Kush wrote:

Also the student in western system of education decides what they want to really study whereas we in India are asked to cram any and everything to give us so called "more rounded" knowledge --ultimately the course is so vast that we just get superficial knowledge of everything and hardly learn much.

Not necessarily. I don't know from which university you are, but I would comment based on Mumbai University. The course contents is decided by the Academic Council of Mumbai University. For students, the aim is not to cram everything and anything, but to study and understand the concepts and theory. There are mistakes, but the aim of courses (specially of Computer Science and Information Technology) aim to give you a fundamental knowledge about each subject you learn. The fault lies in the examination pattern that allows rote learners marks. However, again, it is expected that the student learns and reproduces concepts in a systematic way that serves as a criteria for alloting marks.

Most private engg colleges have low standards and students just try to pass by hook or crook. Programming exercises are copied and there is no system of competitive learning by sharing and open discussion. I think we should have our elective known to us in 2nd year and study should be according to that elective.

It is on the student's side, to ensure, that he/she is honest in his/her work. It is the responsibility of the teacher to spend some additional time discussing topics of relevance. Some foundation has to be built up before building something. Electives, afaik, are allowed when that is done.

There is another difference when I compare with Indian colleges/universities --methods of teaching. Linus had information about textbooks/recommended reading books much much before his course started and therefore was able to prepare in advance whereas in our college days we used to wait for the teacher to tell us which books to buy after the term started or was half way thru. We used to save on books by borrowing from the library (generally badly stocked) or get earlier editions /hand me downs.

Atleast for graduate and post-graduate studies in Mumbai University, the syllabus is available (unless out of stock) before the course begins. (assuming a regular course, not one that is introduced). Perhaps, the seniors, themseleves should maintain a copy of the same.

The syllabus is exhaustive enough to provide details on the author's of the books,the reference books and the topics covered for a particular subject. Along with this, the practicals, the tutorials / assignments and the lecture schedule is all provided. (Again, atleast for Computer Science and Information Technology)

For engineering colleges, there are enough restrictions by the AICTE, and even so, there is a document called "Mandatory Disclosure" that discloses a lot of details necessary to know about the college in terms of academics and resources.

Kush,

Please don't get me wrong. I do not intend to refute anything. The point is I feel, there is a communication gap that might have resulted into thoughts expressed by you.

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