensure that students have access to appropriate learning opportunities’ through
provisions, private study and supported learning.
Ø To
promote and enhance high equity teaching and learning
Ø To
advance the highest possible levels of students achievements
Ø To
confirm that students are fully supported in their academic and personal
development.
Ø To
encourage strategic development that enriches the curriculum and enhances student’s
opportunities for employment and career development.
Every institutes has set standards
called to benchmarks about the quality, it provides these are always defined in
term of students achievements. Its main aspects are:-
·
The acquisition of knowledge
·
Development of capability
·
Practicing intellectual
·
Skills by Students
ACADEMIC AUDIT QUALITY PROCESS
Pre-Service and In-Service Training: Pre-service
training is a requisite for the person who intends to be a teacher. During
training he studies different subjects, relevant to the needs of teaching
profession. He becomes conversant with educational philosophy, principles of
teaching and learning, educational technology and educational administration.
He also knows needs of the learner which help him to be a good teacher.
In-service training, seminars workshops and other orientation programmes help
him to know the changing needs of the learner and the society.
Academic and Non-Academic Activities: Well
planned academic and non-academic activities are necessary for time management
and efficient use of college time.
Teachers’ Competence: It
is the competencies of the teacher through which be manipulates knowledge. A
competent teacher is an effective teacher.
Active-Learning Methodology: This
methodology lays more stress on active involvement of learner in the process of
learning.
Teacher as Motivator and Facilitator: Motivation
is present at the root of all human activities. It is called the potent factor
in learning. The best teacher is the best motivator.
Administrative Support: Teachers
need governments who are supportive of education systems. The following points
are very important for ensuring the quality of leadership in teaching learning
institutions to enhance and sustain the quality of education:
1. Teacher’s Involvement in Decision
Making: The teachers have regular interaction with the
students, they teach. They know the ground realities and the problems of the
students. Any administrative decision may prove contrary to the interest of the
students if teachers are not involved in decision making, because teachers know
well the needs of the students.
2. Better Service Conditions and Salary
Structure: Service conditions and security must be
governed by certain rules and norms. It can be ensured by maintaining their
service record. There should be no compromise on quality. The service should
not be at the mercy of the management. Better salary structure can help
teachers to do their utmost to justify their love for the profession. There may
be so many compelling needs or situations like domestic violence that force a
person to make compromise with low salary structure. There are instances that
management takes undue advantage of someone’s compulsion. Such frustrated
person will only give away frustration. This is an issue of crucial importance
that also needs legal protection.
3. Job Security and Promotion: Job
security and promotion are the motivational factors for a teacher who is
dedicated and devoted to his work. How can he feel safe or contented if the
sword of Damocles is hanging above his head?
Everybody in this world wants growth and
progress. If in spite of his hard work and sincerity he feels insecure then how
can he prove his worth?
4. Promoting Research Work: All
development that has taken place since the beginning of civilization is the
result of man’s thinking new thoughts and working over them. Research work is
vital for the growth of an institution. Good teaching is the outcome of
research work. Education itself is a dynamic subject ever changing, ever
growing and ever developing. It is always in the process of change and modification.
Every emerging system has to meet the growing needs and aspirations of a
dynamic society. To cope up with the needs of emerging society research work
must be promoted.
5. Regular Monitoring of Activities: All
activities including teaching need constant monitoring for positive results.
Activities are the practical measures. It provides a situation in which
something is happening. We do activities for interest or pleasure or in order
to achieve a particular aim. So these must be monitored regularly for the
growth and maintenance of the system of education.
6. Seminars/Workshops: Seminars
and workshops contribute a lot for the professional growth of teachers. They
help to create favourable educational atmosphere. In seminar a small group of
students and teachers discuss or study a particular topic. In workshop a group
of people share their knowledge and experience and after a period of discussion
they follow some practical work on a particular subject. UGC sanctions grants
to colleges of education for the purpose of organizing seminars, conferences,
workshops etc. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) also get grants from
various agencies like ICSSR or universities for organizing such programmes.
They also create awareness about latest development in the field of education.The
few things to be audited include:
Academic Strength of the Faculty: The
proficiency of teaching is influenced by the strength of the faculty. If the
teacher is overburdened with work, it adversely affects his proficiency. If the
teacher is assigned the work contrary to his expertise, he will prove to be a
round peg in a square hole. Many heads put together will find out a better
solution to a problem. The outcome of team of sincere workers is needed to
create a conducive and congenial atmosphere in the institution.
Professionalism: The
performance of faculty in any institution and particularly in Higher
Educational Institutions (HEIs) is greatly associated with their great skills
and ability. Professionalism demands high standard that we expect from a person
who is well trained in a particular job. He should be a man of special skill
and high level of education.
Ethical Behaviours of the
Administration: Moral principles control and influence
our behaviour. The behaviour of the Administration should not be hypercritical;
they should act as friend, philosopher and guide. Ethical behaviour is connected
with beliefs and principles about what is right and wrong. These principles
will establish cordial relations to make a right move to justify the work of
Academic Audit.
Supporting Staff: Administration is a
cooperative venture, because it involves activities that are done in order to
plan, organize and run an institution. Apart from academic expertise we need
supporting staff to facilitate the execution of the planned activities and for
smooth functioning of the institution.
Well Equipped State of Art
Infrastructure to Conduct Teaching and Research: Good
teaching emanates from research. Teacher’s love for research and their
experience in research are vital for the growth of an institution. Most
advanced or modern techniques are used for carrying out research work. Well
equipped laboratories and state of the art infrastructure is a must. The
academic and administrative audit will provide guidance, for further
improvement in the existing system of any institution.
Facilities for Students: Higher
Educational Institutions (HEIs) must provide facilities to the students. For
example, library facilities, internet, incentives, scholarships, guidance etc.
are the most wanted needs of the students. Research work can’t be carried out
if such facilities are not provided to them at the door steps.
Academic Audit for Continuous
Improvement: No system in the world can be perfect.
It needs continuous improvement.
In this age of globalization and
liberalization new technologies are helpful for teachers and learners to ensure
better learning which is normally not possible through any other means. We have
to blend learning approaches for quality teaching. Multimedia technology
promotes communication and interaction that transcends traditional language
based and culture based forms. Multimedia is a multisensory approach. It is
employed to promote efficiency and effectiveness of education.
E-learning & Virtual Classes: New
innovative web-based technologies include computers, IT, Audio and Video
Conferencing, Computer Conferencing, networks, internet and multimedia in the
field of education and communication.
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL LEARNING APPROACHES
To facilitate and ensure better learning
some new technological learning approaches are being carried out. Some of these
are as follows:
1. Internet Radio
and Video Conferencing
2. Computer-supported
collaborated learning.
3. Web-based
learning.
4. CD ROMs and
e-mails
5. Digital
libraries.
6. Various
programmes transmitted on Door Darshan.
FOCUS OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment of Teaching In Terms Of
Learning: Teaching will prove a futile exercise if it does not
ensure learning.
Fulfillment of Educational Objectives: We
have three domains of learning– Cognitive, affective and psycho-motor. Each domain
has its objectives. Teaching activities should ensure that these objectives are
achieved. Language skills should develops the habit of listening, speaking,
reading, writing and sharing views. The assessment of teaching has to be done keeping
in view these objectives.
New Techniques and Technology to Support
Learning: Techniques used in teaching should develop habits of
self-learning and reduce dependence on teachers.
Research Work: Research
work should be an integral part of teaching. Innovative techniques reflect
qualitative aspect of a teacher.
Creativity: It
is the habit of thinking new thoughts and working over them.
REFERENCES:-
Dr Neil Hawkes, Oxford, United Kingdom –
“What is value based Education?”
http://aishe.nic.in/. Retrieved on Dec
08, 2015.
http://mhrd.gov.in/university-and-higher-education
http://thediplomat.com/2013/10/challenges-and-solutions-in-indian-higher-education/
http://www.ey.com/IN/en/Industries/India-sectors/Education/EY-Higher-education-in-India-Vision-2030
http://www.naac.gov.in/. Retrieved on
Dec. 22, 2015.
http://www.teindia.nic.in/Institutions.aspx.
Retrieved on Dec. 08, 2015.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-blueprint-for-higher-education/article7522994.ece
http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/2465555_Annual-Report-2014-15.pdf
http://www.unom.ac.in/asc/Pdf/Higher%20Education-1.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_audit.
Retrieved on Dec. 07, 2015.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_education_in_India.
Retrieved on Dec. 08, 2015.
https://www.britishcouncil.in/sites/default/files/understanding_india.pdf
Internal quality Assurance Cell –
Academic and Administrative Audit by N R Karmalkar (co-coordinator) Deptt. of
NAAC, Pune University.
V S Prasad, Director NAAC – “Quality
Assurances in Higher Education – An Introduction”.
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