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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tips for an in-house Training in a Company after doing B.Tech?
Tips for an in-house Training in a Company after doing B.Tech?
I will be completing my BTech in computer science this year. What should I keep in mind while going for an in-house training in a company?
Ajay Handa
The pattern of in-house training varies considerably from organisation to organisation. While some firms rely on onthe-job techniques that involve learning while performing the function under the guidance of fellow employees; others prefer to take in qualified and experienced personnel.
In most medium and large software firms, the typical pattern of training involves an organisational orientation followed by short intensive modules in specific areas. Fresh programmers are generally taught programming languages and procedures, over a few months. This is followed by the application of such skills to an internal project, usually integrated into a closely supervised programming team.
Your progress will be closely monitored through a process of regular and detailed appraisals, often linked to salary progression. The length of the training can extend from six months to two years depending on the functional area and your role.
After the initial training, career development is fairly rapid in most IT companies and end-users. In fact, some organisations have developed accelerated promotion and career development schemes to ensure retention of their key people.
As for your last question, no I don’t think it will be gruelling. Rigorous certainly, but also a great learning experience (many say, the real learning starts here). Look at it as an opportunity to put all your theoretical knowledge to practical use.
I will be completing my BTech in computer science this year. What should I keep in mind while going for an in-house training in a company?
Ajay Handa
The pattern of in-house training varies considerably from organisation to organisation. While some firms rely on onthe-job techniques that involve learning while performing the function under the guidance of fellow employees; others prefer to take in qualified and experienced personnel.
After the initial training, career development is fairly rapid in most IT companies and end-users. In fact, some organisations have developed accelerated promotion and career development schemes to ensure retention of their key people.
As for your last question, no I don’t think it will be gruelling. Rigorous certainly, but also a great learning experience (many say, the real learning starts here). Look at it as an opportunity to put all your theoretical knowledge to practical use.
Understanding The Basics Of Speed Reading - Very important for students and professionals
Understanding The Basics Of Speed Reading
By: Brandon C. Hall
Speed reading is not just a parlor trick you can use to impress your friends and family. For many it’s a necessary tool for managing time and information in the fast-paced business world, and for many others, specifically students, it’s the only way to get through reading-heavy class loads.
The practiced speed reader can pick up a lengthy document or a thick stack of papers and use their skill to get at the meat of the subject by skimming for the most important details and information. Without developing the ability to speed read, this time-saving technique is merely flipping through pages fast.
Speed reading, or increasing the rate at which you read text, is linked to increasing the rate at which you understand what you’re reading. The key to successful speed reading is increasing your understanding of the text as you increase the rate at which you read the words. It takes training and practice, but don’t be intimidated by the idea of a challenge. Think of it as the next, natural step to your reading development. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s a skill that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
As a child, when you began to learn to read, chances are you began with the alphabet and the specific sounds each letter makes. Then you learned how to combine and blend letter sounds to decipher words. It’s called letter-by-letter reading. Then something clicked and you began to recognize words without having to sound out each letter one at a time and you graduated to word-by-word reading.
With continued practice common words and sentence structure became more familiar and because your brain was tuned and ready, your eye started taking in blocks of words at a time. The difference between average readers and speed readers is in the blocks of words their eyes take in at one time. The larger the blocks, the faster your eye moves through the text.
Speed reading teaches you how to take your reading and your comprehension to the next level. The techniques used in teaching speed reading focus on your individual abilities, namely where you are right now and what might be keeping you from progressing. For example, if you are a slow reader, factors that hold you back may include, but are not limited to, moving your lips or reading out loud or holding the text too close to your eyes.
If you are in the practice of moving your lips, or speaking or whispering while you read, you’re slowing yourself down dramatically. Your lips can only move so fast. You should be able to read at least two or three times faster than you can speak. In effect, you’re keeping yourself at that word-by-word stage that children generally grow out of in elementary school.
Having the ability to speed read can make a significant difference in your life, especially if reading is a strong component of your work. Implementing some simple techniques can get you reading faster and more efficiently in no time at all.
Speed reading is not just a parlor trick you can use to impress your friends and family. For many it’s a necessary tool for managing time and information in the fast-paced business world, and for many others, specifically students, it’s the only way to get through reading-heavy class loads. The practiced speed reader can pick up a lengthy document or a thick stack of papers and use their skill to get at the meat of the subject by skimming for the most important details and...The practiced speed reader can pick up a lengthy document or a thick stack of papers and use their skill to get at the meat of the subject by skimming for the most important details and information. Without developing the ability to speed read, this time-saving technique is merely flipping through pages fast.
Speed reading, or increasing the rate at which you read text, is linked to increasing the rate at which you understand what you’re reading. The key to successful speed reading is increasing your understanding of the text as you increase the rate at which you read the words. It takes training and practice, but don’t be intimidated by the idea of a challenge. Think of it as the next, natural step to your reading development. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s a skill that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
As a child, when you began to learn to read, chances are you began with the alphabet and the specific sounds each letter makes. Then you learned how to combine and blend letter sounds to decipher words. It’s called letter-by-letter reading. Then something clicked and you began to recognize words without having to sound out each letter one at a time and you graduated to word-by-word reading.
With continued practice common words and sentence structure became more familiar and because your brain was tuned and ready, your eye started taking in blocks of words at a time. The difference between average readers and speed readers is in the blocks of words their eyes take in at one time. The larger the blocks, the faster your eye moves through the text.
Speed reading teaches you how to take your reading and your comprehension to the next level. The techniques used in teaching speed reading focus on your individual abilities, namely where you are right now and what might be keeping you from progressing. For example, if you are a slow reader, factors that hold you back may include, but are not limited to, moving your lips or reading out loud or holding the text too close to your eyes.
If you are in the practice of moving your lips, or speaking or whispering while you read, you’re slowing yourself down dramatically. Your lips can only move so fast. You should be able to read at least two or three times faster than you can speak. In effect, you’re keeping yourself at that word-by-word stage that children generally grow out of in elementary school.
Having the ability to speed read can make a significant difference in your life, especially if reading is a strong component of your work. Implementing some simple techniques can get you reading faster and more efficiently in no time at all.
To receive your complete speed reading course with free bonuses. If you want more articles and information on speed reading visit MySpeedReading.Com.
Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.
Career as a Family & Marriage Counsellor
Career as a Family & Marriage Counsellor
I have been a teacher for over a decade. Over the years, I have found that many of my friends and colleagues have turned to me for advice in solving their personal problems and I have been able to guide them properly. This leads me to think that I would make a good family or marriage counsellor. Could you tell me something about this field? Does one need to pursue a course?
Urmila Tayal
A growing number of mental health professionals work in marriage and family counselling. Psychologists with a Master’s or higher degree in psychology/counselling evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders, behavioural problems, and relationship issues within the context of the family.
Often, a patient seeing a psychologist individually, is referred to a marriage and family therapist when it’s determined that family dynamics and family life cycle issues such as the birth of a child, or the death or terminal illness of a family member or parent-child issues are contributing to a problem.
Parents and couples struggling to make family relationships work also benefit from this kind of therapy. With so many marriages falling apart, premarital counselling is becoming the need of the hour.
The therapist mostly sees couples and the whole family together, but may occasionally see individual family members as well. The idea is to help them find better ways to communicate.
These counsellors often come from the ranks of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, paramedics and teachers. Recognising how vital the family experience is to overall health and wellbeing, they seek additional training to specialise in this field.
A diploma, degree or certificate course in counselling would be a good starting point.
The course will teach you the skills of the counsellor’s art — how to resolve the problems that people face; how to set up your own counselling practice; how to win clients; how to handle the client’s problems, maintain documentation, etc.
However, before you decide on a career in this field, do make sure you possess all the attributes required of a good counsellor:
• Infinite capacity to give each client a patient hearing
• Empathy and ability to strike a rapport with your clients
• A caring attitude that gives the client sufficient confidence to confide in you
• The strength to view the problem objectively without being judgmental or getting personally overwrought or emotionally involved
• Ability to communicate with people from all strata of society
You probably have some of the skills already. You’re probably a good listener. And people approach you with their problems, because they see you as a sympathetic person.
Now you can use those skills, overlaying them with professional counselling skills, to become a counsellor in your own right.
I have been a teacher for over a decade. Over the years, I have found that many of my friends and colleagues have turned to me for advice in solving their personal problems and I have been able to guide them properly. This leads me to think that I would make a good family or marriage counsellor. Could you tell me something about this field? Does one need to pursue a course?
Urmila Tayal
A growing number of mental health professionals work in marriage and family counselling. Psychologists with a Master’s or higher degree in psychology/counselling evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders, behavioural problems, and relationship issues within the context of the family.
Often, a patient seeing a psychologist individually, is referred to a marriage and family therapist when it’s determined that family dynamics and family life cycle issues such as the birth of a child, or the death or terminal illness of a family member or parent-child issues are contributing to a problem.
Parents and couples struggling to make family relationships work also benefit from this kind of therapy. With so many marriages falling apart, premarital counselling is becoming the need of the hour.
The therapist mostly sees couples and the whole family together, but may occasionally see individual family members as well. The idea is to help them find better ways to communicate.
These counsellors often come from the ranks of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, paramedics and teachers. Recognising how vital the family experience is to overall health and wellbeing, they seek additional training to specialise in this field.
A diploma, degree or certificate course in counselling would be a good starting point.
The course will teach you the skills of the counsellor’s art — how to resolve the problems that people face; how to set up your own counselling practice; how to win clients; how to handle the client’s problems, maintain documentation, etc.
However, before you decide on a career in this field, do make sure you possess all the attributes required of a good counsellor:
• Infinite capacity to give each client a patient hearing
• Empathy and ability to strike a rapport with your clients
• A caring attitude that gives the client sufficient confidence to confide in you
• The strength to view the problem objectively without being judgmental or getting personally overwrought or emotionally involved
• Ability to communicate with people from all strata of society
You probably have some of the skills already. You’re probably a good listener. And people approach you with their problems, because they see you as a sympathetic person.
Now you can use those skills, overlaying them with professional counselling skills, to become a counsellor in your own right.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Dos and Don'ts about living in Hostel
Dos and Don'ts about living in Hostel
While several outstation students plan to be a part of University/College hostels, seniors advise newcomers on the dos and don'ts.
After the admissions in Delhi University, what most outstation students as well as those residing in areas far from the campus are looking for is an accommodation in the hostels. While some of you would have already booked your stay in hostels for the ensuing academic years, others would still be in line to do so.
In order to make the move to a new place an easy process, here is some advice and checklist from the seniors in the hostels of Delhi University that newcomers should keep in mind while packing their luggage.
DON'T OVERDO
Furniture:
Laundry Service:
Toiletries:
You need to bring your own basic stuff like toothpaste, toothbrush, cream, shampoos, oil, etc. Once over, they can be bought from shops near the campus. You need to bring your own buckets and mugs though.
Electric Appliances:
Most college hostels do not allow usage of any electric appliances in the hostels. So, getting electric kettles, maggiecookers or boilers has to be avoided.
Hunger Management:
Students can bring a good stock of food items from home or outside, like biscuits, chips, namkeen, etc, and have whenever hungry. In the Miranda House hostel, every year, each fresher, for a week, is assigned a duty of selling eatables like maggie, sandwich, juices, chocolate, biscuits, which they buy and stock in their rooms. Whenever any student feels hungry at odd hours, they can go to the fresher and buy food from the individual. This service remains open from 10 pm to 1 am every day.
Stationery:
Girls should not forget to bring their own stationery too.
Timings and Night-outs:
Wardens are generally very strict about timings. So, you should remember to enter the hostel on time. Nightouts are allowed with prior permission.
NEVER HIDE HOME FOOD
Basic Needs:
The hostels provide everything, except bed-sheets, pillows and blankets and the covers, which have to be yours. And of course, you have to get your own clothes.
Why Wash:
The hostels provides laundry service too. So, boys should not overload themselves with washing powders or an iron.
Essential items:
A toothbrush, comb and soap — that's it. Your essentials are done. Rest of the stuff can be bought from shops outside.
Gadgets:
Though hostels do not allow large electrical appliances, an electric kettle and laptops would pose no problem.
Food:
Boys are free to get as much food from home as possible. What they should remember, though, is to always share it. If they hide it, they will lose friends. Apart from this, at St Stephen's campus, there are two joints — college cafeteria and science dhaba, which remain open till 12 am. Boys can have food there whenever they are hungry. These places sell burgers, kebabs, maggie, egg dishes, chips, soft drinks and much more.
Entertainment:
St Stephen's hostel has a Junior Combination Room (JCR), which has two TVs, two table-tennis sets and two carrom boards open to boys 24/7, besides a basketball court and a football ground.
Timings:
The timing for boys to enter the campus is generally 10 pm, but there are no timings inside the room.
TIPS
TIPS
Share home-food
Relax and socialise
Get bed-sheets, pillows with covers, blankets and quilts
Sunil Sharma
Moderator:
Dipak Chalakkal, third year student, St Stephen's College hostel, advises boys to be relaxed, without any worry. He says, "Hostel life is one phase which a student cherishes all his life. Freshers need not be scared of seniors, rather be comfortable and talk freely. This will help the juniors be at ease." Don't worry about washing and ironing your clothes either. Every hostel has a laundry service. But, if girls wish to wash their clothes on their own, they can bring a little stock of washing powder and soap. There are stores nearby where they can buy the washing powder and soap. Don't bother about bed, mattress, study-table, chair, cupboard, curtains, etc. The hostel provides these. But bedsheets, pillows with covers, blankets or quilts have to be your own. Terecy Mingthoujam, third year student, Miranda House hostel, advises girls to keep it simple. She says, "The hostels of Delhi University provide most of the essential items that you will require. So girls coming to stay in the hostels should move in with their basic stuff." Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
E & C in MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester
E & C in MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech, microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course, Career in Analytics, How to prepare for GMAT, Selecting an happening career, US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester
CAREER DILEMMA : MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech
CAREER DILEMMA : MBA or Civil Services after B.Tech
I am a third year student of BTech engineering. I am confused about what course to choose — an MBA or Civil Services. What would be a better option?
Shagorika Basu
The MBA route will lead to a career in the corporate sector, while IAS will lead to a career in the government impacting the lives of the public. The MBA route would help you to play a role in the success of private companies making a difference to the bottom line and reach of one company/organisation's business while the IAS will allow you to make a difference to the lives of a wider public. Life is good on both sides, but the decision of which is better would depend upon your perception and priorities in life. Selection for the IIMs as also in the IAS, would be very competitive.
BACKUP CHOICE : Selecting an happening career
After doing my BBA, I am now pursuing MBA from IP University. I have decided to take finance as my major subject but I am confused between taking marketing, information technology and international business as my minor subject. As a result, I am unable to decide the specific line in which I would like to make my career. If I opt for a career in research or logistics or stock broking, which subject would be more helpful? I will be grateful if you could help me in this matter.
Debjyot Kaushik
In an indirect manner, all the three areas you have mentioned — marketing, IT or international business can be connected to finance. One way to select your choice of minor is to think of which area after finance you would choose (or are better suited for) as a 'backup' job/career. As you have already decided on finance as the area you will be majoring in, the choice of minor should then be based more on the subjects that you enjoy.
microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course
Could you please tell me the minimum eligibility criterion for the microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) course? Please also suggest some institutes that provide the course and the future job prospects.
Anmol Gehlot
You have not mentioned your current academic status, but you can do the MCSE/MCSD course along with your graduation although the general profile of those attempting the exam is people with three-four years of experience in the industry who are trying to improve their prospects. Moreover, you also have several choices. For instance, you could look at a certification in networking like MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) — globally recognised for LAN design, implementation, administration, trouble-shooting, creating web servers, etc. The Windows platform enjoys a customer-base running into millions.
The full certification involves clearing seven papers. After you clear the first paper, you will get the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) card. Clearing four papers will equip you with knowledge of LAN networking to start working in the technical support area. The passing mark is 80-90% per-exam. Along with that you can continue to prepare for the remaining papers or acquiring a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) certification. While MCSE certification is fine for handling 500-1,000 client/seat establishments, broadband, internet and intranet environments are better served by Cisco-certified experts.
So if you are looking for better value-addition, CCNA will give you expertise in ISP (Internet Software Protocol), ASP (Application Software Protocol), WAN (Wide Area Networking), etc. It will also teach you how to design, build, and maintain global computer networks from a single location. This involves clearing exams at four levels — 1) associate level 2) professional level 3) expert level 4) specialist level. Make sure you register for the course at a Microsoft Authorised Training Centre. The intake is typically restricted to 15-20 students per session. The passing mark is about 90%.
ANALYTICAL CAREER
Could you please tell me if a career in analytics is good for a BTech graduate? Would an MBA degree suit that profile well?
Ritwik Ahuja
Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO has given a new dimension to the outsourcing industry in India. KPO differs from BPO in that they require specialised knowledge and skills and often require qualified professionals (lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc). KPO services also tend to be more qualitative and judgment based. In short, they are higher IQ jobs. Analytics is the process of analysing (raw)
data to unearth hidden patterns, understand trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to help in business modelling, decision-making, and forecasting. It uses computers, mathematics and statistics as its tools. Thus as an engineer you possess the requisite skills.
SEARCH FOR B-SCHOOL
Could you please tell me how to prepare for GMAT? From where can I get the US government ranking of American B-schools?
Anonymous
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is designed to help business schools assess the qualifications and potential of applicants for advanced study in business and management. To begin, log on to www.mba.com and click on 'Take the GMAT' and scroll down to 'Tools to help you prepare' for GMAT test taking strategies. For a list of MBA schools, log on to www.educationusa. state.gov, click on 'Find a School' and go to MBA programmes in the left margin under 'Graduate.' The search options will generate a long list of B-schools. When you ask for the best management schools, you are basically considering rankings. The US government does not rank universities, hence there's no official source to begin with. However, some of the popular private rankings are those compiled by the US News & World Report or The Princeton Review or BusinessWeek.
Make sure you understand the specific methodology and criteria on which the rankings are based (and be particularly wary of rankings that don't explain the criteria on which they are based). While this could be a good starting point, the 'best' B-school for you would be the one that best matches your profile and preferences. You need to prioritise your preferences and be realistic in terms of matching your background with the B-schools you plan to shortlist. Weigh the strength of the B-school in terms of quality, competitiveness, programme design, special features of the programmes offered. Then consider admissions requirements, cost effectiveness, internship opportunities, placement and lastly scholarship possibilities for foreign students.
US ADMISSION : scholarships for the spring semester
I am a final year student of BTech electrical engineering. I am planning to apply to universities in the US for admission to the spring semester next year. But my friends are saying that it's very difficult to get scholarships for the spring semester. Is it true? Should I apply for fall 2013 instead?
Danish Trehan
As an international student it is better to apply for the fall semester admission, mainly for three reasons. Firstly, financial aid is relatively easier to get in the fall semester than in the spring semester. Secondly, though not perhaps as important, February is one of the coldest months in many parts of the US. It is therefore not a particularly good time to have your first stint with snow — especially if you're not a native of the Himalayas. And finally, more students are admitted in the fall semester than in the spring semester, so naturally your chances of getting in are greater. Timing your moves correctly while applying to a US varsity is a most crucial factor. So when should you start the application process? At least 18 months in advance of your intended date of enrolment. For example, if you wish to enrol in the Fall session: August/September 2013, you should ideally start the process around April 2012. Also, do browse the net for college rankings and other useful info. There are plenty of websites including www.usnews.com and www.fulbright-india.org .
TRENDY CHOICE : pursue a career on the basis of current trends?
Is it advisable to pursue a career on the basis of current trends? For instance, if information technology is a 'happening' career, then should one go for it?
Mihika Saha
While planning your career it is important to keep employment trends and scope for advancement in mind. Selecting a 'happening' career, which offers more openings, is ok from the short-term perspective of getting a job. Flowing with the tide is perfect when the 'happening' career also matches your priorities, skills, aptitude, abilities and interests. But, don't take on jobs for which your personality and abilities are not suited because your chances of success would be low. There are no good jobs or bad jobs, nor is there a 'future' in any job. Remember, the future lies in the person who holds the job. So at the end of the day, its better to choose something you like, lest be forced to like what you get.
Sunil Sharma
Moderator:
QUALITY ASSURANCE : Career in Software Testing
QUALITY ASSURANCE : Career in Software Testing
Kalyana Rao Konda, vice-president, AppLabs on software testing as a quality control measure
Software testing has been recognised as an important phase in software development life cycle and customers realise that quality cannot be compromised. This realisation has led to a lot of focus on quality assurance space and testing. A decade ago testing was meant to catch defects but today testing has matured to prevent defects. There has been a lot of innovation in this space and several tools, methodologies and processes have evolved and developers have started relying on testing for the overall quality of the product. Market demands and technology advancements (mobile/PDA/ipad) have also created an increased need for testing since the end user community is getting broadened and diversified. We also see a healthy growth in e-commerce transactions. This trend creates a need for security and privacy checks with compliance to protecting customer data. As technology advancements continue in testing industry, organisations have realised that testing has to be separated from development and one vendor should not perform both the functions.
INDUSTRY STATUS
This field is growing at a very fast pace creating a lot of job opportunities. According to a recent Nasscom report, over the last five-six years, India has grown to become the largest destination for outsourcing of software testing services, accounting for 32% of the total global outsourcing share. Export revenues and the number of employees have doubled over the last four years. In 2011, the Indian independent software testing market is expected to grow 23.5% over 2010. The domestic software testing market has the potential to cross $1.5 billion by 2020.
GROWTH AREAS
Today, there is no shortage of talent wanting to enter this field, including experienced professionals who consider it as a lucrative option with rapid career progression. Apart from testers, there is an increased focus on recruiting domain experts as well.
INDUSTRY STATUS
This field is growing at a very fast pace creating a lot of job opportunities. According to a recent Nasscom report, over the last five-six years, India has grown to become the largest destination for outsourcing of software testing services, accounting for 32% of the total global outsourcing share. Export revenues and the number of employees have doubled over the last four years. In 2011, the Indian independent software testing market is expected to grow 23.5% over 2010. The domestic software testing market has the potential to cross $1.5 billion by 2020.
GROWTH AREAS
Today, there is no shortage of talent wanting to enter this field, including experienced professionals who consider it as a lucrative option with rapid career progression. Apart from testers, there is an increased focus on recruiting domain experts as well.
Ten years ago there were hardly any pure testing companies. Now independent testing is an accepted niche IT service. Another growth area is in the filed of outsourcing is testing. Outsource testing ensures improved software.
SKILL-SETS REQUIRED
Students who have a degree along with some training from a finishing school in software testing have a good way to begin. Anyone who is interested in making a career in testing should be able to see and evaluate the robustness of software and should also be able to have a constructive approach to faultfinding. Being perseverant and identifying problems in software are prized qualities. One should also have an analytical thinking, if one wants to succeed in this field.
REMUNERATION
A trainee can rapidly progress through the levels of test engineer, senior test engineer, team lead, test manager and then into other management roles within the organisation depending on his/her capability. A fresher can get anywhere between Rs 10,000-12,000 in the beginning.
Sunil Sharma
Moderator:
E & C Counselling in IB Diploma, Chiropracty, Free Coaching for IAS and other competitive exams, Foreign Languages
E & C Counselling in IB Diploma, Chiropracty, Free Coaching for IAS and other competitive exams, Foreign Languages
The IB diploma
The IB diploma
What is the IB programme in India all about? Does it have any value in India?
Subodh Motwani
Subodh Motwani
The IB diploma — a demanding pre-university course of study in the last two years of high school — qualifies students for 'credits' and advanced standing at several colleges and universities around the world. Not based on the requirements of any specific high school or country, the curriculum is an advanced international programme for 'students of the world' who want a global perspective on people, cultures, history, and events while meeting the academic requirements of college-bound students. However, some educationists also feel that the IB is more focused on humanities. While students excel in language and literature, they face problems in coping with maths and science.
In India, in the last couple of years, it has become 'fashionable' to attend an IB programme. Given its substantially higher fees and the relatively fewer number of schools that offered the programme, the IB programme has acquired an aspirational value and has become a 'status symbol.' For rich, upwardly mobile Indians it became the 'in-thing' to send their kids to IB schools. Hordes of parents across the country sought to admit their kids into the IB programme with scant thought to its relevance in the Indian context, or the ability of schools to effectively deliver and teach the IB programme.
Schools smelled the opportunity and sought to cash in on it. Suddenly schools were sprouting up in all parts of the country calling themselves 'world schools' and 'international schools.' Eager to satisfy the increasing demand, several elite schools also started offering the IB programme. So from a handful of schools 10 years ago that essentially catered to kids of diplomats and the expat community, you now have nearly a hundred of schools offering the IB programme in India. Offering the IB programme and delivering it well are two very different things, as several parents and students discovered, much to their detriment. The rigorous IB curriculum is quite demanding on both teachers and students. Moreover, the approach to learning and teaching is dramatically different from the CBSE and CISCE system that our students and teachers are accustomed to until class X. It's not an easy curriculum to teach and demands great passion and creativity from teachers.
They have to undergo special training to be IB-certified. Most schools simply send their existing senior teachers for training, who then in turn 'train' other teachers in their respective schools. As with any education programme, it takes several years for the system to mature and capabilities to improve across the board. And by no means is it an easy transition for students. Students, who till then, have been used to rote-learning and formulaic memorisation, have to adapt to independent thinking and reasoning, analysing and critiquing, and research-based writing. Students who have gone through the programme claim they have to put in significantly more effort to maintain decent grades. Also, so far the academic achievement at majority of IB schools is byand large mediocre.
The main reason for this is that most children at these IB schools left their previous school on account of poor academic performance. Add to this, the stress and pressure involved in needing to re-learn how to study, prepare and give exams. The good IB schools in India continue to be older established ones such as Kodaikanal lnternational School, American Embassy School, The International School, Bangalore, Canadian School of India, Bangalore, Mahindra United World College, Pune, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai, Mercedes Benz International School, Pune. The IB is recognised by the AIU (you'll have to get an equivalence certificate from them to get a percentage equivalent) and several universities. So it's accepted for admission to Delhi University, JNU, etc, but since the exams are held in May, students are usually late for admission to Indian colleges. To further aggravate matters, the manner in which most Indian universities calculate percentage equivalent to IB grades leaves most students worseoff given the prevailing cut-throat admission cut-offs.
The IB grade is converted to the mid-point of the indicated range. For example, where grade 6's corresponding range is 89 to 95, the marks equivalent shall be taken as the mid point, which is 92.5. Similarly, for a grade of 5 where the range is 83 to 88, the equivalent is 85.5. Further, the varied subject choice of the IB doesn't help either, as Indian universities are quite rigid in the subject combinations they accept.
Also, if you're looking to appear for competitive entrance exams for engineering or medicine, then the IB curriculum isn't of much help. You will still need to attend after school coaching classes for the exams that are based on the CBSE/CISCE syllabi. The IB's appeal and value essentially continues to be for students looking to go abroad for undergraduate studies. A good IB score may not only help in getting admission into good universities and colleges in the US & UK, it can also earn you credits that will exempt you from entry level courses — thereby saving you some time and money in completing your graduation.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT : What is Chiropracty, where is it taught?
What is Chiropracty, where is it taught?
Manoj Dutta
Manoj Dutta
Chiropractic therapy is part of the alternative system of treatment. This 5,000-year old noninvasive, non-surgical approach to managing ortho-neuro-skeletal disorders, problems of the spine and other chronic disorders by restoring normal body function is quite popular in advanced countries like the US (where it is taught in 30+ medical colleges), UK, Australia and Germany. Circumventing surgery (in most cases) cuts down recovery time and costs by half. Chiropractic therapy is remarkable successful in conditions such as slip disc, cervical/lumbar spondylitis, golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, sciatica, frozen shoulder, knee, ankle and hip joint problems etc, where normally surgery (entailing fair amount of hospitalisation) is recommended.
Ancient Chinese texts on Kung Fu and our Vedas and Puranas contain references to this form of treatment (merudand or marmabindu chikitsa). Incidentally, NK Sharma, Sr Consultant, VIMHANS was the first doctor in India to introduce this practice of chiropracty in the country.
FREE COACHING for IAS and other competitive exams for SC/ST students?
Could you please suggest names of institutions that offer free coaching for IAS and other competitive exams for SC/ST students?
Mehar Singh
The government of NNCT of Delhi's department for the welfare of SC/ST/OBC/minorities pre-examination coaching centre offers free pre-examination coaching to SC/ST/OBC/minorities communities who wish to appear in (1) Common written exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel selection of probationary officers/management trainees in 19
public sector banks and (2) SSC combined All India Open Exam for stenographer grade 'C' and grade 'D' (see advert in Employment News from July 23-29 and July 16-22 respectively). Coaching is offered for a maximum period of three months or till the preceding day of the exam. Your parents' total income from all sources should not exceed Rs 2 lakh per-annum and you should be residing in Delhi for the last five years.
Free application forms are available at the pre-examination coaching centre. Fill it in and submit it along with attested copies of testimonials, documents and two passport size photographs by August 8 for both exams.
Selection will be on the basis of a written test on August 9 and 17 respectively. Selected candidates will be provided free coaching to prepare for the forthcoming competitive exams. Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia's residential coaching academy offers free coaching and hostel accommodation (without food) to minorities, SCs, STs and women for civil services (prelims & main 2012). Application deadline is August 25.
LANGUAGE NO BAR : Learning Foreign Languages
I am doing my BArch. I would like to pursue higher studies in a country like France or Spain to get international exposure but I can't speak either French or Spanish. Is that a deterrent? What are the specific professional courses that are popular in these two countries? Could you tell me about the job prospects?
Deepti Vaida
Being able to speak the local language is not a mandatory requirement in most of the well-known professional programmes in France or Spain, as they are now taught in English. Most universities in Western Europe are located in towns, where the ambience is cosmopolitan and a large number of natives speak a fair amount of English, though relatively few in France. Still, it's always better to have some knowledge of the language of the region, not for the course, but to interact with the locals. In addition to business management, among the popular professional courses are fashion studies and engineering in France, and tourism, hotel management and information technology in Spain. While some students prefer to come back to India, some others do manage to find jobs there. France now even offers a six-month window for foreign students to hunt for jobs. If you manage to get one, you qualify for a two-year work permit, which is renewable.
Sunil Sharma
Moderator:
Undergraduate Studies in US
Undergraduate Studies in US
In a new trend, more Indian students are going to the US to pursue their undergraduate studies.
In the last couple of years, the Indian higher education sector has been going in for a makeover, trying to work towards an international model. From introducing the grading and semester system to adopting an interdisciplinary approach, Indian colleges and universities are also re-examining their curricula to suit the changing needs of a 21 st Century generation.
However, despite radical steps and bold decisions, more Indian students are leaving for the US to pursue their undergraduate studies. While the US has always been the first choice for Indian students, it was usually at the Master's or research level. Till yesterday, going to America for one's undergraduate studies was rare. While colleges were tight-fisted about funding, it was a given that you complete your Bachelor's in India and then move on to the US for a niche specialisation.
Things have changed. This year, Venkata Shiva Mandala, who is going to the Oberlin College in Ohio for a Bachelor's in biology and computer science, has received a scholarship from the university to the tune of Rs 16 lakh per-year, equivalent to 75% waiver of the fee.
Also, students today are more mature and focused. In fact, Mrinalini Sinha, all set to go to New York University (NYU), had decided to go abroad for her college while she was in school. So she did her 'A' levels instead of taking the Indian exams. It is a four-year Bachelor's programme, and Mrinalini is majoring in economics. The course gives her the opportunity to spend two years in London and two years in New York.
An early awareness comes from the fact that several schools in metros are going for student exchange programmes and overseas tie-ups. "Hence, students get a taste of overseas academics and start planning way ahead. Also, education loans have made things easier for parents, who want to give the best education to their children," says Vibha Shah, a parent.
> FLEXIBLE APPROACH
According to Open Doors: Report on International Educational Exchange, published annually by IIE (Institute of International Education), in 2009/10, 104,897 students from India were studying in the US, with 14.5% of them going for undergraduate studies.
While the numbers can be attributed to a rise in income and high aspirations, there is more to it. As overseas counsellors point out, it is also a question of flexibility and unconventional course combinations.
For instance, Medha Dutt, who scored 93% in class XII, is going to Parsons The New School for Design in New York to study design. With a range of interests such as design, music, drama and writing, she wants to build on them. "At Parsons, I can choose my own courses," she says.
Another student, Alessandro Saini, is all set to pursue a Bachelor's in music with a major in music performance and a minor in audio production at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, California. "The course suits me not just because I am interested in music but because California is known as an entertainment hub. It will provide me with an interesting combination — I can make my own music as well as work in a studio," he says. As to the new trend, Renuka Raja Rao, country co-ordinator, Education USA Advising Services with USIEF, (United States-India Educational Foundation), says, "Indian undergraduate programmes are fraught with a few pitfalls — dependence on a single exam, stiff competition, and stereotype courses, which in comparison, is radically different in the US. Not every 17/18 year-old can decide what he/she wants to study for the rest of his/her life. The US system recognises this and students have to 'declare a major' only in the second year."
Finally, as Mallika Seth, ready to join the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor's in aerospace engineering, says, "Above all, a holistic and stimulating learning environment is likely to be more challenging."
Sunil Sharma
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