Semester System in Tribhuvan University: Perception of Students and Teachers

Abstract

This case study reveals the current implementation of the semester system at Tribhuvan Multiple Campus (TMC), Palpa, through the stakeholders' perceptions to identify the strengths and weaknesses. The research used a qualitative case study methodology, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with two purposively selected participants (one a 4th-semester student and the other a teacher from the education faculty). The data were analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings reveal that despite the Tribhuvan University (TU)’s ambitious program to implement the semester system, the practical implementation, especially in the education faculty, is disappointing. The inherent norms of the semester system, such as active participation of students in terms of attendance, pedagogical activities, formative as well as continuous mode of evaluation, and accountable cum facilitator roles of the teacher, have all faced challenges to meet the expected outcomes. Based on the study’s findings, the semester system at TU outside the valley should be restructured to adopt an online-blended modality. Furthermore, to increase the effectiveness of the program, university leadership and its agencies need to make policy reforms that incorporate practical feedback from stakeholders to develop and adapt sustainable systems.