High marks, on common, in faculty board exams, are a distinctly latest phenomenon. They appear to conceal underlying issues. Usha Ram, a former college major who turned into additionally a member of the CBSE governing board, speaks to Pratigyan Das at the challenge:
What is your take on the cent percent marks that scholars have got this year?
Marking schemes have been modified. The sample of questions has been modified absolutely. If there are honest questions, naturally, the child will write in keeping with the marking schemes, and he/she has to receive marks as a consequence. Having stated that, I ought to admit, it’s no longer an amazing signal. But that’s how it’s miles now.
Why do you suspect there has been an exchange within the marking pattern?
Earlier desirable marks had been generally scored utilizing the technology college students. Humanities students were ignored because they didn’t have practicals. With practicals brought in humanities, it has emerged as less complicated for them to score as nicely. Presently, each humanities problem is practical. In practicals, they get complete marks, so the marks have gone up. I don’t need to undermine the students. There are students who paintings difficult. The advent of an objective kind and more than one desired question started the trend. It modified the marking pattern. Examiners have been requested to mark on a scale from zero to 100. So, if a baby has written the entirety and the marking scheme has all those factors, then the child receives complete marks. Another hassle is that if we make papers a bit tough, there is a big hue and cry.
Aren’t we setting a wrong precedent by focusing greater on marks?
Yes, I, in my opinion, feel we are placing a wrong example. We have to consciousness extra on mastering. Learning and understanding standards are more essential than the rat race to get marks. In truth, we generally tend to forget emotional intelligence, social competencies, and different elements within the method of chasing suitable marks. This sample is likewise affecting the reduce-off mark within the universities. In the next CBSE meeting, I plan to take it up in a big way as I am on the exam evaluation committee. Probably things can be exchanged for the higher within the future. Besides, such an inflated marking pattern is setting strain on country boards to follow the fashion. Since CBSE is a fashion setter, we need to be very cautious about the marking scheme.
What are your suggestions?
I feel we want to alternate the assessment approach. The marking scheme ought to be such that an excessive amount of scoring isn’t there. Questions have to be extra difficult so that you have to consider them, instead in preference to depend upon rote studying. If a baby thinks and writes, I don’t assume an examiner could give complete marks because the solution will range from student to scholar. In the existing case, college students choose from the ebook and turn out to be getting complete marks. Rote gaining knowledge isn’t assisting a child in any way. CBSE has to review the paper setting all over again.
What ails our schooling device?
It is very percent-oriented. A faculty is considered superb if its college students have scored more than ninety. These days no person seems a college student who is rated much less than ninety. We want to inspire an infant to be modern and grow clearly; lateral questioning could be crucial. Unfortunately, in India, we don’t allow students to question teachers. Even our universities are located trying to a point. CBSE has taken on some projects to make mastering a laugh, which includes making artwork obligatory.
Yes, making artwork training mandatory is a good circulate, as is physical training. Unfortunately, no person assesses the general machine. But it is a superb beginning, and I experience art, and physical schooling will now take delivery of importance.
India can be part of PISA. Will it improve our schooling widely?
We can’t get away from these things. We must be a part of the global system and adjust ourselves. We should, but understand how to cross about it. We can’t afford to stagnate. What’s your recommendation to college students who have above 90% and people who’ve scored average marks?
Students who’ve scored common marks shouldn’t fear approximately these marks and focus on getting to know them. My recommendation to the ninety holders: Don’t get too elated. It’s just that every so often you do thoroughly, but in the end, it’s miles the studying that’s extra essential, no longer the marks. For parents, my humble recommendation might be: Don’t pressure your infant to chase marks.