The University Grants Commission (UGC) has put forward certain measures conducted for the appraisal of college lecturers. The terms are that teachers be  present at the colleges for five hours every day and the leave be brought down from 10 to eight days. Prof M Govindaiah speaks to Team DNA about the methods of appraisal that colleges can adopt.

First, the terms and conditions to be approved finally by the State Government will take some time. Now just UGC has put forward such a thing.

Performance appraisals are essential for the effective management and evaluation of staff. Appraisals help develop lecturers and improve organisational performance. Formal performance appraisals should also be made a part of the scheme. Performance appraisals should be a positive experience for lecturers. The appraisal process provides a platform for development and motivation. Colleges should foster a feeling that performance appraisals are positive opportunities for them to improve on their teaching lines in order to get the best out of the students and the process.

In spite of what the UGC has passed, colleges have different regulations for staff regarding feedback. The assessment is done by the management in private colleges while directors or principals carry out the process in government colleges. Attendance and code of conduct form the primary aspects of appraisal.

In the teaching profession, an appraisal cannot be done merely on the basis of teaching hours or the lecturers' presence in college. Assessment has to be based on the performance of the teachers in the classrooms. The students' feedback is the best form of assessment.

A teacher is present in an institute to impart knowledge to the children. Hence, knowledge and the methods by which it should be imparted become important in a teacher's appraisal. Students should be able to understand and grow in his knowledge. Teachers should constantly work on achieving such a result. Different kinds of teaching methods can be utilised to enable teachers to apply their skills in the best manner possible. The management can also look into the whole process to see if teachers are performing well by reviewing meetings and discussions added with workshops to effectively improve learning methods.Keeping in mind that teaching is a noble profession, teachers themselves should do a self-appraisal. There should be growth in that direction.
 
Professor Govindaiah is principal of Vivekananda College

DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication