The larger context of education is to prepare futuristic citizens for a meaningful
and productive life in a globalised society. There is a dire need to strengthen the
education system even more so in a pluralistic society which addresses itself to a
heterogeneous group. Evaluation is a means of realising the extent to which we
have been successful in imparting such an education. Evaluation is an
indispensable part of the educational process as some form of assessment is
necessary to determine the effectiveness of teaching learning processes and their
assimilation by learners.
External examinations ‘are largely inappropriate for the ‘knowledge society’ of the 21st
century and its’ need for innovative problem solvers’, Questions if not framed well,
“call for rote memorization and fail to test higher-order skills like reasoning and analysis,
lateral thinking, creativity and judgement. External exams make no allowance for
different types of learners and learning environments and induce an in-ordinate level of
anxiety and stress”.
(NCF- Position paper on Examination Reforms)
This calls for a functional and reliable system of School-Based Evaluation.
We need to look at the holistic assessment of a learner which also includes co-
scholastic area of Life Skills, Attitudes and Values, Sports and Games as well as
Co-Curricular activities. The CCE scheme aims at addressing this in a holistic
manner. A number of National Committees and Commissions in the past have
consistently made recommendations regarding reducing emphasis on external
examination and encouraging internal assessment through School-Based
Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation.
Therefore, the CCE scheme brings about a paradigm shift from examination to
effective pedagogy.
National Curriculum Framework 2005, while proposing Examination Reforms
has also stated – “Indeed, Boards should consider, as a long-term measure, making the
Class X Examination Optional, thus permitting students continuing in the same school
(and who do not need a Board certificate) to take an internal school exam instead “.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development also announced-
“Push the process of examination reform in accordance with NCF 2005. This will
include making the Class X examination optional, thus permitting students continuing
in the same school (and who do not need a board certificate) to take an internal school
assessment instead “.
In the light of the above background, surveys and consultations with various
stakeholders across the country and the given mandate of CBSE, the Board, on
the advice of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of
India has decided to introduce the following Scheme:-
1. Scheme of the Board
1.1 Senior Secondary Schools
a) There will be no Class X Board Examination w.e.f. 2011 for students
studying in CBSE’s Senior Secondary schools and who do not wish to
move out of the CBSE system after Class X.
b) However, such students of Senior Secondary Schools who wish to move
out of the CBSE system after Class X (Pre-University, Vocational course,
Change of Board, etc.) will be required to take the Board’s External (pen
and paper written/online) Examination.
c) Further, those students who wish to assess themselves vis-à-vis their peers
or for self assessment will be allowed to appear in an On Demand (pen
and paper/ online) Proficiency test.
Secondary Schools
The students studying in CBSE’s Secondary schools will however
be required to appear in Board’s External (pen and paper
written/online) Examination because they will be leaving the
secondary school after Class X.
All Schools
The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) will be
strengthened in all affiliated schools with effect from October,
2009 in Class IX.
An Optional Aptitude Test developed by the CBSE will also be
available to the students. The Aptitude Test along with other school
records and CCE would help students, parents and teachers in
deciding the choice of subjects in Class XI.All students of Class X in
the current academic year will be taking the CBSE Board’s Class X
2010 Examination. The CBSE will be conducting this Examination.
The weightage of the school based assessment will remain the same
as per past practice, i.e. 20% each in the subjects of Science, Social
Science and Mathematics.
The new Grading system will be introduced at Secondary School
level (for Classes IX & X) effective from 2009-10 Academic
Session. The details of grading scheme are being circulated in a
separate advisory to schools.
Details of the scheme are annexed at (Annexure-I) all for ready reference.
2.
How would the Scheme help?
The above steps would help the learners and parents, who are the primary
stakeholders of school education, in the following manner:-
a) It will reduce stress and anxiety which often builds up during
and after the examination which could have an adverse impact on
young students especially in the age group of 13-15 years.
b) It will reduce the dropout rate as there will be less fear and
anxiety related to performance.
c) In the past there was practice to often finish the entire syllabus
much before time and follow it up with Pre-Board(s) and study
leave. Now there will be greater focus on learning rather than
teaching to the test.
d) The emphasis on conceptual clarification through experiential
learning in the classroom will increase since there will be more
time available for transaction of curriculum.
e) It will help the learners to develop holistically in terms of
personality by also focussing on the co-scholastic aspects which
will be assessed as part of the Continuous and Comprehensive
Evaluation scheme.
f) It is expected to prepare the students for life by making students
physically fit, mentally alert and emotionally balanced.
g) The students will have more time on their hands to develop their
interests, hobbies and personalities.
h) It will enable the students, parents and teachers to make an
informed choice about subjects in Class XI.
i) It will motivate learning in a friendly environment rather than in
a fearful situation.
j) It will equip students with Life Skills especially Creative and
Critical thinking skills, social skills and coping skills which will
keep them in a good stead when they enter into a highly
competitive environment later on.
Addressing the Concerns
The CBSE has been discussing the matter with its stakeholders all over the
country. A number of issues are likely to be raised by students/parents
regarding this initiative, as it is being done for the first time by any Board
in India. A compilation of such issues, and solutions offered by the Board
in the form of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) will be soon available on
the CBSE website. In case of any clarification you may write through the
CBSE’s website (detailed below) or mail your queries to the Chairman
CBSE by superscribing “CBSE Examination Reform” on the top of the
envelop.
CCE Guidelines
Many of the Schools are already aware about the CCE and are
implementing the same. However, in order to improve the quality of CCE,
the detailed guidelines are being issued and will reach the schools shortly.
These will also be available on CBSE website (www.cbse.nic.in).
Training Workshops
Teacher training workshops will be conducted simultaneously from
October 2009 onwards. These training workshops will be compulsory for
the Heads of Schools and two teacher representatives. Details of these
will be available on the CBSE’s website. Principals and trained teachers
will be thereafter interacting with parents during Parent Teacher Meetings
to create awareness regarding the Board’s Scheme and address their
concerns.
Request to School Principals
The CBSE is committed to the enhancement of quality in school education
and it plans to empower schools to assess the students without
compromising on any quality parameter. It has full faith in the Principals
and teachers of its affiliated schools and hopes that the following action
will be taken in the shortest possible time:-
a) Explain the above scheme in detail to the parents, teachers and
students specially those in Classes IX and X and interact with
parents of these students to create awareness and sensitise them.
b) Collect and forward the information about number of students in
Class IX in the current academic session.
c) Forward this data to the Regional Office concerned in the
enclosed Proforma definitely by 15th October 2009.(Annexure 2)
Further Clarification
Comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of CCE will be available in
the Teachers’ Manual on School Based Assessment shortly. This will also be
hosted on the CBSE website (www.cbse.nic.in)
No comments:
Post a Comment