Anna University’s exam system may not allay quality concerns

CHENNAI: For long, the quality of engineering graduates produced by Anna University and its affiliated colleges has come under question. To tide over this the institution is putting in place the most

stringent

assessment system, expecting every student to score 90%.


While the intention is to improve overall quality, what raises concern among educationists is the blindfolded approach with focus on marks instead of learning. Last week, Anna University announced that a student failing in a subject thrice would have to redo the entire four-year course.

While some, like education consultant Moorthy Selvakumaran, say this is the standard procedure followed across

the country, others feel failure of a student is a reflection of the academic system and should be addressed thus. "The fact that a student has not been able to pass the subject is not just his/her responsibility. It is equally the fault of the teacher. One must be allowed to sit for the classes again for that subject," said principal of a Salem-based college. Until now each semester

exam

had two sections. The first part comprised 10 two-mark questions and the second part had five 16-mark questions.

According to the new rule, the second part is tweaked, with six questions, of which five are of 13 marks each and the last creative question is for 15 marks.

"While increasing difficulty level to test knowledge is good, the university should understand that creating a balance is also crucial," said a professor of a Coimbatore-based college.

The issue came to light when results of the first semester examination were published. Teachers and students were appalled with the performance in engineering mathematics. "Our college’s average performance without mathematics is 80%, but if we include mathematics it drops to 35%," said a professor from

Namakkal

.

"I do not question the degree of difficulty of the curriculum. It is important to revise the syllabus to stay updated," he said but also stressed on the unstated rule that a paper usually has 25% questions with high difficulty to ensure an average 60% of the students can clear the exam. Experts state that each class has students of different calibre and interests.

Further, while the intention of the last question, which has to be answered creatively, is good, its point is lost as the duration of the exam is limited. "Writing six detailed answers along with 10 short ones in three hours is a big ask," said the professor.

To bring in a more application-based, creative and flexible assessment, experts suggest decentralization of the examination system. Akin to universities abroad that give 60% weightage to internal

assessment

of assignments, seminars, tests and quizzes instead of one written exam. The evaluation is also transparent as the revaluation can be done in front of the student.

About five years ago, Anna University, took away the powers of its regional centres to conduct exams. "There are many institutions who exploit the decentralized system. They intend to produce only degree holders, not employable graduates," said a mechanical engineering professor and principal. "Anna University needs to create a system where any malpractice in the examination process is identifiable," he added.

The colleges have made representations to the Anna University management. "We are expecting that there will be some changes. The best solution would be to have an independent board that does not involve people holding positions in institutions to frame regulations and monitor the system," said the principal from Salem.