In a move aimed to discourage students from rote learning and encouraging them to develop analytical skills, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan has changed the examination pattern for students of government schools and private schools that are recognised by the government from Classes I to VIII. The new pattern will come into effect from the ensuing quarterly exams. The SSA, which monitors the education of students in government schools from Classes I to VIII, has introduced a ‘Learning Enhancement Programme’ (LEP) as part of the new exam policy to facilitate complete understanding of the subjects in a scientific way.
All these years, the students were given a one-page question paper in six different subjects and were asked to write the required answers within the specified word-count. However, according to the new pattern, each subject will now have a four-page question paper with questions drafted in a way that will test the analytical and understanding skills of the students. The department has decided to supply new question papers to all the schools. However, the new system has evoked criticism from teachers’ unions who argued that the decision was taken in haste without consulting the teachers and students. “The new examination system is good but we came to know about the new method just two weeks ago, while the exams are scheduled to commence from next week. How can the government expect the students to perform well in the exams if they are not trained as per the new pattern?” asked Mr K. Venugopal, president, Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation.
Source : DC