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Scholar@UOC is the primary academic repository of the University of Calicut.

This repository is aimed to collect, preserve and distribute the research output of the members of our University. This is an open access system hosted and managed by the University Library.

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The policies and practices of continuing professional development of english language teachers of Kerala.
(Department of Education University of Calicut., 2026) Sebastian, K. M.; Meera, K. P.
This study investigates the Policies and Practices of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of secondary school English language teachers in Kerala, examining the alignment between policy intent, programme design, and classroom realities. CPD is widely recognised as a critical determinant of teacher quality and student learning outcomes, yet existing systems in India, including Kerala, are often criticised for being fragmented, top-down, and insufficiently responsive to teachers’ contextual needs. Adopting an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative phase involved a Critical Policy Analysis of national and state educational frameworks (NPE, NCF, NEP), analysis of CPD modules, and data from the semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions with policymakers, teacher educators, and practitioners. The quantitative phase surveyed 1217 English teachers and 714 parents using validated instruments measuring academic engagement, reflective practices, attitudes, barriers, and CPD needs. Statistical analyses included mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation. The findings reveal a significant policy–practice gap in CPD implementation. While policy frameworks emphasise continuous,reflective,and teacher-centred professional learning, actual practices remain largely compliance-driven, episodic, and top-down. CPD modules prioritise content coverage over reflective and classroom-based application, with limited follow-up and mentoring support. Quantitative results indicate that academic engagement, reflective practices, and attitudes vary significantly across demographic variables, and strong positive correlations exist between reflective practices and both engagement and attitude. However, barriers such as workload, time constraints, and inadequate contextualrelevance remain high, and CPD needs are particularly strong in areas such as language proficiency, digital pedagogy, inclusive education, and 21st-century skills. The study also highlights systemic issues, including fragmented institutional coordination, inconsistent access to CPD opportunities, and insufficient monitoring of impact. Parental perspectives reveal concerns regarding CPD scheduling during instructional time, indicating the need for more balanced implementation strategies. The study concludes that Kerala’s CPD system, despite strong policy foundations, requires a shift towards a coherent, teacher-centred, and sustained professional learning CPD system. It recommends the development of a unified CPD framework integrating key agencies (SCERT, DIET, Samagra Shiksha etc.), strengthening mentoring systems, embedding reflective practices, and leveraging digital platforms for continuous professional learning. This research contributes to the limited Indian scholarship that integrates policy analysis, programme evaluation, and teacher perspectives, offering a comprehensive framework for reimagining CPD in English language teaching.
കോടതിവ്യവഹാരങ്ങള്‍: മലയാള നോവല്‍ സാഹിത്യത്തില്‍ - തെരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത കൃതികളെ മുന്‍നിര്‍ത്തിയുള്ള പഠനം
(Little Flower College,Guruvayoor, 2025) ജോഫി റാഫി; Jofy Raphy; ഷീബ എ.സി; Sheeba A C
കോടതിവ്യവഹാരങ്ങള്‍:മലയാള നോവല്‍ സാഹിത്യത്തില്‍- തെരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത കൃതികളെ മുന്‍നിര്‍ത്തിയുള്ള പഠനം" എന്ന പ്രബന്ധം മലയാള നോവല്‍ സാഹിത്യത്തില്‍ കോടതിയെന്ന സ്ഥാപനവും വ്യവഹാരവും എപ്രകാരമാണ് കടന്നുവരുന്നതെന്നും കാലത്തിലൂടെ നീതിന്യായ വ്യവസ്ഥയ്ക്കും കോടതികള്‍ക്കും സംഭവിച്ച പരിവര്‍ത്തനങ്ങളെ എഴുത്തുകാര്‍ എങ്ങനെ അടയാളപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നുവെന്നും കണ്ടെത്താനാണ് ശ്രമിക്കുന്നത്. നോവലിലെ നീതിന്യായ വ്യവഹാരങ്ങളെ വിശകലനം ചെയ്തുകൊണ്ട് കോടതിഭാഷ, അധികാരവിനിമയം എന്നിവയും സൂക്ഷ്മമായി അപഗ്രഥിക്കുന്നു. ഒ. ചന്തുമേനോന്റെ 'ശാരദ', പോത്തേരി കുഞ്ഞമ്പുവിന്റെ 'സരസ്വതീ വിജയം', കോവിലന്റെ 'ഭരതന്‍' ആനന്ദിന്റെ 'ഗോവര്‍ധന്റെ യാത്രകള്‍', കെ. ആര്‍. മീരയുടെ 'ഖബര്‍' എന്നീ നോവലുകളെയാണ് വ്യവഹാരവിശകലനത്തിന്റെയും ഉപയോഗിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു. പഠനമാതൃകകളായി തെരഞ്ഞെടുത്തിരിക്കുന്നത്. സംസ്കാരപഠനത്തിന്റെയും കോടതിവ്യവഹാരത്തിന്റെ രീതിശാസ്ത്രം കാലോചിതമായ ഫൂക്കോയുടെ പ്രബന്ധരചനക്ക് വികാസപരിണാമങ്ങളെ നോവല്‍വ്യവഹാരത്തിലൂടെ നീരിക്ഷിച്ചറിഞ്ഞ് അവ സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ നീതിന്യായവ്യവസ്ഥയില്‍ ചെലുത്തുന്ന സ്വാധീനങ്ങളെ അടയാളപ്പെടുത്തുകയാണ് ഈ പ്രബന്ധത്തിലൂടെ ചെയ്യുന്നത്.
Role of prison libraries in rehabilitation of the prisoners in central prisons of Kerala
(Department of Library and Information Science,University of Calicut, 2026) Sreelatha K; Vasudevan, T.M.
The present study, “Role of Prison Libraries in Rehabilitation of Prisoners in Central Prisons of Kerala,” investigates the contribution of library services to the rehabilitation of prisoners within Kerala’s correctional system. Guided by reformative and humanistic penal philosophies and drawing upon the theoretical perspectives of Bentham, Foucault, and Goffman, the study situates the prison library as an instrument of educational, psychological, and social transformation rather than a peripheral welfare facility. The objectives of the research were to assess the current status and infrastructure of prison libraries in Kerala’s central prisons; to examine prison officials’ perceptions of their role in rehabilitation; to analyse the extent of institutional support and constraints; and to develop strategies for strengthening the rehabilitative potential of prison libraries. A mixed-method design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches within a pragmatic research paradigm. Data were collected from 381 prison officials, 11 prisoners assigned duty in libraries across the Central Prisons and Correctional Homes of Poojappura (Thiruvananthapuram), Viyyur (Thrissur), and Kannur and 6 higher officials from prison headquarters, through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlation tests, while qualitative responses were thematically interpreted to validate and enrich the statistical results. Findings reveal that prison libraries in Kerala function with minimal infrastructure and resources but maintain a positive presence in the rehabilitation process. Although professional librarians are absent and digital facilities are lacking, the majority of prison officials acknowledge the constructive influence of libraries in promoting literacy, emotional stability, discipline, and self-confidence among inmates. Library reading habits were found to enhance moral reasoning, reduce stress, and foster pro-social behaviour, confirming their therapeutic and educational value. The study identified financial constraints, inadequate policy enforcement, and limited administrative support as major barriers to effective functioning. Despite these limitations, both officials and inmates perceived libraries as safe, intellectually stimulating spaces conducive to reflection and behavioural change. The research concludes that the prison library is a vital yet underutilized component of correctional education and rehabilitation in Kerala. To maximize its impact, the study recommends the formulation of a Kerala Prison Library Policy aligned with IFLA (2023) standards; appointment of qualified librarians; introduction of bibliotherapy and reading-circle programmes; multilingual and inclusive collections; digital modernization; and collaborative partnerships with universities, NGOs, and public libraries. The study contributes to the fields of Library and Information Science, correctional education, and social rehabilitation. It reaffirms that the right to read and learn is fundamental to human dignity and that prison libraries, when adequately supported, can serve as bridges between confinement and reintegration transforming prisons into learning communities and reaffirming society’s commitment to reform rather than retribution.
Mass media, political communication and transformation: a study on Kerala
(Department of PoliticalScience,University of Calicut, 2025) Nishanth N; Zacaria T V
Challenges and prospects of environmental reporting with special reference to automobile industry in south India
(St.Joseph'sCollege ,Irinjalakuda, 2025) Remya S; G S Sandhya Nair
Environmental Accounting involves measuring, recording and disclosing the impact of corporate environmental activities on its financial status through specialized accounting systems. Environmental Reporting, on the other hand is the disclosure of environmental information in the annual reports or by some other medium like environmental policy statements or corporate environmental reports. This study examines the challenges and prospects of Environmental Reporting in Automobile industry – a sector playing a dominant role in global economic development, and contributing towards environmental degradation. The respondents of the study include top and middle level employees and chartered accountants and energy auditors. The primary objectives of the study were to identify the determinants of Environmental Disclosure, assess the recent trends of Disclosure and examine the constraints and benefits associated with Environmental Reporting.The study also explored the impact of financial performance on Environmental Reporting. The main reason for selecting South India is due to the presence of large number of automobile manufacturing units. The findings indicate that various determinants significantly influence Environmental Reporting practices of the firms as perceived by the employees and external auditors. The employees viewed CSR report as the most frequent form of disclosure whereas chartered accountants and external auditors reported more frequent use of sustainability reports. The employees demonstrated higher level of perception of Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines whereas chartered accountants and external auditors opined sectoral guidance as the most frequent reporting format. The environmental information was most frequently disclosed in the Director’s report. The study observed that financial performance had a significant impact on corporate environmental disclosure and performance practices. The respondents believed that companies with high profitability were more likely to prioritize environmental issues, gain a competitive advantage, and contribute to the welfare of stakeholders. The study pointed out that training programs for employees emerged as a significant predictor of corporate environmental performance, suggesting that investments in employee training will contribute to improved environmental outcomes. The challenges encountered while disclosing environmental information include lack of expertise, lack of legal requirement, improper enforcement of planning and environmental legislation, huge capital investment and difficulty in comparison when different methods are followed by the firms. Despite these challenges, the firms reported several benefits from proper disclosure of environmental information such as eco efficiency, investor attraction, increase credibility, long term survival of organisation and risk management. The study helps to enhance the understanding of disclosure practices and thereby helps to frame a standardised disclosure index covering all performance indicators. The majority of the automobile manufacturing units in South India disclose environmental information due to stakeholder pressure and to improve the financial performance. The chartered accountants and external auditors perceive higher barriers and favour conservative approach. On the other hand, employees stress on ethical motives and tangible benefits. The proper investment in training, adoption of standardised framework and regular audit of environmental accounts helps to reduce the perception gap of stakeholders, reduce cost and turn Environmental Reporting into a strategic advantage for long term sustainability and investor trust. The study concluded that Environmental disclosure is becoming an essential part of corporate accountability and sustainable development. Environmental reporting is perceived by many companies as a compliance requirement rather than a strategic tool for stakeholder engagement and long-term value creation. The various concerns like growing public awareness on environmental issues, increasing pressure from investors and regulatory bodies and integration of sustainability are driving greater attention to Environmental Reporting. The recent advancements in digital technology, data analytics and reporting frameworks also provide valuable tools to enhance transparency and comparability. The study underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, capacity building for organisations and collaboration between public and private sectors to fully harness these prospects. The proper disclosure of environmental information is not only important for corporate transparency but also necessary for achieving broader environmental and sustainability goals in the face of climate change and resource degradation.