IGNOU is one of the largest universities in the world providing distance education across a variety of disciplines. To most students who take part in scientific, technical, and professional courses, practicals and practical exams form an essential part of the curriculum.
In practical examinations, the theoretical concepts that were learned by the students can be assessed in terms of understanding and practical application through active hands-on activities. This handout provides a set of unique and efficient ways about preparing for the IGNOU practicals, in addition to the description of procedure in doing practicals, schedules, importance, as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
How IGNOU Practicals Work:
The IGNOU practical is a bit unique, at least for most practical classroom settings, due to the student coming under the umbrella of distance education students. Let’s look at what basically happens:
– Course-Specific Practicals: The practicals form part and parcel of all the science, computer science and technical courses. Programmes such as B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, M.Sc. programmes, BCA and MCA have laboratory specific course work.
Each IGNOU centre is sufficiently furnished with relevant instruments. All practicals are, therefore taken either at the suitable regional centre or at any local centers where students gather for that particular practical session.
– Batch Scheduling: Practical sessions are taken in batches. In each batch, there is a definite number of students so that the trainers can pay attention to individual students and all students get adequate time for interaction with the equipment.
– Duration and Attendance: Practicals are usually carried out between 2-5 days per subject as the curriculum dictates. A certain percentage of these practical sessions must be attended by students to get eligible for practical examinations.
– Assessment and Viva: Most practicals were accompanied by a viva, in addition to working hands-on. There would be an assessment carried out on the student concerning his ability to understand the techniques applied practically and related concepts in that particular subject area. Practical and viva marks constituted a good portion of the total marks attained by a student in any such course.
– Academic Calendar: The practical schedules of IGNOU form a fair amount of basis for such an academic calendar. They take up the practical usually in the middle of a semester or just before a term exam so that there may be a revision among students of their practical knowledge.
– Notification and Registration: The practical schedule is usually communicated to the students through IGNOU e-mails and SMS issued from the study centers. This kind of practical requires the earlier registration of the concerned students with the study center concerned as there are seats that are limited.
– Timings: The practical sessions will be done in full-day or half-day slots depending on the complexity of the topic. This will ensure that the hands-on practice and interaction with instructors are adequate.
– Results and Evaluation: The marks obtained from practical exams usually make up 20-30% of the total marks for the subject, depending on the course. Marks from both practical performance and viva are calculated and are usually released along with the theoretical exam results.
Importance of Practicals in IGNOU Courses:
The study makes use of practicals as a medium to relate theory to reality. Here is the importance of practicals:
– Conceptual Clarity: Practicals allow the students to establish strong relationships between their theoretical knowledge studies and distance education.
Skill application is offered to apply knowledge, mostly needed for science, engineering, and computer applications.
– Examination Requirements: Practical exams are also added to the final marks, and good performance in practicals will assist them to score more.
Creative and Effective Method of Clearing IGNOU Practicals and Practical Tests:
For winning the IGNOU practicals and practical exams, efficient study techniques are needed from the side of students. Here are some of the most effective tips:
⇓ Download Lab Manual Here ⇓
Pre-examination Preparation and Planning:
1. Read the Syllabus Thoroughly Understand the practical syllabus and subjects. This will give you an idea of what to expect in practical sessions.
2. Orientation and Briefings IGNOU sometimes conducts orientation sessions on practicals. Attendance will clarify the practical tasks, methodologies, and assessment criteria.
3. Plan a Study Time Table: Your preparation time should be allocated for different topics before practicals. Knowing something partially is helpful in the better understanding of the experimental procedure and helps one perform well in tests.
Understanding Practical Concepts and Theoretical Integration:
1. Theory of Experimental Procedure : Understand what theory or principles each of the experiments is based upon. It is always helpful to know not just the “what’s what” of procedures but “why” at times.
2. Note Taking in Practicals Carry a notebook where one can write down procedures, observations, and results for each practical. That will be of great use while revising before practicals.
Practicals and Simulation:
1. Home Practice For computer-based practicals, one can simulate experiments using software or online simulations. For example, students of chemistry and physics can practice in virtual labs.
2. Group Discussion: If possible, discuss ideas and procedures with other students. Discussions are an excellent way for you to get insights and clear your doubts.
Viva Exam Preparation:
1. Review of Important Concepts and Formulas: Most vivas are based on basic principles behind experiments. Review important formulas, definitions, and concepts relevant to each experiment.
2. Oral Presentation: You can present orally how the experiments were conducted just as you would do in a viva. This boosts your confidence and also improves communication in the practical examination.
3. Summary of Every Experiment: You may have quick summaries of what the experiments are about, procedures to be followed, and outcomes. Summaries prove great especially during last minute revisions.
Exam Day for Practicals-Help in Handling Time Well:
1. Prioritize Time Before You Undertake an Experiment Early: Give yourself the time and get familiarized with a new environment reducing the cases of nervousness.
2. Timing of the Experiment: Confident about how much time each step of the experiment takes up-either in setting up, or maybe an observation, or possibly recording.
3. Calmness in Case of Failure: Do not make a noise or get all fussed if an experiment fails. Instead, try peacefully to find an error where there is a problem or how to correct a procedure. Stress is a very potent pollutant that can be bad for performance.
Results Analysis and Interpretation:
1. Observe and Compare the Measurements with Expected Results: Every time you finish any experiment, compare your results with the expected or predicted results. If they are different, note this and be prepared to explain why in viva.
2. Clear Doubts: If the practical instructor allows you, clear any concepts that you do not still understand during or after practical sessions.
FAQs on IGNOU Practicals and Practical Exams:
1. How do IGNOU practicals take place?
– The practicals are done once every semester in the study centers. The schedule is mailed to the students or at the study centers.
2. What if I miss a practical session?
– You are expected to attend a certain percentage of practical sessions. In case you fail to attend, you will be denied a chance to sit for the practical exam. You are therefore expected to attend all scheduled sessions.
3. How are IGNOU practical exams evaluated?
Practical exams are evaluated by experiment performance and viva. Each carries a set percentage of the total practical grade, often around 20-30% of the final subject score.
4. Are IGNOU practicals difficult for distance learners?
– Practical classes are so planned that they include all the students who can either work at home or in the classroom. With good preparation and attendance to the induction classes and utilizing the learning materials, it will guarantee a pass.
5. How do I enroll for practicals at my study center?
– Your study center mainly takes care of registrations. You may contact them personally or find IGNOU’s website for declarations of the time schedules of registration and the way to do it.
My Take:
The practicals and practical examinations at IGNOU call for a mix of theoretical awareness, practical ability, and adequate planning. Familiarizing oneself with the minute details of experiments, practice in one’s home and monitoring, and active involvement in the practical sessions is the best way to carry out your performance.
These include vivas and practical hands-on activities that go to make quite a good amount towards your final scores and endow you with all the essential skills to apply the same in real life situations. Following these methods would enable you to approach the process with confidence, paving your way towards a journey full of success in your IGNOU program. Read More
