Jun 20, 2002 12:02 PM
4571 Views
(Updated Jun 20, 2002 12:02 PM)
12 years of study in the Indian system of education. I am yet to figure out what the system intends to elicit of a pupil? Incomprehensive, bulky and unfair is what it seems to be rather than a true test of one’s genuine ability. What really can you extract in an examination of 3 hours? How can one judge the knowledge that a student has gained over a period of 2,3 or even 1 year in a couple of hours? That too in a subjective pattern of question paper. The only demand of the exam is the ability of elucidating points of concepts in a manner sufficient to catch the valuers’ eye so he can be awarded marks.
It is unfair, as in, the approach to a problem might be different, and some points in a topic important in the student’s point of view may not be significant enough in the evaluer’s regard. The malpractices followed are another menace. Such situations lead to an unfair verdict to the student. Since in the process of evaluation of answer scripts, only the scheme of evaluation is followed and that too strictly. To add to the fun, this system keeps changing every now and then. Unfortunately, not in a way to help a student but to enhance his burden. The system very frequently plays its role in amendments by changing the syllabus. That is all they do. Increase chapters included each year, thus enlarging the book in size and thereby its cost. Every new edition is new improved and has a fresh enhanced price. So anyone planning on opening a bookstore is in for a good run for his or her money inventory. Same for school bag dealers. The larger the bag, the better. Everyone looks for larger number of compartments. Returning to education system, the actual test of ability is missing. All one needs is the capability to memorize or learn by heart definitions, equations, diagrams, processes, phenomenon, terminology, may be even problems and then vomit the exact thing with precision in the stipulated time. Without omitting any detail. This can as well be done without understanding or learning.
A student may be very quick in grasping and understanding. Despite this he may fail to score too well because he loses out on writing skills. Where as a student with little understanding can score well as a result of good memorizing, writing and presentation skills that may have nothing to do with the concept. Knowledge and application based testing is hard to find. Increased syllabus also leads to tension amongst teaching staff. The rush to complete the portions obstructs individual attention and denies the young minds a chance for creativity and innovation. They are deprived of replies to the questions raised. Thus leaving hundreds of them unanswered. All that they learn provides them with a lot of food for thought but question-answer sessions are not too welcome in classes as they take up valuable time of the hours allotted to complete portions. Students thus turn to encyclopedias and other books. The volumes containing answers to most of their questions end up making them bookworms and big time geeks. Another disadvantage is the strength of the class.60-70 students all different and distinct in his or her own way but failing to find an identity in a crowd.
If given a little attention and care will surely be promising youth in time ahead. Everyone needs a little nurturing. There should be periodic tests and objective questioning all round the year. That should be considered for a pupil’s promotion. Rather than one bulky exam. Application and skill oriented testing should be conducted. In a rat race of cut throat competion to keep up with the changing times plus parental pressures, children have lost their childhood to huge books and the confines of 4 walls (either the classroom or their bedroom). Willful seriousness has drowned their mischief and geeky nerds crowned as young wizards are encouraged today. It is but a hope to see a kid in your block play a prank.
