Principals' Conference on
Curriculum Change and Quality of Instruction 

Goa University 

January 14-16, 2001

Goa University invited the Educational Resources Centre to organise a conference on developing personal effectiveness, leadership styles, and on the role of principals in effecting curriculum change and quality of instruction. Twenty five college principals under the jurisdiction of Goa University participated in this conference held from 14 - 16 January, 2001, at the Academic Staff College of the University. Various sessions were held on themes such as transactional styles, personal effectiveness, leadership styles, role effectiveness in managing diversity, emotional intelligence, and curricular interventions. Simulation exercises were also undertaken to assess the role effectiveness of the principals. The team of four consultants that facilitated these sessions include Prof. Udai Pareek, Dr. Vinod Kumar Arora, Prof. Jaya Indiresan, and Mrs. Sharada Nayak.

The discussion on curriculum change, methods for improving the quality of instruction, and student motivation was very interesting. Beginning the discussion, Prof. Pareek remarked that the output of a curriculum change is to bring about a set of changed students i.e. those who are achievement motivated, have concern for excellence, are self reliant and creative, and are highly optimistic. They should also have the power to make an impact and extend themselves to larger groups. To get this output, the throughput should be the curriculum and the individual teacher. The curriculum content must have rigour and stress should be laid on language facility, basics of mathematics,' science, and an understanding of the social concerns. It should also be broad based by giving exposure to a wide variety of disciplines, and add an extra dimension, as in the case of a 'minor' specialisation. Prof Pareek summarised his remarks by saying that the process of curriculum change should encourage:
• Learning by discovery
• Learning by experience
• Learning by action
• Learning by synergy ( group effort)

Focus Group Discussions were held by dividing all the participants into five groups based on their discipline, namely, social science, physical science, commerce and business management, humanities, and professional subjects. The discussions focussed on what they are happy about, what is not good at present, what changes are needed, who should be involved, what is the time frame required for implementing change, and what support is required from the government. This exercise was very fruitful and enlivening as the groups unfolded several strengths and weaknesses of each stream of undergraduate studies.

In social sciences, though the group felt happy about the course content, continuity of electives, and project work, found to be lacking adequate mention of the global and local issues. It was also observed that there is inadequate stress on language skills, value education, and linkage with the community. The commerce group felt that the course content in the present syllabus was good. The drawbacks of the courses are specialisation at the entry level itself, emphasis on theoretical learning, overlapping of course content. The group noted that this could be corrected by revamping the present curriculum and by introducing industrial and field visits.

The group on sciences observed that it is satisfied with the introduction of Information Technology course in the final year class. It was also noted that the communication skills be developed among science students. The humanities group recommended the extensive use of audio-visual aids in teaching English. The functional aspect of English should also be kept in mind while revamping the quality of instruction. The professional subject group included people from pharmacy, nursing, law, music, etc. The group noted that the all India professional bodies in the respective areas of study regulate their syllabi and it is well defined.

The participants were appreciative of the exercise and agreed to follow up through similar exercises at the college level involving the teachers from their own college and other colleges as well. It is felt by all that the curricular reform will be successful if there is understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of the proposed changes among the stakeholders. While enrichment of the syllabus is important, the widening of the student experience through activity, community outreach, and a linkage with the social concerns in the college environment is also equally important.