Ludhiana, July 17: The proposal by the HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal regarding abolition of class X board examinations has evoked mixed reactions from the city-based academicians and educationists. Some find this policy a good one while others feel it of no importance
RS Grewal, a retired principal of GGN Public School, Rose Garden, said, “There is nothing new in the proposal of Kapil Sibal .The idea has been under active consideration of the CBSE for over two decades and they have already taken several steps in this direction. The whole idea is to de-emphasize the examination to reduce the stress caused by it at the school level.”
He further said that “No board examination for class X” does not mean no evaluation of any kind. Rather, continuous and comprehensive evaluation at the school level is an integral part of the scheme. In place of the Board certificate, the school will issue a certificate certifying, a successful completion of the course.
For the purpose of admission to the institutes of higher learning, there can always be a separate entrance test. The board examination are used as a tool to pressurize the teachers to perform. If this is the only way to make the teachers work then we must have board exams for all the classes starting from class I itself. Is it desirable? Certainly not.
The school teachers and their heads must start working sincerely and honestly. It is for the school heads to motivate the teachers to put in their best. Judicious monitoring, guidance and self-example will go a long way in improving the standard of teaching and learning.”
He said that learning ability of students would enhance in a stress-free atmosphere. The students can work with more creativity and originality if they can be freed from the fear created by our current system of examination.
Countering this view-pont, Manjit Kaur, principal of Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Daad village, said, “I am not in favour of it. Because of this, children will not be prepared to face the challenges of Class-XII board exam.
The CBSE should increase the internal assessment in board exam. At present, it is 25% but it can be increased further, but the board system should not be abolished.” She further said that children rather take this stress as a challenge and not as a headache.”
Sandeep Kaur, a school teacher, said, “The abolition of class X board can not be helpful in reducing suicidal practices among children because the class XII exam is also of board. Rather it will give rise to a ‘pick and choose’ practice.
The teachers’ favourite students will be given good marks , while others will be evaluated in routine. And slowly this will become a reason of frustration among students of the same class.”
–Agencies