Nani Bhattacharya Smarak Mahavidyalaya

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Best Practices

Best Practice I

Title: Coping with Online Learning

Objective of The Practice

With the abrupt shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges nationwide faced the challenge of transitioning face-to-face classes to online formats. For teachers, skill development was essential to adapt quickly and maintain technological competencies. For students, navigating online platforms, interacting with digital learning environments, and self-regulating their learning became critical in the absence of physical infrastructure and face-to-face interactions. In this context, fostering communication and collaboration between teachers and students was crucial for successfully adopting online platforms.

The primary objectives of this practice were

  • To identify alternative solutions to traditional offline classes. 
  • To ensure that students continued receiving academic guidance during the pandemic. 
  • To support teachers in quickly adapting to online teaching methods.

The Context

Situated in rural Alipurduar district, Near to Bhutan Border West, Nani Bhattacharya Smarak Mahavidyalaya (NBSM) serves a student population, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This posed significant challenges in adopting online learning. The key contextual factors were:
  • Creating an environment that was familiar to online learners.
  • Providing flexible and adaptable platforms for both students and teachers.
  • Ensuring the platforms chosen were accessible and easy to use for rural students.

The Practice

  • After extensive discussions in Teacher Council and IQAC meetings, NBSM adopted the following strategies:
  • Separate WhatsApp groups were created for each subject, both for Honours and Programme courses. Students' concerns were addressed through these groups, with more involved cases handled through personal phone communication.
  • Classes were conducted on platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp video chat. Assignments were distributed, and exams were conducted using these platforms.
  • Given the difficulties of holding long, consecutive online classes, teachers also conducted classes on holidays to cover the syllabus.

Evidence of Success

Most students and teachers adapted to the new online learning environment quickly. Teachers began to enjoy the online classes, and students managed to adjust despite initial challenges.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Many students faced difficulties obtaining smartphones due to their economic circumstances, and internet connectivity issues were prevalent in rural areas. To address these challenges, the college uploaded lecture notes to its LMS portal and provided teaching videos on personal and official YouTube channels, sharing the links with students.

Best Practice II

Title:  Empowering Communities Through Community Engagement

Objective of The Practice

  • Foster social responsibility among students. 
  • Provide vital services and support to the local community. 
  • Enhance student awareness and involvement in societal issues. 
  • Build partnerships with local health and safety organizations. 
  • Promote holistic development through community-centered activities.

The Context

NBSM understands that its role extends beyond academics, recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world application. By initiating community engagement programs, the college addresses the needs of the local population while instilling a lifelong commitment to service among students.

The Practice

Over the past five academic sessions, NBSM has organized and participated in numerous community engagement activities, largely through the National Service Scheme (NSS):

NSS Special Camp: A week-long community development camp.
Eye Check-Up Camp: Offering free eye care services to students and local residents.
COVID-19 Awareness Program: Educating the community on prevention and safety measures.
Road Safety Campaign: Promoting traffic rules and safety practices.
“Save Water, Save Life” Rally: Raising awareness about water conservation.
NSS Vector-Borne Disease Sensitization Program: Addressing vector-borne disease prevention.
COVID-19 Vaccination Drive: Organizing the first campus vaccination drive.
Free Health Check-Up Camp: Providing health services to students and their families.
Child Protection Awareness Program: Promoting child safety.
Special Vaccination Camp: Ensuring community immunization coverage.
NSS Special Village Camp: Focusing on community development and awareness activities.

Evidence of Success

Increased Student Participation: Significant growth in student volunteers.
Community Impact: Positive community feedback from health camps and awareness programs.
Recognition: Appreciation from local health and safety authorities.
Health and Safety Improvements: Notable positive outcomes from the health and safety awareness campaigns.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Challenges: Limited financial resources for large-scale programs, logistical difficulties in rural areas, and inconsistent participation from students and community members.
Resources Needed: Increased funding, more volunteers, stronger partnerships with local organizations, and enhanced volunteer training to improve program outreach and effectiveness.

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