Dr.S. Ganesan
IGNOU, RC, Port Blair
Parts make the whole. We are all familiar with ‘modular kitchen’ in modern houses. It is flexible to suit to the space availability inside the kitchen. Similarly, we all use connectors to extend the electrical-line (or) water-line. The connectors provide us the flexibility to extend as per our convenience. While listening audio, we press ‘pause’ button for some time and play it, when we want. All the above examples are known thing for us. Is such flexibility of modular pattern exists in education? The answer is YES. Your study can be in installments.
MA in Rural Development
PG Diploma in Rural Development
Certificate in Rural Development
Like sample soap, you can join in a short term 6- months course on Rural Development (CRD) and then, go for 1-year PG Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD) (or) 2- years MA in Rural Development (MARD)-PG Degree Programme. This step-by-step upward movement has some ‘exit’ points too. In other words, after 6-months of study, if you quit, you will get Certificate. Similarly, if you exit after one year study, you will get a PG Diploma; if you exist after 2-years study, you will get PG /Master Degree in your hand. This modular pattern is depicted in the picture placed below.
6- MONTHS ONE YEAR
Certificate in HIV & Family Health Education Diploma in HIV & Family Health Education
Certificate Rural Development PG Diploma in Rural Development
PG Certificate in Extension and Developmental Studies PG Diploma in Women’s & Gender Studies
ONE YEAR TWO YEAR
PG Diploma in Computer Application Masters in Computer Application in 3-year
PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Nutrition (PGDDPN) MSC(DFSM)
PG Diploma in Counseling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT) M.Sc in Counselling and Family Therapy
PG Diploma in Rural Development MA in Rural Development
PG Diploma Human Resource Management/ Financial Management/ Operations Management/ Marketing Management/ Financial Markets Practice Master of Business Administration
PG Diploma in Distance Education MA in Distance Education
PG Diploma in Extension and Developmental Studies MA in Extension and Developmental Studies
PG Diploma in Women’s & Gender Studies MA in Women’s & Gender Studies
If you see the quantum of credits, (1 credit = 30 Study hours) you can find the increase in steps of “Two-times” and ‘Four-times’ from Certificate to PG Diploma to PG Degree level.
Depending upon your requirement, you can either ‘exit’ or ‘continue’ the study. Like the cut on tail of lizard, your study has the power of re-generation to continue further. The transition is smooth and easy.
Credit Transfer: The papers passed at Certificate/PG Diploma level can be transferred to the Masters Degree programme. The Credits you have earned from Certificate (16)/ PG Diploma (32) can be taken into account of your master Degree. This academic process is called as ‘Credit Transfer’ in Open and Distance Learning System. It facilitates the student through modular pattern of education.
Many students convey their satisfaction and increase in motivational level after completion of PG Diploma; which has motivated them to join PG /Master Degree programme in the same field. As human being, our physiology and psychology has link between them. While claiming staircase, we require some plain platform to take rest after claiming 8-10 steps. Then, after taking some rest, we proceed further claiming of another 8-10 steps. A similar phenomena occurs in our mind- set also, while studying higher education. The modular education model gives space for such psychological dimension also. This is one of the reason for providing the bulky (250-300 pages) study material in small Blocks containing of 50-60 pages. The Open and Distance Learning System considers the psychological aspects of adult learning (Androgogy). One such implication is modular pattern of providing Master Degree.
While studying a UG degree at college, one is not eligible for admission in PG programme (Eg: M.SC.DFSM); but, eligible to study Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE) with +2 as eligibility qualification. Once, the Diploma is successfully completed and have UG degree also completed, then eligible for PG Degree admission. This saves the time due to modular pattern of education and link between Diploma and PG degree.
Advantages of Modular Education
• ‘Exit’ with PG Diploma
• ‘Enter’ into PG with adequate background knowledge
• ‘Start and Stop’ at your convenience
• ‘Continue further’ at your pace/requirement
• ‘Equip yourself’ to become eligible for PG
• ‘Save’ time
• ‘Avoids’ repeat study of same papers of PG diploma in Master Degree
• ‘Motivates’ to learn more
• ‘Reduce’ drop-outs at PG level
Presently, the modular education has some limitations. Such as:
• Duration of minimum study (2-years) of PG Degree has not reduced due to PG Diploma qualification.
• The advantage of one PG Diploma in a field is limited to that specific field of study only (eg-Rural Development)
In the days to come, the method of modular education will become more and more flexible to facilitate millions of distance learners. In future, the admission eligibility for any PG /Master degree would be a PG Diploma with UG; simple under graduation degree holder may not be eligible for PG. This situation will give interest in the subject and real need of PG degree to interested student; will also improve the academic focus. Let the students enjoy the academic freedom of modular approach of Open and Distance Learning System.
