Siddharth Rajgarhia
Chief Learner and Director
Delhi Public School
Varanasi I Nashik I Lava Nagpur I Hinjawadi Pune
In the quiet hours of a school night, beneath the weight of textbooks and the dim glow of study lamps, lies a reality too often overlooked—the silent struggle of students grappling with the pressures of traditional assessments. In students’ rooms adorned with posters of dreams yet to be realized, young minds battle not just for grades, but for a sense of worth and belonging. This is the untold story behind the scores and rankings, where the shadows of anxiety and self-doubt loom large. Yet, amidst this tumult, assessments hold a promise greater than judgment; they wield the power to illuminate paths of discovery, ignite the spark of curiosity, and nurture the seeds of holistic growth. In the heart of our educational journey, as educators, learners, and advocates, we stand at a crossroads—a moment where we must redefine assessments not as harbingers of stress, but as beacons of celebration, guiding each student toward their unique journey of learning and success.
In recent years, the discourse surrounding assessments has evolved significantly, shedding light on the detrimental impacts of traditional examination-centric approaches on students’ mental well-being. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) underscores a disturbing reality, highlighting a concerning rise in student suicides attributed to the pressures of exams and results. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), as reported by a reputed media house, revealed that a staggering 81% of respondents identified studies, exams, and results as major sources of anxiety. The traditional paradigm of assessments has taken a toll on our students’ holistic development, emphasizing performance over genuine learning experiences.
The release of the 18th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 titled ‘Beyond Basics’ by an NGO serves as a clarion call for urgent action. The report paints a stark picture of the educational landscape, highlighting significant gaps in basic and applied reading and math abilities, and skills awareness among Indian youth. Shockingly, approximately 26.5% of the youth cannot read a Class II level text fluently in their regional language, while over half struggle with basic concepts like division, and only 45% demonstrate basic arithmetic proficiency. These findings underscore the critical need for a paradigm shift in our approach to assessments, focusing not only on academic proficiency but also on equipping students with essential life skills and competencies.
Embracing a Paradigm Shift: Assessments as Celebrations of Learning
In response to these challenges, progressive educational institutions across India have embarked on a transformative journey to redefine assessments as celebrations of learning. Rather than viewing assessments as mere evaluations of students’ knowledge retention, we have cultivated supportive environments where assessments serve as opportunities for students to showcase their skills and knowledge. By meticulously aligning assessments with specific learning outcomes, educators ensure that each assessment serves a purpose in advancing students’ understanding and mastery of key concepts.
Gone are the days of rigid examination formats; instead, assessments now encompass a diverse range of methods, including performance tasks that allow students to apply what they have learned to real-life scenarios, learning expeditions, and small formative assessments integrated into every lesson. These varied assessment approaches empower students to take ownership of their learning journey and apply academic concepts to real-life scenarios. Moreover, by providing students with authentic and meaningful assessment experiences, educators foster a culture of engagement, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Personalized Learning Pathways
At the heart of this paradigm shift lies a deep commitment to recognizing and nurturing each student’s strengths and passions. Rejecting the one-size-fits-all model of assessments, it is important to embrace flexibility and inclusivity, tailoring assessment practices to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student.
Consider the case of a student in one of my schools who went to Italy on a show where he created a Guinness world record. Another student from grade 7 was selected for trials for selection for State Sub-Junior Boys’ National Football Championship. We did not hold them to traditional assessment methods. Instead of confining them to traditional assessment methods, educators provided tailored opportunities for them to showcase their skills and flexibility with exams. This personalized approach not only fosters academic success but also instills a sense of confidence and self-belief in students, empowering them to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen fields.
Charting a Course for the Future: Reimagining Assessments
Aligned with the National Education Policy of 2020, CBSE has undertaken significant measures to implement Competency-Based Education in schools. These initiatives encompass various facets, including the alignment of assessments with competencies, the creation of exemplary resources for both teachers and students and ongoing capacity building for educators. Central to these efforts is the Board’s commitment to fostering an educational ecosystem that transcends rote memorization, instead focusing on nurturing the creative, critical, and systems-thinking capacities essential for meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
For grades 9-12, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced Competency-Focused Questions, accounting for 50% of assessments. These questions, presented in formats such as MCQs, Case-Based Questions, and Source-Based Integrated Questions, represent a significant departure from traditional assessment structures, signalling a positive shift towards a more inclusive and progressive educational framework.
As educators and leaders, we stand at a pivotal moment in history, poised to chart a new course for the future of assessments in Indian education. We must harness the power of data to inform our decisions and drive meaningful change. By meticulously aligning assessments with specific learning outcomes, educators must ensure that each assessment serves a purpose in advancing students’ understanding and mastery of key concepts.
Within our educational framework, we have meticulously woven the three integral types of assessment—Assessment OF learning, FOR learning, and AS learning—into the fabric of our teaching practices, thereby shaping a comprehensive approach to achieving our learning outcomes.
Firstly, the assessment OF learning serves as a pivotal checkpoint, allowing us to gauge students’ progress and proficiency against predefined standards. Through carefully crafted summative assessments, we gain invaluable insights into our students’ academic growth, enabling us to provide targeted support and recognition for their achievements.
Weaving seamlessly the assessment FOR learning, our focus is to nurture a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. By integrating ongoing formative assessments conducted by both teachers and peers, we create a supportive environment where feedback becomes a catalyst for growth. Here, students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, actively engaging in their learning process with a sense of ownership and agency. This collaborative spirit empowers our students to embrace challenges and seize opportunities for growth at every turn.
Finally, assessment AS learning represents the pinnacle of student autonomy and self-discovery within our educational ethos. Here, learners take centre stage, assuming responsibility for their progress and actively engaging in self-assessment and reflection. Armed with a deep understanding of their learning goals and strategies for success, our students embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth.
By seamlessly integrating these three forms of assessment into our educational practices, we create a holistic learning environment that empowers students not only to meet academic standards but also to develop essential skills for lifelong learning and success.
At each stage, our focus extends beyond mere evaluation; it encompasses the attainment of competencies vital for holistic growth. Employing a diverse array of assessment methods, we tailor our approach to cater to the unique needs and learning styles of each student, ensuring that no one is left behind. By embracing this holistic perspective and harnessing the insights gleaned from data, we lay the foundation for a future where every student is empowered to unlock their full potential and thrive.
Continuing to refine and enhance our assessment practices fosters excellence and innovation, nurturing the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. By equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-changing world, we pave the way for their success. Together, we can shape a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and develop a success mindset.
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