EDU

History of the Department of Education in Christ University

                                                                                                                               Mary Thomas

                                                                                                                               Reg.No:  1444602                     

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  Christ University, formerly Christ College (Autonomous) affiliated to Bangalore University was established in 1969.  It became the most preferred educational institution in the city of Bangalore within the first three decades.  From 1990 onwards it has scaled greater heights.  Due to the introduction of innovative and modern curricula, insistence of academic discipline, imparting of Holistic Education, a team of creative and dedicated staff, the institution has been continually rated amongst top 10 educational institutions in the country.  It has the rare distinction of being the first institution in Karnataka to be accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) UGC for quality education. In 2004, UGC conferred Autonomy on the institution.  In 2005, it became the first College in South India to reaccredit with A+ by NAAC.   UGC identified it as an institution with Potential for Excellence in 2006.  In 2008 the institution was declared as Deemed University by the Ministry of Human Resources Development Union Government of India, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, with notification No. F. 9-34/2007-U.3 (A).  The university has departments like Faculty of Engineering, School of Law, Institute of Management, Commerce and Management, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education and few general departments. The   School of Education, Christ University is originated in 2006 was first affiliated to Bangalore University.   The institution is dedicated to Jesus Christ, the supreme teacher, and draws inspiration from its educational visionary, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI).  The University is rooted in gospel values, mutual respect, personal maturity and integrity, teamwork and social concern.   This article focuses on beginning and growth of the institution, addition of multiple programmes , features and activities of the Department of School of Education. 

     School of Education, Christ University is set up as a premier department for teacher training institute with multiple programmes like  B.Ed(2006), M.A (Education)(2009-11), M.Phil and PhD (2009).  Bachelor of Education (Bed) is a programme which extends over a period of two academic years consisting of 4 semesters.    It offers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English.  It follows three main systems.   The institution has a well equipped with Art Library with wide range of books and electronic resources, Technology Lab, Psychology Lab, Science Labs and common facilities like Playground, Cafeteria and Kiosk, Prayer Hall, University Bus for field trips and photocopying facilities etc.   The other distinguished features are Value Addition Programmes through Centre for Education beyond Curriculum, Rural and social exposure through the Centre for Social Action, Theatre in Education, Holistic Education, Personality Development Programme and Training in Computer Assisted Instruction etc.  Master of Arts (MA) in Education has started in 2009-2011 academic year.  Its curriculum is designed to prepare competent and professional educationists, who will be able to take up diverse role in the field of education.  The two year programme aims at developing competency in research methodology, management and leadership in Educational Institutions.  Further the course aims at preparing Educationists who will innovate and deliver effective learning recourses, developing proficiency in curriculum development.  On completion of M.A Education Programme, students will understand the nature, purpose and Philosophy of Education, develop and understanding of the psychology of the learner.  The Master of Philosophy in Education programme is designed primarily for teacher educators, policy makers, researchers, and other educational personnel involved in school education, higher education, and professional education.  The M.Phil programme in Education will be conducted based on a credit system of one year and consisting of two semesters.  The candidate has to submit the Dissertation by the end of second semester, after completion of the course work.  The programme consists of four theory papers and two research papers namely: General Research Methodology and Research Methodology and Statistical Techniques in Education.  Besides this two electives can be selected from the four topics such as: Educational Leadership, Management and Organizational Development, Educational Psychology, Educational and Instructional Technology and Educational Administration and Policy Analysis.  The course aims at enhancing the capacity of professing, prospective and practicing teacher educators, education specialists, administrators and experts to conduct investigations, studies and researches that contribute to the betterment of the education system in general and teacher education in particular.  The M.Phil course is envisaged to contribute to the growth and development of the education sector of the country.  The course will create opportunities to share and disseminate educational researches and innovations by bringing about debates and discussions of topical importance to address critical educational issues.  The focus of the course is to produce high-level research manpower such as M.Phil and PhD scholars in the education sector.  PhD in Education is a magnificent endeavour of department of education.  Education is a dynamic concept and it is ever changing with the needs of the society.  This course has a wider scope for the doctoral students to undertake descriptive and experimental studies, and investigate some crucial problems in the field of education.  It suggests suitable remedies and makes significant contribution towards academic and administrative practices.  It also initiates various innovative strategies and methods to improve teaching-learning practices.   Within few years the university and the Education Department in particular have gained popularity for its technology based teacher training and its generation of knowledge through good research works.    Another attraction is its student friendly infrastructure and greenery campus that welcome students from multiple countries and cultures.  The head of the Education Department is Dr. Jose Cherian.   

     Thus we can see that the institution which has begun just 9 years ago with a single programme has proved its excellence and efficiency through multiple programmes added on course of time.  Every faculty of Christ University is highly motivated to offer their best to the growth of the institution under the great transformational leadership of the Vice Chancellor,Dr. (Fr) Thomas Chathenprambil.    No great works can be achieved by a single head whereas through clarity of vision, integrity, mutual respect and team work humans can achieve wonders.    By observing the present status of the university and the Education department in particular we can expect that Christ University will surely grow to the status of a world class university similar to Cambridge and Oxford Universities within few years.