Learning without burden

NCERT’s suggestions to make Class X board exams voluntary for those seeking higher education gives way to an open ended-debate, Hyderabad Times explores...
TAKING exams can be on a student’s wish list now. The National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) focus group on examination reforms, which was constituted as part of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), has come up with suggestions to better the existing educational system for Class X and XII.
Amongst the various propositions, scrapping Class X exams to bring down stress levels, and advocating the Kerala board model for Class XII tops the list.
To skip or not to skip, that is the question
Has matriculation lost its value? Well, the NCF seems to think so. And Hyderabadis have a mind of their own. “The idea is to save students from unwarranted tension. And if board examinations for class X are abolished, financial burden on the parents will also reduce as parents send their kids to expensive tuition classes," says K Raghav, a CBSE teacher. “Also, if this rule is implemented, then the final result will be based on yearround evaluation and assessment. This will make students attend school on a regular basis," he adds.
Event manager Bunty Bajaj agrees, “A continuous assessment will ease the pressure and encourage kids to do better. Backing for the Kerala board model, wherein the exams are held three-four times a year and you have the choice to take particular exam at a time, is also a good decision."
There are people who agree that instead of abolishing exams, the system should be made transparent and simple. “It will diminish the competitive spirit amongst them. Class X serves as a real footing
for numerous entrance exams and competitions. It also prepares students for college. If made optional, it will only ruin the chances of students getting selected for technical institutes," explains Una Morris, a school principal.
Pratap Gurudwan, an engineering student, however thinks, “These exams test a student’s preparation level. Skipping board examinations will certainly bring down the standard of education."
The last word
The big question for such proposed reforms is ‘will they work?’ “These guidelines are indicative that we are teaching our students escapism. In the higher hierarchy, if you’re not making any changes, then the stress will definitely catch up," says Una.
What if the existing system is outdated? NCERT emphasises on learning without burden and childcentred education repeatedly. Its volley of suggestions include cutting down on the number of textbooks, making assessment methods flexible, and promoting more inclusive learning. As educationist Anjum Babu Khan puts it, “By breaking away from established notions, the framework will lay the ground for making learning more exciting. The curriculum should be sensitive to the needs of children and understand that the ultimate goal of education is to motivate, and impart knowledge for life, not just for a board exam."