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Examination Reforms for Quality Higher Education in India:
Challenges and Opportunity
December 22-23, 2018
Proceedings
School of Education, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
ISBN: 978-93-88879-10-1
New Delhi Publishers
New Delhi, Kolkata
Chapter-42 pp 246-252
Perception of Students and Teachers towards the Implementation
of Semester System of Examination at Undergraduate Level
By
1Miss Sasmita Behera
M.Phil. Scholar, Dept. of Education
D.P. Institute of Advance Study in Education, Berhampur-761008
Email: sasmitabehera006@gmail.com
*2Mr. Venkateswar Meher
Research Scholar, School of Education
Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur-768004, Odisha
Email: venkatesmeher90@gmail.com
&
3Dr. (Smt.) Rajashree Baral
Associate Professor of Education, School of Education
Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur-768004, Odisha
Email: rajashreebaral5@gmail.com
Abstract
The present study investigates the perceptions of both students and teachers about the
implementation of semester system of examination at higher level. The objectives were to study
the perception of students and teachers towards the implementation of semester system with
reference to the prescribed curriculum, feedback and evaluation procedures, and students’
performance under semester system. The descriptive survey method was employed for
conducting research. The present study was delimited to the students and teachers of Rajendra
(Auto.) College, Bolangir, Odisha, from where 90 students and 30 teachers were selected as the
sample through random sampling. A perception scale for both students and teachers were
prepared separately for collecting data and the data was collected by giving a personal visit. The
obtained data were analyzed by simple percentage techniques. The findings revealed that cent
percent teachers and students perceived the semester system as better than the traditional system
of examination and opined that it was highly applicable for both UG and PG level. It was also
found that all the teachers and students were satisfied with the curriculum and evaluation
procedures under semester system examination. The teachers were satisfied with the
implementation of semester system at undergraduate level in relation to feedback and evaluation
procedures. Cent percent students viewed that they were not getting the result in time, which is a
major issue in the semester system.
Keywords: Semester system, prescribed curriculum, evaluation procedure, feedback system.
Introduction
The world around us is a constant flux; everything is changing in this competitive world.
In the field of education also some sorts of reforms are being made with reference to curriculum,
methods of teaching, examination/evaluation system as a whole. The semester system of
examination is one of the most important examination reform brought in the higher level for the
minimization of academic burdens of the students. A semester system is an academic term. It is
a very effective system as it engages both the teachers and the students throughout the year in
academic activity. Semester system is not only an examination system rather it is a learner
centred system of education where primary concern is learning instead of teaching. In the
semester system of examination much more focus is given on the continuous internal assessment
where the learners’ progress is assessed in a systematic manner. However, in a semester the
course materials and aspects are divided into two subsequent parts which comprises six month in
each part. It is considered as an emerging approach in the field of teaching and learning process
which allows greater interaction between teachers and the students in a systemic manner. In
2015, two major academic reforms were undertaken at the undergraduate level in the higher
education. One was the choice based credit system (CBCS) and the other was the semester
system. Under CBCS, the curriculum was redefined to keep pace with the liberalization and
globalization in education and to look into the needs of the students and increase their job
opportunities. To improve quality of academics and put emphasis on continuous, comprehensive
and in-depth learning, aiming at capacity building of the students, the annual system was
replaced by semester system. Yousaf & Hasim (2012) conducted a case study on the difference
between the academic outcome of annual system of examination and semester system of
examination and found significant differences. Pathak & Rahman (2013) explored the
perception of students and teachers towards the semester system. The research result revealed
that the perception of students towards internal assessment and overall evaluation is not quite
satisfactory. Most of the respondents even didn’t understand about the evaluation in CGPA.
Shoukat & Muhammad (2015) investigated the perception of teachers and students towards the
functionality of semester system at university level. The result of the study showed that 70% of
students were satisfied with the teacher-student ratio, 71% with fairness of the teachers in
evaluating students’ performance. Almost equal percentages of teacher-students were satisfied
with the implementation of semester system. Bista (2016) studied the opinion of teachers
towards semester system in mathematics education. The result showed that the teachers have a
positive opinion towards the semester system, the semester system is m ore efficient than the
annual system. Das (2016) studied on students' perception about the implementation of semester
system in the undergraduate college under Dibrugarh University. The findings revealed that the
perception of students towards internal assessment and over all evaluation system under semester
system is not quite satisfactory.
Rationale of the Study
In the traditional system of examination at higher level, the students were appearing the
examination towards the end of the academic session through a written examination at the end of
a course. If any students could not appear the annual exam, he has to wait for the next academic
year, which was a major problem in the academic life of students. The students were not much
conscious about the annual examination because it was very time consuming. In order to avoid
these difficulties semester system of examination was implemented in the higher education level
both in undergraduate and postgraduate level. The related literatures revealed that a few studies
have been undertaken in Odisha, most particularly in Bolangir district about the semester system
of examination, so the investigator was intended to undertake research on this ground. However,
major reforms have been made by the government in the field of examination to make it smooth
and bringing about all round development in the students, so the present study has been
undertaken to investigate the perception of semester system of examination at undergraduate
level.
Research Questions
As per the above rationale of the study, the following research questions were emerged in
the mind of the investigator;
1. What is the perception of student and teachers towards the implementation of semester
system at undergraduate level?
2. What is the perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system with
reference to the prescribed curriculum?
3. What is the perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system with
reference to the prescribed curriculum?
4. What is the perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system with
reference to the feedback and evaluation procedures?
5. What is the perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system with
reference to the feedback and evaluation procedures?
Objectives of the Study
The followings were the objectives of the present study;
1. To study the perception of student and teachers towards the implementation of semester at
undergraduate level
2. To study the perception of student and teachers towards the implementation of semester
system with reference to the prescribed curriculum
3. To study the perception of student and teachers towards the implementation of semester
system with reference to the feedback and evaluation procedures
Hypotheses of the study
The hypotheses of the present study were as follows;
1. The perception of teachers towards the implementation of semester system is favourable.
2. The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system is favourable.
3. The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system with reference
to the prescribed curriculum is favourable.
4. The perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system with reference
to the prescribed curriculum is favourable.
5. The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system with reference
to the feedback and evaluation procedures is favourable.
6. The perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system with reference
to the feedback and evaluation procedures is favourable.
Scope & Delimitations
The scope and delimitation of the present study were as follows;
The study was delimited to Rajendra College (Auto.) Bolangir, Odisha.
The study was delimited to 30 teachers and 90 students of Rajendra College (Auto.)
Bolangir, Odisha.
The study was delimited to the perception of both students and teachers towards the
implementation of semester system at undergraduate level.
Materials & Methods
Research Method
As the main purpose of the present study was to investigate the perception of both student
and teachers towards the implementation of semester system at undergraduate level at present
context, descriptive survey method was undertaken for conducting research.
Participants
Depending upon the feasibility, Rajendra College (Auto), Bolangir, Odisha was
purposively selected, which constituted the population of the present study. From the selected
college, 30 teachers and 90 students were selected randomly which constituted the sample of the
present study.
Instrumentations
The following tools were prepared by the investigator in consultation with the expert for
collecting relevant data from the sample groups.
Teacher’s perception scale on semester system of examination
Student’s perception scale on semester system of examination
The tools were based on five points, such as; Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Undecided
(U), Disagree (D), Strongly Disagree (SD).
Data Collection
After preparing the five point perception scales for both student and teachers the
investigator visited to the selected sample groups personally and collected relevant data by
administering the tool.
Statistical Technique
In order to analyse the obtained data simple percentage technique was used in the present study.
Data Analysis, Results & Discussion
In the present study, the tabulation was made of the collected responses from the sample
group and analysed with reference to percentage technique. The perception scale was based on
five points, such as; Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Undecided (U), Disagree (D), Strongly
Disagree (SD).
However, the data of both teacher and students were analysed separately in the following
manner.
Analysis of data on views of Students
Hypothesis-1: The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system is
favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
It is better than traditional system
89%
11%
-
-
-
2
Appropriate for both UG and PG level
78%
22%
-
-
-
3
Getting sufficient time in each semester
10%
10%
-
60%
20%
4
Courses are completing in time
20%
10%
-
50%
20%
5
It improves the study habits
78%
22%
-
-
-
The above table showed that near about cent percent students favoured the view that
semester system is better than traditional system of examination. It was matched with the
findings of Pathak and Rahman (Pathak & Rehman, 2013). Near about 78% were strongly agreed
and 22% were agreed that it is appropriate for both UG and PG level. Near about 60% students
were agreed and 20% strongly disagreed about the time getting in each semester for completing
the course. In relation to the completion of courses for each semester in time near about 50%
students were disagreed and 20% strongly disagreed over it. Cent percent students favoured that
it improved study habits of the students. This finding was matched with the findings of Shoukat
and Muhamaad (Shoukat & Muhamaad, 2015) and contrast to the findings of Das (Das, 2016).
Hypothesis-2: The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system
with reference to the prescribed curriculum is favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
The contents prescribed in the course is
sufficient for present context
59%
31%
-
10%
-
2
Proper availability of course materials
30%
-
50%
20%
3
Satisfied with the prescribed theoretical
and practical aspect of curriculum
60%
30%
-
10%
-
4
It is improving heavy curricular load
-
10%
-
64%
26%
The above table represents that near about 90% students favoured that the contents
prescribed in the course was sufficient for the present context, where as only 10% students were
in contrast with the same. Near about 70% students were not satisfied the course materials
provided to them for the semester examinations, where as only 30% were satisfied. Near about
90% students were satisfied with the theoretical and practical aspects of curriculum under
semester system, where as only 10% were not satisfied. It was matched with the findings of
Pathak and Rahman (Pathak & Rahman, 2013). Near about 90% students were did not favour the
view that it improved heavy curricular load on them, where as only 10% favoured it.
Hypothesis-3: The perception of the students towards the implementation of semester system
with reference to the feedback and evaluation procedures is favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
Joining the next semester before
completing the previous semester
100%
-
-
-
-
2
Getting result in time
-
-
-
60%
40%
3
The result of previous semester gives
inspiration for next semester
90%
10%
-
-
-
4
Satisfied with internal assessment
50%
40%
-
10%
-
5
There is provision for improvement in
examination
100%
-
-
-
-
6
It is an excessive burden to appear six
semesters
-
10%
-
60%
30%
The tabled revealed that cent percent students favoured the joining of the next semester
before the completion of the previous semester. Cent percent students viewed that they were not
getting the result in time, which is a major issue in the semester system, on the other hand they
viewed that the result of previous semester inspired them for the next semester, this findings of
the study is supported with the findings of Das (Das, 2016). Near about 90% students were
satisfied with the internal assessment, where as only 10% students were in contrast with the
same. This was contrast to the findings of Pathak and Rahman (Pathak & Rahman, 2013) Cent
percent students favoured the provision of improvement examination. Near about 90% students
viewed that it was not an excessive burden to appear six semesters throughout the entire course,
where as only 10% assumed it as a burden.
Analysis of data on views of Teachers
Hypothesis-4: The perception of teachers towards the implementation of semester system is
favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
It creates healthy academic atmosphere
80%
20%
-
-
-
2
It is appropriate for both UG & PG level
100%
-
-
-
-
3
Improves academic achievements of
students
80%
20%
-
-
-
4
It hinders research activities of faculty
members
-
20%
-
60%
20%
5
Better than annual system of exam
100%
-
-
-
-
The above table represented that cent percent teachers viewed that semester system of
examination creates healthy academic atmosphere and it is applicable for both UG and PG level.
They also viewed that it improved the academic achievements of students, so as a whole it is
better than the annual system of examination. Near about 80% teachers did not favour that
semester system of exam hindered the research activities for them.
Hypothesis-5: The perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system
with reference to the prescribed curriculum is favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
Prescribed course is based on present
demands and needs
80%
20%
-
-
-
2
There is heavy burden in the course
-
10%
-
70%
20%
3
Availability of course materials properly
-
20%
-
60%
20%
4
Prescribed curriculum is helpful for
preparing for entrance examinations
90%
10%
-
-
-
5
It includes required curricular and co-
curricular activities
70%
30%
-
-
-
The above table reveals that cent percent teachers were satisfied with the prescribed
courses under semester system and viewed that the curriculum was helpful for the students in
preparing with different entrance examinations. They were also satisfied with the curricular and
co-curricular activities under semester system. This finding was supported with the findings of
Bista, Pthak & Rahman, Shoukat & Muhammad (Bista, 2016, Shoukat & Muhammad, 2015,
Pathak & Rahman, 2013). In relation to the availability of course materials the satisfaction of the
teacher was not quite well, so near about 80% teachers were disagreed over it. However, all the
teachers viewed that semester system did not increase the burden for the students and teachers a s
whole.
Hypothesis-6: The perception of the teachers towards the implementation of semester system
with reference to the feedback and evaluation procedures is favourable.
SL.No
Specifications
SA(%)
A(%)
U(%)
D(%)
SD(%)
1
Supporting internal assessment of exam
100%
-
-
-
-
2
It is the wastage of valuable time
-
-
-
20%
80%
3
Helps to secure high percentage of marks
90%
10%
-
-
-
4
Provision for re-evaluation
100%
-
-
-
-
The above table revealed that the teachers were satisfied with the implementation of
semester system at undergraduate level in relation to feedback and evaluation procedures. As per
the table, cent percentages of teachers were in favour of the internal assessment, they also
viewed that this semester system helps to secure high percentage of marks, also supported the
provision of re-evaluation. These findings were supported with the findings of Bista (Bista,
2016). However, near about 80% percentage of teachers were strongly disagreed and 20%
disagreed with the view that it is the wastage of valuable time.
Suggestions or Recommendations
From the above results and discussion some problems in implementing semester system
of examination were found, so the following recommendations were made;
The content prescribed in the courses under semester system is not sufficient, it may be
increased.
There should be proper gap between two semesters.
Sufficient time is be provided for the completion of the courses.
Different types of seminars and workshops are to be organised.
Sufficient numbers of teachers are to be appointed for teaching through semester pattern.
Sufficient teaching materials are to be provided to the students.
Sufficient numbers of books are to be available for every semester, so that the learners will
be benefited.
The result of the semester examination is to be declared in appropriate time, so that the
students will be self-motivated.
Suggestions for further research
The sample size may be increased and research study can be undertaken on this ground.
A comparative study can be undertaken by comparing the achievement of students studying
under semester system of examination and annual system of examination.
Other aspects of semester system can be included which are not covered in the study and
research study can be carried out.
In other districts also the same research work can be carried out to know the perception of
stakeholders regarding the implementation of semester system of examnation.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that the annual system of examination is
replaced by the semester system of examination due to the drawbacks of annual system. The
semester system of examination can be used to measure students’ achievement and also to
enhance the quality of the learner through the continuous internal assessment. However, the
result of the present study revealed that both the teachers and students are satisfied with the
implementation of semester system of examination; still some sorts of problems are being faced
in this 21st century concerning to the excellence and quality in higher education, so remedial
measures are to be undertaken by the authorities for its eradication
References
Bista, M. (2016). Opinion of teachers towards semester system in mathematics education,
Unpublished MA dissertation, University of Tribhuvan, Kathamandu.
Das, R. (2016). A study on students' perception about the implementation of semester system in
the undergraduate college. Unpublished MA dissertation, Dibrugarh University, Assam, India.
Pathak, T. & Rahman, A. (2013). Perception of students and teachers towards semester system:
A study in some selected degree colleges of Nagaon town of Assam. Journal of Education and
Practices. 4(1), 84-92.
Shoukat, L. & Muhammad, W. (2015). Perception of teachers and students towards the
functionality of semester system at university level in Pakistani social and administrarive set-ups.
International Journal of Teaching and Education, 3(4), 68-80.
Yousaf, A. & Hasim, M. (2012). A case study of annual and semester systems of examination on
government college of management sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan. International Journal of
academic Research in Business administration and Social Science, 2(9), 53-71.
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