Kapil Sibal's 'Dus' ka Dum

Kapil babu says that it will rot the rote. Well we are up for it. But is Mr. Sibal's 'Dus' ka dum really foolproof? A brief examination...(grades only!)

So finally a decade long plan to scrap off Class X boards examinations will be implemented. Or rather it will be made optional. In March 2010, there will be exams but no marks, only grades. In March 2011, exams will be made optional and there would be no marks and grades. So the question arises how will the students be evaluated? And the western notion of internal tests, assessments based on personal skills creeps in. Good for many, strange for few and for others, skeptical. Remember the world of Riverdale in good ol' Archie comics? How there used to be surprise quizzes, tests, projects and umpteen homework which made archie, betty, ronnie, and reggie burn the midnight oil over them. A similar thing, if not the same, is going to be introduced by the education minister in CBSE schools-a change which may alter the fabric of the Indian education system. Lets examine whether it will be for good or otherwise...

A. No marks, only grade

The level of competition among students and their parents over ho has scored better and who has outstripped whom by how many marks is on a fanatical and foolish rise. which is leading to extremem steps taken by students-like suicides and by parents-like making their wards work till the last drop of his energy so that he can beat the neighbouring bittu in exams. A mere tool to satisfy their inflated ego. All these would stop through this blanket of a rule which will have no differentiation between a student who gets 91 and the one who scores 99. Though on the flip side, it will tamper with meritocracy. The exact marks, I hear, will not be disclosed. Also, further rectification based on current performance will not be exacted as the marks will not be shown.

B. Comprehensive Evaluation

Meaning assessment through everything except for studies. like speaking skills, oratory, physical education, mental assessment, memory power, diction, emotional skills, attitude towards teachers, school mates and public property, attention power, drawing skills and so on. An international module but very difficult to implement. Why? because of the underskilled and the half baked talent of the teachers in India. A lot of time would require to train the existing teachers in the new formula. And, not sounding cynical, I seriously doubt the assessment capability of our esteemed teachers. But then it will add to the all round ability of a student. There are padhakoos who simply dig themselves up in books and score a perfect ten in exams but are wimps when it comes to public speaking. There are others who are really good in studies but are equally inattentive in classes. This rule may be the nail in the coffin for the under achievements of these students.

C. Internal tests

The CBSE will send some suggestions in the form of question which the schools will set their questions from and evaluate internally (grades will be awarded). No questions of exam pressure. Students can very well chill. Though not to th extent of thinking that my favourite teacher is evaluating my scripts, which may guarantee me better marks. But the concept of favouritism looms large as a possible and later on, inevitable negative to this module. also, I hear that the FAQs will be enlisted on the CBSE website. cant this give access to the students, the possible questions that may come?

D. Extra curricular assessments

Like homeworks and projects. I personally feel that a round the year assessments on shorts like these can go a long way in building up the character of students and also take away the real fear factor among the students-which is exams. Projects will need creativity, the need to pay attention in classes, dexterity among the students. Regular homeworks will ensure that the students follow up whatever was taught in the classes that day and also exercise their brain after that. It will also give the parents another reason to hanker after those students who feel that education is only limited to schools. But this is, apparently, the biggest complains among the children and their parents. They want this regulation to be scrapped as it may bring unnecessary pressure to the students. But surely, nothing can be worse than terminal exams, can it be? Apart from this assessment will also be made on GK, computer science will will enhance the comprehensibility of a student.

So as we can see, everything has its flip side though i appreciate the minister's initiative to revolutionize our education system in an attempt to decrease pressure and increase global standards of the Indian education system. Though the evils of corruption, inability to assess correctly owing to the lack of skilled teachers, competition ( now to the accord of whose child is more attentive, or has the best oratory skills or has dished out the best project) will ultimately and inevitably creep in. So its not a foolproof system entirely. What i feel is that the minister can be a bit slower and impart proper skills to the teachers and remove all doubts from the minds of the students and the teachers before proceeding to implement these. Yes, if the government thinks that it can be possible in another two years and has faith in our teachers' adaptability then nobody should complain. The common man does advocate plans for improvisation but it also demands results...