Institutional Best Practices
1. Communicative English Academy (CEA)
Objective of the Practice
- To assess and improve students' English language skills in grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking using the British Council English Score App.
- To create an immersive learning experience for language development using small group activities, diverse materials, and linguaphone sessions.
- To cultivate an English-speaking environment in the college using a token system, Language Counseling, and morning reading practices.
Context
Don Bosco College aims to uplift rural and disadvantaged youth by offering quality higher education and employability skills. 99% of students come from poor backgrounds and lack global exposure. The college emphasizes English language proficiency as a key soft skill for the global job market.
Two Major Contexts:
- Providing Global Competency: Prepares every student for the job market.
- Addressing Tamil Medium Students: Helps overcome language barriers for academic success.
Practice
- English for Life: First-year course with bridge sessions and weekly focus on vocabulary/structure.
- Communicative English Lab: Weekly interactive sessions (speeches, discussions).
- Language Counseling: Token system and one-on-one counseling.
- English Proficiency Assessment Test: Biannual tests using British Council app.
- Language Card System: Monitors language use on campus.
Evidence of Success
- 100% enrollment in job-market connected programs (BCA, B.Sc CS, etc).
- Notable improvement in language proficiency levels (A1/A2 to B1/B2) based on assessment results.
- Positive student feedback on self-assurance and communication abilities.
Problems Encountered
- Diversity in language proficiency levels.
- Limited exposure to English outside designated sessions.
- Linguistic weakness identification challenges.
2. Information Literacy
Objective of the Practice
- To promote students’ ability to independently locate, evaluate, and use information.
- To improve strategies for using databases and managing information.
- To differentiate between various information sources (journals, magazines, etc.).
The Context
Initiated at three levels:
- Junior Level: Fundamental topics for 1st Semester students.
- Senior Level: Domain-specific topics for later semesters.
- Experts: Industry experts provide tech-talks and enhance practical relevance.
The Practice
Technical Report: Student groups are assigned topics, utilize net sources, and present insights after peer/coordinator review.
Association Meeting: Best technical reports are presented in seminars.
Technical Presentation: Groups prepare PPTs for projects, evaluated by an external review committee.
Evidence of Success
Departments conduct about 15 seminars yearly. Enhanced information literacy skills lead to impressive reports and presentations.