Now is the time to apply for UGC-NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test), the qualifying exam for candidates aiming to pursue a career as college teacher and to engage in research on various subjects, including humanities. Clearing this exam is no easy task. However, those who engage in systematic study can be successful. Here are some tips in this regard.
UGC-NET is a three-hour computer-based exam having two papers and a duration of three hours. There is no negative marking.
Paper 1
All candidates have to take Paper 1, which includes questions on aptitude for teaching/ research. There would be 50 questions, carrying a total 100 marks.
Paper 2
Candidates can choose their own subject. There would be 100 questions for 200 marks. Some candidates who are proficient in their subjects find Paper 1 tough to clear. Such candidates can focus on the following topics.
Teaching/ research aptitude
Questions will deal with imaginary situations to analyze the response of candidates. While preparing for this section, practice answering question papers of previous years. Depend on textbooks and YouTube for theory-based questions. Prepare a chart to study learning theories to make revision easier. Learn by comparing various teaching methods. You also have to be aware of different research methodologies and their peculiarities.
Important topics in teaching aptitude
Key and helpful behaviour of effective teaching, Levels of teaching, Bloom’s taxonomy, Gagne hierarchy of learning, Howard Gardener multiple intelligence, Theories of learning, Methods of teaching, Testing and Assessment & Evaluation.
Important topics in research aptitude
Types of validity, Types of reliability, Process of research, Types of research, Scales of measurement, Sampling methods, Research ethics, ICT in research, Positivism and post-positivism, Citation, Reference and Bibliography.
Communication
Questions on situations in the classroom could be expected. Study Communication theory and Communication models. You should also have a good idea about utilizing technology (particularly ICT) in a classroom.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
Make yourself thorough with basic concepts related to computers. Give stress to computer memory and number system. Frequently-asked questions deal with government initiatives such as SWAYAM and SWAYAMPRABHA and educational potential of MOOC (massive open online course).
People & environment
Try to learn about contemporary developments which are not part of the syllabus. Questions are often related to SDGs (sustainable development goals), MDGs (millennial development goals), energy sources in India, environmental issues, greenhouse effect and global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, national and international environmental conventions and disaster management.
Higher education
Give good importance to NEP (New Education Policy) during the preparations. Revision notes will prove helpful while studying topics such as the educational systems in ancient Indian, British, pre-Independence and post-Independence periods. Learn also about regulatory frameworks related to environmental / skill development / value-based / higher educational sectors.
Reasoning
The ideal method to prepare for reasoning & aptitude, logical reasoning and data interpretation is to practice answering previous years’ question papers.
Things to note
Give stress to question papers after 2022. Practice mock tests even as you continue studies. In the beginning, attempt mock tests on specific topics and, later, try to answer question papers which cover the entire syllabus. You have to answer 150 questions in three hours. As negative marks are not applied, try to answer all questions.
(The author is Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce at Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram)