Instructional System

            The working of this university is different from that in the conventional universities.  The Open University system is more learner-oriented, and the student has to be an active participant in the teaching-learning process.  Most of the instructions are imparted through distance rather than face-to-face communication.
 

The University tries to follows a multi-channel approach for instruction.  It comprises a suitable mix of:

 

v     self-instructional printed material (in some course text book)

v     audio and video cassettes

v     audio-video programmes transmitted through Radio and Doordarshan

v     face-to-face counseling at Study Centers by academic counselors

v     soon web based academic support (in the process of development)

v     assignments

v     practicals

v     Gyan Darshan Channel (through DRS downlink channel in selected study centre)

v     Gyan Vani. (effort under process)
 

 Print Material
 

Printed materials are the primary form of instructional materials (in some course text book). Students have to concentrate mainly on the print materials, which we provide.  However, the fast pace of knowledge necessitates that students must do some additional readings.  Students are advised to study reference books without fail.  Studying the printed material alone may not be sufficient to write assignments and prepare for the term-end Examinations.  It may not be sufficient to just study course material that is received by the learner from university to pass all the courses. Student are hereby advised to study the Reference books also.
 

Audio-Video Material
 

These are video-cassettes meant for clarification and enhancement of understanding.  At present there is no specific audio-video for programme effort in this direction are under process. 

The audio-video material is supplementary to print material.  Hence, we advise you to make use of it as that will help you to understand the subject better.  However, audio-video material will normally not be supplied to the students individually but will be very soon made available at some of the Study Centres. You can watch these programmes during counselling sessions.  Academic programmes are also telecast on DD-1(National Channel). The detailed telecast schedule of transmission of programmes is communicated through IGNOU web site http://www.ignou.ac.in.

 

Counselling Sessions
 

In distance education, face-to-face contact between the learners and their tutors/counsellors is relatively less and, therefore, is an important activity.  The purpose of such a contact is to answer some of your questions and clarify doubts which may not be possible through any other means of communication.  It also intends to provide you an opportunity to meet your fellow students.  There are academic counsellors at the Study Centres to provide counselling and guidance to you in the courses that you have chosen for study.  Normally, these sessions will be held at the Study Centres during week-ends or as decided by the university.   

Student should note that the counselling sessions will be very different from the classroom teaching or lectures.  Counsellors will not be delivering lectures as in conventional teaching.  They will try to help you to overcome difficulties which you face while studying for the programme.  In these sessions, students must try to resolve subject-based difficulties and any other related problems. 

Before student go to attend the counselling sessions, they are advised to go through course syllabus and course materials and make a plan of the points to be discussed.  Unless you have gone through the Units, there may not be much to discuss. The detailed schedule of the counselling sessions will be made known to you by the Asst. Coordinator of your Study Centre
 

Practical 
 

These practical sessions will be held in selected study Centres, which may or may not be co-located with the Study Centres.  In these centre , the participants will have the facility to use the equipment etc. relevant to the syllabus.

A participant will not be eligible to appear in the Term-end practical examination if the percentages of attendance in practical sessions fall below 75%.  S/he can, however, appear for the theory papers.

The facilities for counselling and practicals are, however, not automatically extended after his/her first year of study in Degree course.  Facility for practical sessions in subsequent year is at the discretion of this University and is subject to payment of fees by the students.
 

 Web Based Support
 

 The learners can access PSSOU website through URL http://www.pssou.ac.in
 

How to contact your Programme Coordinator
 

Students can contact Programme Coordinator by postal mail or telephone.  All the students are welcome to meet Programme Coordinator personally at PSSOU, Bilaspur (CG).  The telephone numbers are given in our “Home Page” of our official web site.