Feature

Perception Study on DU students

Samar Roy

This is the summary of the findings of a study conducted on the students of Dhaka University by Media Professionals Group (MPG), a company working in the area of media and communication. The findings reflect the thoughts, ideas, problems, lifestyle, media, career planning and preparation of the respondents. The study was conducted independently by MPG on its own initiative and finance. This is the first of a series of studies that MPG has plans to do on a regular basis.

The excerpts:
Perception is a phenomenon, which is affected by a host of interrelated factors. These typically include the level of education attained, social as well economic, and political factors affecting the person concerned, the structure of society as well as the strata he is living in. On a more specific level it is affected by the income level, the person's outlook towards life and his attitude in general towards the problems and issues one face. Needless to mention none of the aforesaid factors act in isolation, though for the purpose of a study factors need to be separated to measure their impact on one's perception. Studies on perception thus can be a very complex and challenging task.

The current study which aimed to capture the perception of the students of Dhaka University, attempted to examine the way a group of individuals students to be more specific - think about their surroundings, problems and issues. It also tried to focus on their lifestyles and habit, and the skills they need to present themselves in a complex global environment. Finally the survey also attempted to address their ambitions and their preparation for realizing those ambitions.

The basic purpose of the study was to comprehend the pattern of perception, if there was one, of a sample of population in their formative stage and to analyze their implications in terms of its possible effects on their surroundings. The purpose of the current study is thus said to be modest, as it does not attempt to analyze the far-reaching implications of these perceptions. It is not that such a study would have been irrelevant, given our current socio-political structure. On the contrary, given the historic role that the students have played in the political and social movement of the country and their consequent leadership positions in the government and society, such a study at a juncture when the role is perceived to be challenged from outside, specially private schools, would have been quite pertinent. But at the present, such a comprehensive study would be outside the purview of current study, as it intends to focus on more micro level issues regarding perception and thoughts.

To present the current study, the following structure is proposed. In section 2, an attempt will be made to provide the methodology of the current study. In section 3 the results of the study will be presented. In section 4, we shall try to provide some concluding remarks and implications of the study.

Methodology and Rationale of the Study
The University of Dhaka was chosen for a number of reasons for undertaking the study. First, it is one of the largest educational institutes in the country. It was thus conceived a priori that the perception level of a sample of students would enable us to understand the phenomenon in a better fashion. Secondly, University of Dhaka represents a cross-section of students, who more or less represent the whole of the country. It would not be a generalization to say that the students here represent different income groups-including high, middle and low and different classes and strata of the society as well. Thirdly, despite competitions from private schools, entry into this university remains competitive. So, in a way, we shall be looking at the perception level of a group, whose merit, at least potentially, can be rather high.

The process of random selection was chosen for selecting the sample. The sample size was 206. Though the selection was at random certain restrictions were imposed. First, attention was paid so that at least fifty percent of the students are females. This was done to make the sample more representative. Also the gender sensitive factors implicitly would be, it was presumed, reflected in the survey. Secondly, attempt was made to include as many departments and disciplines as possible in to the survey. This was done to reflect a wide spectrum of perception level into the study. In total thirty-eight departments of the university were covered in the study. Thirdly, attempts were made to include various levels of academic pursuits, including under-graduate and graduate levels. Thus of the sample 32 were masters level students, forty-eight came from fourth year students, 48 from third year students, 40 second year students and thirty two first year students.

The questionnaire was designed to have responses on their perception on various issues and subject. The total number of questions was restricted to thirty and was designed so as to interest and involve the target group in providing appropriate and proper responses reflecting the perception level. Except in the case of problems faced in academic life, no preset answers were suggested in the questionnaire. It was thought such an approach would encourage the respondent to answer to the issues raised more freely, enabling them freedom of expression a necessary factor to capture the levels of perception.In the questionnaire, the respondents were asked to identify themselves first, providing the sample with their personal information. In total thirty questions were asked. The questionnaire, on a conceptual level can be divided into several parts. First, questions were asked on their choice of discipline and problems faced in academic life.

Secondly, questions on use of media were asked. Respondents, for example, were asked why they have chosen a particular daily. Thirdly, perceptions on life-styles and habits were asked to the respondents. Fourthly, questions were asked on their monthly expenditure, reflecting the economic issues relating to perception. Fifthly, Questions were asked on their presentation skills as it was assumed to be related to how the respondents perceive their attitude to acquire the skills necessary to express themselves. Sixthly and finally, questions were asked on their future aspirations, as it reflects how they would like to commence life and their preparation for facing the real issues in life.

Now we present the result of the survey. In this section we shall merely present the major findings of the study

a) Choice of Discipline and Problems of Academic Life.
Some 108 students out of 206 mentioned that they were studying their discipline on their own choice, while 69 of them were studying the subject as they had no other choice. On the other hand, 40 students responded that they selected their subjects as they have more practical orientation for getting better jobs. Twenty respondents said that they were studying in their discipline with others' advice.

Some 160 respondents mentioned that they had encountered some problems in their academic life. Out of this pool, there were 46 fortunate ones who did not face any problem. The main problem faced by most students is financial. The other problems are accommodation, political influence, lack of proper co-operation from the teachers, and availability of books.

Most students are dependent on private tuition to address their financial need. Some of them do part time jobs. Most of the students coming from outside Dhaka stay in the university dormitories. Due to political interference, some students are compelled to share a house. A significant number of the respondents inform that they need to keep a good relation with student leaders. Some of them were directly involved with politics, and some attempt to stay silent.

Photocopying has appeared as a panacea to address the unavailability of books. Some students borrow books from the seniors. Some respondents mentioned that they could also borrow books from seminar library of respective department and central library for a limited period of time.

Some respondents complained that they do not get adequate cooperation from teachers. Instead they take help and advice from seniors and friends. An equal number of respondents stated that they keep regular contact with teachers, and discuss the course matters with them.

b) Media Use Pattern:
Out of 206 respondents, 191 read newspapers regularly. Some respondents mentioned that they like a particular vernacular daily for its objective reporting, special reports, varieties of sports news and nice presentation. Some remarked that they prefer a particular newspaper as they find it independent, reliable and informative. Some students read an English newspaper not only as they like it but also for gaining knowledge and learning English. In a newspaper, students have more interest in editorials, news from home and abroad, and issues on career, finance and trade. A major portion of the respondents preferred international news, national news, entertainment, and scholarship related news.

When asked whether they watch television regularly, 100 respondents replied in the affirmative and the rest 106 replied that they do not. The highest portion of the respondents watches TV in the TV room of the hall, followed by home viewing group. Only one respondent said that he watches television in his own computer.

Hindi movies and Hindi songs are highly viewed programs in television. The third major response favored dramas, quiz, news, magazine program and news, and the fourth major response was in favour of entertainment-based programs and sports programs. The preference in favour of documentaries, competition, talk show, science fiction, educational program was negligible, and so was the program on songs of Bangla movie, cartoon and advertisement.

c) Issues on Lifestyle and Habit
When asked what kind of dress they prefer, the highest number of respondents informed that they like Jeans and T-shirts (for male) and Salwar and Kameez (for female). But most of them prefer to be casual. Very few prefer formal dress.

Regarding food habit, the highest number of respondents preferred a varied mixture that included fish, rice, meat, vegetable, mashed items (bharta), khichuri, lentils, milk, fruits and Biriani. Some students replied that they prefer all kinds of food. One student gave an interesting reply that he likes all food except those in the hall canteens.

About reading, most of the students like novels, essays, short stories, history, poetry, life sketches and science fictions. Some prefer thrillers. The third preference came in favour of all kinds of books and the fourth in favour of science fiction and social novels. Some preferred text and academic books along with storybooks. It is worth noting that preference in favour of classics, research work, informative books and tragic work was negligible. Only 52 responders have smoking habit. When asked why they smoke in spite of knowing that the habit is injurious to health, most respondents stated they smoke to get relief from tension, problems, fatigue, and depression. An equal number of respondents stated that they smoke simply because of habit and addiction. Some simply enjoy smoking and some smoke without any cause. A very high proportion of the respondents (189 out of 206) said that they drink soft drinks.

When asked about the subject matter of gossiping (Adda), highest portion of the respondents stated that they discuss on various musical album. Following this, others said that they chat about sports, politics, women, mobile and friends. Contemporary politics, country, sports, studying and surroundings are ranked third in terms of gossiping. The gossip on sex, economy, religion, jokes and self-criticism was negligible.

d) Range of Monthly Expenditure and Sources
Three responders reported that their monthly expenditure lies between 500-1000. Some 40 respondents mentioned that their monthly expenditure is ranged between Taka 1500 and 2000, while 48 respondents said that they have income of Taka 2,500 - 3000. The number of responders in the above 5000 range is negligible, and only four respondents said that they have monthly income of Taka 5000-10,000.

Most of this expenditure is met from the family sources as 83 responses have reported. This is followed by family cum private tuitions, which accounts for 34 responses. The third significant response reported -27 of the responders reported that they meet the expenses from providing private tuitions only. Fourteen reported that they meet the expenses from family and own resources. Three responded that they are employed and meet expenses from there and an equal number reported that they meet expenses from family and scholarships. One response reported that he meets the expenses from being employed and from providing tuitions and one reported that he meets the expenses providing tuitions and scholarships.

e) Presentation Skills
When asked if they are satisfied with their presentation skills a significant number -95 of the responses out of 202 reported that they are satisfied and 71 reported in the negative. 22 of the responders were more or less satisfied and some reported that they are not always satisfied. Three responses stated that they do not know whether they are satisfied or not.The highest number of responses, when asked why they are not satisfied -17 reported that they are not able to express or present themselves, while some 12 respondents mentioned that they feel shy. Ten respondents mentioned that they have a lack of self-confidence. A negligible amount of responses mentioned that they feel nervous or there is a lack of proper environment. When asked whether they have examined their presentation skills, a very high proportion -159 - reported that they have. The rest 47 replied in the negative. Lack of opportunity to develop presentation skill is identified by most as the main cause of poor presentation quality .

f) Career Ambition
The respondents were asked what they would like to do in terms of career target after their academic life. A vast majority of the respondents reported that they would like to be involved in service, be it BCS, private or in multinational. Some respondents, but not many (11 out of 206), would like to get married after their academic life. Some reported that they would do business, but this was quite insignificant compared to the ambition of being involved in service. Very few wanted to be engaged in the teaching profession, or in the legal profession or in politics. Also a negligible amount of responses revealed that they would like to go abroad for further education or be involved in higher research or be involved with technology. An insignificant amount of responses stated that they would like to be involved in judiciary and social work or be involved with deprived women. When asked to comment on their plan and preparation, most of the respondents stated that they were studying their own subject well. The next large respondents mentioned that they were taking preparation for the job market, and the next larger group respondents said that they do not have any specific plan. Some stated that they do have a plan, and some revealed that they are taking preparation for the BCS. An insignificant number of informants revealed that they are involved in some small jobs or are trying to fulfill their dream.

Conclusions
From the study it appears first that most of the students did have a choice or preference for a subject and have been successful in studying the discipline of their choice. A significant number though did not have a choice but to study the discipline, which in most likelihood means that the students in this category are not fully interested in studying them. It is possible that despite trying they could not get admitted into the subjects and were not probably adequately qualified. Some of the students however took the advice of others, implying that consultation affected their perception towards academic life. A more practical orientation for the subjects on demand in the marketplace for hiring was reflected in the perception pattern.

Most of the students in the survey face some problems in their academic life- the most acute being financial. It appears there is a market for private tuitions to which students take recourse for solution of their financial problems. If we place it by their monthly expenditure, most of which lie within the range of 1500-3000, it appears that they indeed do lead an economic way of life, part or all it is supported by private tuitions.

Political interference in academic life is perceived by the students to be a major problem. Though not expressly stated, it appears that they need to maintain liason with student leaders for solving the problems, probably compromising their preferred political belief. There are problems regarding books, but photocopying appeared to be the most significant solution.

On media usage, the students expressed an interest and preference towards printed media. They preferred objectivity and variety in certain news media. Some expressed preference towards English papers for learning the language and gaining knowledge. On news items the students expressed preference towards editorial, home and international news, news on finance, scholarships over other issues.

On food habits no explicit pattern emerged. There appeared to be a variety of choices, including dishes from country origin and foreign origin. Smoking habit is not very predominant among students. Most smoke to get relief from tension, problems, fatigue, and depression, despite knowing its injurious effect on health. Habit, addiction and enjoyment of smoking are other significant factors. Musical albums are perceived to be the primary topic of interest, followed by politics, sports, women, sex etc. Regarding reading habits, no explicit pattern emerged, though preferences for classics, tragic works or informative books were negligible.

On presentation skills, most students perceive their skills to be satisfactory. A very high portion reported that they have tested their skills, which can be a bit surprising as the forums and opportunities for such tests are not very prevalent. Regarding career ambition most students preferred a job rather than going into business. This, in most likelihood, reflects a perception towards security and stability in contrast to an entrepreneurial attitude. Very few expressed interest in higher studies, technology or social work implying the probability that the students perceive educations as a means of getting a good job.Finally it can be said that the study itself reveals some trends in perception, specially regarding the choice the students have made regarding their subject of preference, problems faced in academic life and career ambition. It appears that no specific pattern emerges regarding habit and lifestyles. This may not be unusual for a group of individuals who are in their formative stage and yet to make a preference in these areas. Further studies in this regard can be undertaken with a higher sample size to reveal the perceptions of students in these areas to find a more general trend and pattern.

Samar Roy is the director
Media Professionals Group
Email:mediaprofessionals@gmail.com

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