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Journalism of Courage
With a persistent tendency to match the ever-growing needs of education and a resolve to prepare students for contemporary times, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made some substantial changes in the examination pattern for Classes 11 and 12. The modifications in the CBSE exam pattern are aimed at promoting holistic development and critical thinking among students encapsulating different domains, from question format to assessment pattern.
Let us take a quick look at the changes adopted by CBSE
– An important modification is the decline in the importance of the final board exam results from 100 to 80 per cent. The rest of the grade will be calculated on the basis of assessments, practical exams, and project work that compose the remaining 20 per cent.
The reason for this type of change is to create an ecosystem that reduces rote learning and focuses on competency-based application of the concepts taught in the classroom. This seeks to enable the learners to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
– The percentage of competency-based questions in the form of MCQs, case-based and source-based questions has significantly increased from 40 to 50 per cent while the percentage of constructed response questions that include both short and long answers has been reduced from 40 to 30 per cent.
– The changes implemented in the CBSE exam pattern can have a significant impact on the students. The increase in the competency-based question will enable students to apply practical skills in everyday learning and their understanding of the topics covered in the classroom can be enhanced, thus leading to a profound conceptualization of the subjects.
– The technological advancements nowadays that urge educators to involve internal evaluation and project work are seen as effective techniques for fostering creativity and independent learning in students.
– Moreover, the reliance on application-oriented queries gives students the foundation they need for the next phase of their educational journey. However, the change in CBSE exam format might be a completely new experience for the students who are acquainted with the traditional mode of exams.
– Adapting to the new assessment methodologies and mastering application-based questions may require a shift in mindset and study habits.
– The increased weightage of internal assessments in CBSE board exams could necessitate consistent efforts throughout the academic year rather than making efforts at the eleventh hour.
The latest developments in the CBSE assessment techniques have their advantages and drawbacks. This evaluation method can be an effective way to relieve students of stress and anxiety and expose them to a more favorable learning environment. The critical thinking and competency-based approach of this curriculum prepares students with skill sets that are pivotal to their growth and future success.
However, the major drawback or challenge is the difficulty with implementation. Ensuring uniformity in internal assessments across schools, maintaining the quality of project work, and training teachers to evaluate students’ conceptual understanding and practical skills effectively are some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
It will also help break out of the usual habit, in which students are more acclimated to the traditional approach. This emphasises the need for communication and capacity-building exercises.
Successful application of the new pattern of the CBSE board exam stresses the preparedness of the teachers and schools. Teacher training programmes play a key role in helping teachers take up their respective skills and learnings to adjust to the pervasiveness of the changes.
An internalised measure needs to be advocated in schools to make the assessment procedures robust and effective.
The schools should also provide the necessary materials and tools to promote the success of the students. School-college collaborations and educational authorities would be required to address the challenges and ensure timely implementation to achieve a successful transition.
Regular feedback mechanisms and continuous monitoring can help highlight areas for improvement and upgrade the examination format from time to time.
The modifications made in the CBSE exam pattern for classes 11 and 12 help reduce rote learning and focus on competency-based application of the concepts. This will enable the learners to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
(The author is the Chief Operating Officer at Manav Rachna Educational Institutions)
