"I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think."
Socrates
HRD minister Kapil Sibal recently announced that CBSE 10th board exams will be optional from next year and the grading system will be put in place. Students will be allotted grades on basis of their performance throughout the academic year.
Indian education system has stood the test of time and a lot of questions are being raised on this new proposal. Main argument in favour of X class board exams is that it instils a sense of responsibility in students at an early age and they are much better prepared for XII class boards. Moreover a lot of students feel that boards are much more scoring than internals. Educationists however have welcomed the move. They feel that it was long overdue and will help in developing wholesome individuals. X class board exams are in no way a reflection of the aptitude of the students. Continuous evaluation throughout the year is definitely a better yardstick for allocating stream to students in class XI, rather than judging the student on basis of marks scored in single exam.
I reckon that there shouldn’t be any boards in class XII also. And if not, then a substantial weight age of board exam marks should be considered in entrance exams otherwise I see no point in scoring 96% marks in boards only to drop a year to get seat in good university.
Believe me, it does happen.. a lot.
It’s a good step forward. A lot more needs to be done though. We have world class institutes of higher learning such as IIT's, IIM's, IISC, BITS-Pilani etc where the education system and infrastructure in second to none. But what disheartens me is the quota system in these temples of learning, barring BITS-pilani. Not only does it denies an opportunity to deserving candidate, but it also become tough for such quota students to cope with studies and eventually they pass out with bad grades. Why can't we strengthen the primary education system instead? Why can’t we make education loans more accessible to lower classes? Why do we need to pass a bill for quota in private schools as well? Why can't we improve the quality of education in government schools itself?
There isn’t any scarcity of good ideas. Mid day meal scheme was one such great initiative. Statistics show that it had helped tremendously in increasing school attendance and to some extent in addressing malnutrition. Student exchange programmes could be started between govt and private schools whereby a few selected students from govt schools can spend a week in private schools and take back with them good practices being followed there. Each private school can adopt around fifty slum children and can organize one hour classes for them once a week in their premises. Instead of teaching the usual subjects, senior students can impart some moral education, play some team games and get a quick feedback on studies. This will not only help the poor children gain a lot more exposure but also help increase socialization amongst different stratum of society. Govt. should also step forward and give special recognition to such schools and students involved with such noble cause.
"You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one"
John Lennon
