Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

L. N. Mittal ¹, P. K. Singla ¹, S. K. Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Curriculum Development Centre, Tech. Teachers Training Institute, Chandigarh, IN

Abstract

Diploma course in civil engineering is being offered by majority of polytechnics in the country. Considerable amount of unemployment is being experienced in the diploma holders graduating in this course. It is indeed a strange dichotomy that in a country like India, where more than 60 percent of plan budget go to construction industry directly or indirectly, diploma holders in civil engineering still face such an unemployment. This paper highlights the finding of a study conducted to ascertain the factors contributing to the unemployment of such diploma holders and make recommendations/suggestions for enhanced employability of diploma holders in this field.

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L. N. Mittal ¹, S. K. Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Curriculum Development Centre, TTTI, Sector 26, Chandigarh 160 019, IN

Abstract

The paper highlights the present status of technical education and makes suggestions for reengineering technical education based on the views obtained through a structured questionnaire from over 150 professionals and academicians on various aspects of technical education. The study reveals that there has been considerable expansion of technical education at different levels. This large scale expansion has resulted in the deterioration of quality and standards of technical education in the country. This has also greatly affected the employment of degree and diploma holders. Good percentage of students are unable to find gainful employment for years together. The process of teaching-learning focuses great attention on theory rather than developing professional skills like: thinking, independent study, problem solving, creativity, interpersonal and communication skills etc. Majority of students are still not proficient in making use of computers for various engineering applications. There is a marginal linkage of technical institutions with the world of work. The system of examination, by and large, is paper pencil type, stressing on rote learning. There is hardly any effect of recommendations made by various seminars!conferences for improving technical education system in the country due to lack of concern, lethargy, initiative and accountability.

Based on the findings of the study, the paper proposes that the thrust of teaching-learning process should be on "Concept of use" for developing transfer skills in the students so that they are able to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the institutions to solve practical problems or innovate new designs and systems. The paper further proposes that technical education should be offered on "Cooperative Basis" to face the challenges of 21 st century. Cooperative Education has been described as a "Strategy of Applied Learning" imbibing the concept of use without increasing the duration of programmes.

The paper finally makes suggestions for improving the management and administration of the system.

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H. L. Saluja ¹, S. K. Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Technical Teachers' Training Institute, Shamla Hills, Bhopal-462002 (M.P.)., IN

Abstract

In this age of science and technology, technological developments are taking place at amazingly fast rate. The professionals working in industries and other service sectors must keep abreast of these developments taking place in their fields, if they have to survive in this competitive world.

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