Archive for January 24th, 2011

Test taking enhances learning; So regular tests given by coaching classes are good

The latest issue of the Science magazine talks about research that establishes the importance of test taking to learning. See http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2011/01/19/science.1199327 for the abstract of that study. The New York Times article on that Science article at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/science/21memory.html?_r=1 says it in simpler words. Following are some excerpts.

Taking a test is not just a passive mechanism for assessing how much people know, according to new research. It actually helps people learn, and it works better than a number of other studying techniques.

… But “when we use our memories by retrieving things, we change our access” to that information, Dr. Bjork said. “What we recall becomes more recallable in the future. In a sense you are practicing what you are going to need to do later.”

It may also be that the struggle involved in recalling something helps reinforce it in our brains.

Maybe that is also why students who took retrieval practice tests were less confident about how they would perform a week later.

“The struggle helps you learn, but it makes you feel like you’re not learning,” said Nate Kornell, a psychologist at Williams College. “You feel like: ‘I don’t know it that well. This is hard and I’m having trouble coming up with this information.’ ”

By contrast, he said, when rereading texts and possibly even drawing diagrams, “you say: ‘Oh, this is easier. I read this already.’ ”

… Testing, of course, is a highly charged issue in education, drawing criticism that too much promotes rote learning, swallows valuable time for learning new things and causes excessive student anxiety.

“More testing isn’t necessarily better,” said Dr. Linn, who said her work with California school districts had found that asking students to explain what they did in a science experiment rather than having them simply conduct the hands-on experiment — a version of retrieval practice testing — was beneficial. “Some tests are just not learning opportunities. We need a different kind of testing than we currently have.”

Dr. Kornell said that “even though in the short term it may seem like a waste of time,” retrieval practice appears to “make things stick in a way that may not be used in the classroom.

“It’s going to last for the rest of their schooling, and potentially for the rest of their lives.”

What the above study means is that the coaching classes of India, especially the ones that coach for IIT have it somewhat right. The regular tests they do indeed make the students learn better.

However, many of the coaching classes take up so much time that students do not participate in other scientific activities such as doing experiments. As a result many students coming out of the coaching classes do not have much idea about doing hands-on experiments. Another criticism of coaching classes is that many students just learn the problem solving patterns without really learning the basics.

January 24th, 2011

Private State Universities of India as listed in the UGC site as of 18th Jan 2011

Following is from http://www.ugc.ac.in/inside/privateuniversity.html.

Public Notice on Private Universities

18^thJanuary, 2011

It has come to the notice of the University Grants Commission that some of the State Private Universities have affiliated colleges and started off-campus centre(s) in violation of the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, 2003 and against the judgment of Honble Supreme Court in case of Prof. Yash Pal & Others vs. State of Chhattisgarh & Others. Some of these Universities are running these Centres on franchising basis also which is not allowed.

The public at large and the student community in particular are therefore informed that as per the information available with the UGC as on date, there are following 73 Private Universities established by the Acts of the Legislatures of different States:-

Assam
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Madya Pradesh

Meghalya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Orissa
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
Uttrakhand

S.No.	Name of Private University	Date of Gazette Notification	Date of Inspection	Status of the University with regard to inspection by UGC
	ASSAM
1	Assam Doon Bosco University Azara, Guwahati	12.02.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	BIHAR
2	Aryabhatta Knowledge University 8, Off Polo Road Patna-800001	11.08.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	CHHATTISGARH
3	Dr. C.V. Raman University Kargi Road, Kota Bilaspur	03.11.2006	9-10 November, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
4	MATS University Arang Kharora Raipur	03.11.2006	19-20 June, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
5	Maharishi University of Management and Technology, post: Mangla, Bilaspur- 495001	18.04.2002	—-	Information called for inspection purpose
	Gujarat
6	Ahmedabad University Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009 Gujarat	07.07.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
7	Charotar University of Science & Technology Changa-388421 Distt. Anand	04.11.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
8	Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology Gandhinagar-382 007	06.03.2003	21 August, 2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
9	Nirma University of Science & Technology Sarkhej, Gandhinagar	12.03.2003	15 May 2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
10	Ganpat University Ganpat Vidyanagar Gandhinagar	23.03.2005	17-18 October, 2005	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
11.	Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya Sarva Vidyalaya Campus Gandhinagar	16.05.2007	13-14 October, 2008	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
12.	Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University Gandhinagar-382 009	04.04.2007	3-4 October, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
13	Calrox Teacher’s University Ahmedabad, Gujarat	07.07.2009	—-	Information called for inspection purpose
	HARYANA
14	O.P. Jindal Global University Sonepat	January, 2009	—–	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
15	ITM University Gurgaon, Haryana	21.10.2009	5-6 February, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
16	AMITY University Haryana Amity Education Valley Panchgaon,Manesar Distt. Gurgaon, Haryana-122413	26.4.2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	HIMACHAL PRADESH
17	Chitkara University HIMUDA Education Hub Solan-174 103	21.01.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
18	Jaypee University of Information Technology Distt. Solan-174 103	23.05.2002	02.06.2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
19	Eternal University Baru Sahib Distt. Sirmour	22.10.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
20	Shoolini University Solan Himachal Pradesh	15.10.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
21	Indus International University V.P.O. Bathu, Tehsil Haroli, Distt. Una, Himachal Pradesh-174301	01.02.2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
22	Arni University Kathgarh, Tehsil Indore Distt Kangra (H.P.)	04.11..2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
23	Manav Bharti University Solan Himachal Pradesh	22.09.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
24	Baddi University of Energing Science & Technology Makhnimajra, BADDI Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh	22.09.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
25	Maharishi Markandeshwar University Kumarhatti, Sultanpur Road Solan-173 229 Himachal Pradesh	19-09-2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	JHARKHAND
26	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Ranchi	17.06.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	KARNATAKA
27	Alliance University Chikkahagada Cross, Chandapura- Anekal Main Road, Anekal, Bangalore-562106 Karnataka	16.09.2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	MADYA PRADESH
28	Jaypee University of Engineering & Technology AB Road, Raghogarh, Distt, Guna-473226 Madya Pradesh	University has been established by way of an ordinance (No. 3 of 2010) which needs to be regularised by State Legislature Assembly of M.P. Govt. Yet to be notified by M.P. Govt.	—–	—–
	MEGHALYA
29	CMJ University Modrina Mansion Laitumkhrah Shillong Meghalaya-793003	20.07.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
30	Martin Luther Christian University KIPA Conference Centre Shillong-793 004	13.07.2005	15-16 April, 2008	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
31	Techno Global University Anita Mension, Bishnupur Shillong-793 004	02.12.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
32	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Meghalya-794 001	04.11.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
33	University of Science & Technology Meghalaya	02.12.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	MIZORAM
34	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Aizawal, Mizoram-798012	21.03.2006	12-13 August, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
	NAGALAND
35	The Global Open University Wokha-797 111	18.09.2006	29-30 July, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
36	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Dimapur, Nagaland	04.11.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	ORISSA
37	Centurion University of Technology and Management Village Alluri Nagar Via-Uppalada Paralakhemundi – 761 211 Gajapati, Orissa	27-08-2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	PUNJAB
38	Chitkara University Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway(NH-64) Village Jhansala Tehsil Rajpura, Distt. Patiala Panjab-140 401	07-12-2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
39	Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Ludhiana Distt. Kappurthala	12.12.2006	17-18 October, 2006	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
	RAJASTHAN
40	Amity University Kant Kalwar, Jaipur-303 002	29.03.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
41	Bhagwant University Sikar Road, Ajmer-305 001	14.04.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
42	Jagannath University Vill. Rampura Teshil-Chaksu, Jaipur	16.04.2008	13-14 July, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
43	Jaipur National University Jagatpura, Jaipur	21.10.2007	10-12 April, 2008	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
44	Jodhpur National University Narnadi, Jhanwar Road Jodhpur	11.08.2008	15-16 March, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
45	Jyoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University Vedant Gyan Valley Village Jharna Matpala Jabner, Jaipur	21.04.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
46	Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University RIICO Industrial Arrea, Tala Mod NH-I, Achrol, Jaipur	03.02.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
47	Mewar University Chittorgarh	22.09.2008	15-17 April,2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
48	NIMS University Shobha Nagar, Jaipur-303 001	29.03.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
49	Pacific Academy of Higher Education & Research University (PAHER) Pacific Hills,Airport Road Partap Nagar Extension Udaipur-313003	29.04.2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
50	Shri Jagdish Prasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University Chudela, Distt. Jhunjhunu.	03.02.2009	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
51	Sri Padmapat Singhania University Bhatewar, Udiapur-313 601	29.03.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
52	Singhania University Pacheribari, Jhunjhunu	29.03.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
53	Suresh Gyan Vihar University Mahal Jagatpura, Jaipur	21.04.2008	21-22 December, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
54	Shridhar University Pilani Chirawa Road, Pilani Rajasthan-333031	03.04.2010	——	Information called for inspection purpose
	SIKKIM
55	Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management University Jorethang	24.03.2006	16-17 March, 2008	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
56	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Sikkim	09.10.2004	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
57	Sikkim Manipal University of Health Medical & Technological Science Gangtok	11.10.1995	28-30 January, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
58	Vinayaka Missions Sikkim University Middle Tadong, PO Daragaorn Tadong-237 102	30.07.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	TRIPURA
59	The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Agartala-799001	31.03.2004	14-15 July, 2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
	UTTAR PRADESH
60	Amity University Uttar Pradesh Gautam Budh Nagar	24.03.2005	16-17 July, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
61	G.L.A. University 17 Km. Stone Mathura-Delhi Highway PO- Chaumuhan Mathura-281406	01.04.2010	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
62	Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University Chitrakoot Dham-210 204	06.10.2001	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
63	Integral University Kursi Road, Lucknow-226 026	26.02.2004	2 September, 2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
64	Mangalayatan University Aligarh	30.10.2006	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
65	Mohammad Ali Jauhar University Rampur	19.06.2006	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
66	Teerthanker Mahaveer University Moradabad	05.09.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
67	Sharda University Gautam Budh Nagar Greater Noida (UP)	24.03.2009	30 March-1 April, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
68	Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Delhi-Haridwar Bye Pass Road Meerut	05.09.2008	—–	Information called for inspection purpose
	UTTRAKHAND
69	Dev Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya Gayatrikunj, Shantikunj Haridwar-249 411	22.01.2002	3-5 July, 2010	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
70	Himgiri Nabh Vishwavidyalaya (University in the Sky) Dehradun	11.07.2003	14-15 November, 2009	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
71	Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) Indira Nagar Dehradun-248 006	10.07.2003	18-19 April , 2005	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
72	University of Petroleum and Energy Studies P.O. Bidhali (Via Prem Nagar) Dehradun-248007 (Uttarakhand)	10.07.2003	21 May, 2004	Inspection report can be seen at annexure
73	University of Patanjali Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar	22.01.2002	—–	Information called for inspection purpose

These 73 Universities are competent to award degrees as specified by UGC under Section 22 of the UGC Act with the approval of the statutory councils, wherever required through their main campus. Wherever the approval of the statutory council is not a pre-requisite to start a programme, the Universities are required to maintain the minimum standards regarding academic and physical infrastructure as laid down by the concerned statutory council.

It is also informed that Private Universities cannot affiliate an institution/college. They cannot establish off campus centre(s) beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the concerned State. However, they can establish off-campus centre(s) within the concerned State after their existence of five years and with the prior approval of the University Grants Commission. So far, UGC has not approved any off campus centre(s) of any Private University.

Course(s) under distance mode can be started by the private university only after the prior approval of the UGC-AICTE and DEC joint Committee for which Director, Distance Education Council, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 is the coordinator.

Students/Public at large are advised to go through this website carefully at the time of taking admission and should clarify the status of the University from UGC before taking admission in any Private University other than those listed above

Further, para 3.7 & 3.8 of the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003 are reproduced below for information of all the Private Universities: –

3.7. A private University shall provide all the relevant information relating to the first degree and post-graduate degree/diploma programme(s) including the curriculum structure, contents, teaching and learning process, examination and evaluation system and the eligibility criteria for admission of students, to the UGC on a proforma prescribed by the UGC prior to starting of these programmes.

3.8. The UGC on detailed examination of the information made available as well as the representations and grievances received by it from the students as well as concerned public relating to the deficiencies of the proposed programme(s) not conforming to various UGC Regulations, shall inform the concerned University about any shortcomings in respect of conformity to relevant regulations, for rectification. The University shall offer the programme(s) only after necessary rectification.

A copy of the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities)Regulations, 2003 alongwith the proforma for submission of information by the Private University are annexed with the notice

Secretary

January 24th, 2011

Odisha HRD

Archive for January 24th, 2011

Test taking enhances learning; So regular tests given by coaching classes are good

Private State Universities of India as listed in the UGC site as of 18th Jan 2011

Public Notice on Private Universities

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