Introduction
In a pioneering move, IIT Jodhpur has become the first among the 23 IITs to offer first-year engineering students the option to study in Hindi. This initiative, led by Director Avinash Kumar Agarwal, aims to bridge language barriers and enhance comprehension, ultimately improving job prospects for students.
The Initiative: Teaching Engineering in Hindi
Starting from the academic year 2024-25, IIT Jodhpur introduced Hindi as a medium of instruction for first-year engineering courses. In the inaugural year, 116 students opted for the Hindi section, with 96 enrolling in the following year. The courses are taught in Hindi, while textbooks and assessments remain in English. From the second year onward, students transition to English-medium courses. This approach aims to ease students into the technical curriculum without compromising on global standards.
Benefits of Regional Language Instruction
Enhanced Understanding:
Students grasp complex engineering concepts more effectively when taught in their mother tongue, leading to better academic performance.
Improved Innovation:
Comfortable communication in one's native language fosters creativity and original thinking, essential for innovation in engineering.
Increased Confidence:
Studying in a familiar language reduces anxiety, encouraging students to participate actively and ask questions without fear of judgment.
Better Job Prospects:
Contrary to concerns, instruction in regional languages does not hinder employability. Students develop strong foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills, making them attractive candidates for employers.
Challenges and Solutions
Faculty Training:
Ensuring that faculty members are proficient in both Hindi and English is crucial. IIT Jodhpur addresses this by providing training and resources to faculty to maintain teaching quality.
Resource Availability:
While textbooks in Hindi are limited, the use of translation tools and digital resources helps bridge this gap. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has also developed Hindi versions of essential textbooks.
Curriculum Adaptation:
Adapting the curriculum to include regional language instruction requires careful planning and coordination. IIT Jodhpur has implemented this gradually, starting with first-year courses and evaluating the feasibility of expanding to subsequent years.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Other Institutions
IIT Jodhpur's initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for education in regional languages to promote inclusivity and accessibility. The success of this model could inspire other institutions to consider similar approaches, tailoring language instruction to their regional contexts.
FAQ Section
Q1: Will IIT Jodhpur offer engineering courses in languages other than Hindi?
Currently, Hindi is the only regional language offered. The institute plans to assess the feasibility of introducing other languages based on student demographics and demand.
Q2: How does studying in Hindi affect students' English proficiency?
IIT Jodhpur provides remedial English classes to ensure that students develop strong English communication skills alongside their technical education.
Q3: Are there any plans to extend regional language instruction beyond the first year?
While the current focus is on first-year courses, the institute is evaluating the logistics and demand for extending regional language instruction to subsequent years.
Q4: Does this initiative impact the quality of education?
No, the quality of education remains unaffected. The same professors teach both Hindi and English sections, ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery.
Published on : 10th September
Published by : aswini
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