New Assessments By CISCE An Extra Burden On Students Fears Teachers

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) decided to introduce compulsory assessment tests in classes V and VIII in the next academic year. Many senior academics have questioned the board on such a decision. The board claims that it will not be like boards but it would be an assessment of how students can creative apply their knowledge and skills acquired. But the teachers and parents believe that will just add the burden on the students. As a teacher, Nirmal Singh Lotus thinks that no matter what is said the parents will be under a lot of stress, even the students will fear the assessments like they feel for the board exams. 

He adds that such a decision would make or education board even more rigid. He adds, “Results can never determine the teaching quality of an institution, it will yet again feed on the gasping power of the child, for which we already have a lot of tests and exams. He believes that our system is too textbook oriented, the result of which never tells the true intelligence of a child. 

After going through the modified syllabus sent by the board Nirmal Singh Lotus says that even though they have started prepping up for the new syllabus it will take them time to get comfortable with it. He believes that the sudden introduction of IQ -oriented assessment makes no sense. Class V is too early to make students worry over board exams. But he does feel that it might be a good exposure with class VIII since the syllabus is crisp and more scientific.

 Chief executive and secretary, Gerry Arathoon said, “It will just be an assessment, which will be outsourced. The new syllabus is just being introduced and they want to see that the quality is maintained. These assessments will be in no way like a board exam. It is also not binding on promotions. It is just an assessment done by the council." 

The parents too are having mixed emotions about the boards decision. Although most of the parents are stressed about the same, there are some parents who think it might help their children study in a more organized and logical way. Plus the assessment might help them get comfortable about the exams later on.

As an academic faculty, Nirmal Singh Lotus believes that if when board comes up with curriculum to reduce the burden from the children the other should not defy it and go otherwise.