A timeless legacy of reinforcing holistic academia with Nawaloka College of Higher Studies
View(s):George Weah visualized education as a bicycle; it’s continual process where a person remains stagnant without moving forward if one forgets to paddle.
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest, as Benjamin Franklyn rightfully pointed out. It is fundamentally crucial to decide on a source which updates seasonally to fit the tentative market educational requirements at the same time deriving the ideal return for the investment.
Dr Alan Robertson
Dean of Studies for Nawaloka College of Higher Studies Dr. Alan Robertson shared his professional opinion on the how the institute blends in with the entire equation.
What is the success story of NCHS?
The institute has been in operation for half a decade after originally making its presence felt in 2014. What NCHS has been able to achieve during its illustrious journey is to build and offer a solid and dignified degree programme in conjunction with Swinburne University, Australia. Swinburne University openly acknowledges NCHS as a standout entity, and endorses its product as authentic, recognised qualifications equitable with Swinburne standards.
The past achievement of the institute illustrates the tale of success. NCHS students who have continued their education in Australia have achieved academic Success, many now have graduated and have secured good employment.
It is a reassuring experience when regular updates are shared, since a student who has walked through these walls, and sat in these lecture rooms is radiating the greatness of NCHS in the international level.
The fact that NCHS launched its venture from a humble and modest beginning within a highly competitive industrial setting, and has at present positioned itself as premier education facility with a sound student base is commendable.
The success story of NCHS are the students, and in the end, isn’t that what actually matters?
Care to share an insight on the courses/degree programmemes available?
The product which is offered consists of 4 main programmes. The Diploma of Business gives a general overview to the business degree. Specializations are chosen upon enrolling with the university thereafter. The options available for specialization entails Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Accounting and Finance and Hospitality Management (planned to be launched with the October intake).
The Diploma for Engineering introduces students to the concept of the engineering degree offered by Swinburne. Each degree provided has a duration of 4 years compared to Business specializations; which are 3 year programmes. There are a range of specialization options available including Electronic, Mechanical, Civil and Mechatronics. Swinburne is reputed for its Engineering faculty. It is highly rated on a world-wide basis. Students are fortunate to be entitled to receive such a well-recognized qualification.
The next programme is the Diploma for Information and Technology. After completion, students have specialization options; Computer Science, IT and Management Information Systems to name a few.
Lastly, NCHS offers a diploma for Health Science. This programmes preps students to face specialisations on aspects relating to Health and Physical education.
The degrees offered by Swinburne University are highly specific. Each programme consists of 24 modules, where 8 modules are allocated for the first year as general selections and a further 8 modules are their major components. Students have the option to opt for a second major or electives by completing the remaining 8 subjects.
What is the proficiency of the lecturer panel of NCHS in terms of qualifications and experience?
All the lecturers at NCHS are approved by Swinburne University. The international qualification framework is taken into serious consideration before enlisting staff members to deliver the product to its students. Each lecturer is fully equipped with the expected exposure to each individual specialization, complemented with a touch of overseas experience.
Education wise, the staff has a sound and updated knowledge, and has the ability to adapt to each student’s capabilities. The majority of the staff have secured Masters level of doctorates; leaving minimum traces of doubt regarding the level of qualification. The current lecturer panel have been regular faces within the NCHS family ever since its inception, thus giving them the comprehension of the culture of the institute. This comprehension enables them to incorporate a human touch while delivering the quality product to their students.
Can you give a glimpse of a
student’s life in NCHS?
Students are regularly evaluated to ensure progress is achieved consistently. All the examinations and assignments are moderated by Swinburne University. Samples are sent to the university to guarantee that the grades given are equivalent to the grades received by the students following the same programme in Australia.
Examinations determine half of the final grade. The rest focuses on practical approaches; presentations and other relevant evaluations. During the course of each semester, the students are kept busy, but NCHS has its unique way of converting the busy schedule into an enjoyable experience.
A thorough orientation programme is scheduled per each intake to ease the students into their new lifestyle at NCHS. A pre-study programme titled ‘Study Plus’ is offered which gives students background information on writing, citing and referencing, online research and the numerical and mathematical skills expected. These are aspects which students sometimes struggle in, and NCHS has protocols to embed these skills from the get-go to ensure that future struggles are non-existent.
Social events are held regularly to strengthen the NCHS family environment. Engagement in such events permits students to socialize with peers and lecturers which indirectly cultivates a strong bond. These social events range from ‘Ayurveda’ functions, Fresher’s welcome (where new students can get acquainted with seniors), occasional trips and field visits, Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Celebrations and other festive activities.
Education is not limited to academia, it’s a holistic concept which is a blend of academics and social skills. Employers in the modern world demand for soft skills amongst academic and professional qualifications. The interesting feature of the Swinburne degree programme is that soft skills development is built into the curriculum. Speech and presentation skills are consistently honed up with each passing semester through specifically targeted assignments.
Group assignments help students to build teamwork, time management, resource allocation (allocating each job to the ideal peer), decision making and leadership. Individual research permits students to extract information from accountable sources, which usually entails communicating with respective authorities and agents. After these sessions, students will have a boosted confidence which enables them to face an interview with dignity. Ultimately, the employability of the students of NCHS is greatly enhanced.
Career guidance officials and student counselors are ever present to assist students. Students are given advice on the available options which fit their skill sets and desires; which saves time and money otherwise spent on pursuing unsuited subject specializations. Student counselors act as relief for students during times of stress, depression and other mentally compromising situations.
A new premise has been acquired in close proximity to the institute. This premises is used as an expansion of NCHS. It shall include new study areas and a student recreation center. Studies and leisure should remain parallel, and NCHS realizes the need for a recreational area where students can enjoy their leisure time. The future holds bright prospects, and the students can expect an entertaining educational experience as the NCHS brand continues to grow.
What study areas do you feel would yield the best opportunities in the future?
All study areas are equally important, however, the job market can vary according to the market conditions. In the past, most would have scoffed at the idea of IT becoming the global dominant force. Times have changed, and now it is one of the sophisticated concepts of the modern world. Likewise, Engineering is right up at the top of the industrial chain.
These organizations which employ such talent requires entrepreneurs to lead, and that is where International Business Management takes center stage. With the increase of tourism, the previously bud Hospitality Management gradually bloomed into a fragrant flower. With the aging population surpassing the youth community, the need for Health professionals to nurse the elderly has greatly increased.
It is evident that the industry is highly tentative. Market demand tends to change with each paradigm shift. That is the challenge for an educational institute. Education should be sought in a field which yields results, and specialising in a skill without a market leading to a dead end. NCHS takes the rational approach. It is consistently updated with market conditions. It structures the content of the product to suit the demand and the curriculum is updated to better suite each change. Students of NCHS do not have to worry about such concerns seeing that they are educated in programmes with the prevailing demand.
What is the potential of a Sri Lankan student, when compared to students in the international level?
The NCHS experience ensures that students who further their studies in Australia are well prepared academically for the challenge of overseas education, and this is well illustrated by the results that the students have achieved.
Reports show that the Sri Lankan students have performed as well, if not better than the students of Swinburne University.
What changes should an A/L student make when moving into the life of an undergraduate in terms of lifestyle and mentality?
The education system of Sri Lanka can be teacher and examination centric. Many students enter the course with that background. The duty of NCHS is to convert them to the Australian approach. More emphasis is given to soft skills development rather than examinations alone.
Universities are institutions where students need a certain level of maturity.
They are treated as adults, and as adults they should learn to be more accountable and responsible for their actions. The duty of a school is to foster a child with good behaviour. At undergraduate level, there are no such persons to tell them what to do, or to ‘be there on time’.
They have to work on their punctuality and self-organization on their own. NCHS provides the platform, but whether the platform is exploited or neglected solely depends on each individual’s commitment and enthusiasm.
How does NCHS wish to be remembered as? What is the manner in which it prefers to shape up its legacy?
As educators, we wish to be remembered as an institution of integrity and quality. Each staff member is dedicated and committed to deliver the given promises, and offer the best product available to its students.
NCHS wishes to create a background where students voluntarily attend lectures; not just for the sake of attendance. It is a pleasant facility which radiates a sense of serenity.
The subjects are delivered in a way which grasps student’s attention from start till the finish.
The culture which is planted since its inception motivates friendly interactions between students, teachers and management. Graduating is not by any means an easy task, but that doesn’t mean that the journey cannot be made enjoyable whilst giving ideal dividends for the investment.
Randheer Mallawaarachchi