I was very excited today! Finally we get to talk seriously about education reforms! My full support to Kapil Sibal who has taken it upon himself to start ushering in some changes. Going by the recommendations of the Yash Pal committee ( which was officially named as the "Committee to Renovate and Rujuvenate Universities), the central government is now suggesting that the 10th class board exams be made optional; that we introduce grading system instead of the marks system; that we need to invest more in research in higher education; and that we work towards de-traumatizing ( I loved this word when Kapil Sibal used it) our education system.
The idea behind the 10th exam is that if the student is just going from 10th to 11th in the same school, then what is the point in taking that exam? These changes are presently being mooted for CBSE board schools. It is an undisputable fact that the 10th class exams have become a major source of tension for both the children and parents. A totally unnecessary hype has been created around these exams, and thereby the chldren become more susceptible to stress. When I wrote this exam in 1996, I did feel a little tension but there was not so much pressure on me, or for that matter my friends. We felt more pressure during our Intermediate exams though (12th standard). Intermediate education in AP is something that needs drastic alterations, otherwise it is just going to kill the apepitite in students to learn freely. I once wrote about Teacher-Student relationship in The Hindu. ( Click here for feedback that was published too :) )
Anyways, coming back to the point, our education system, especially in recent times does not encourage creativity; does not encourage free thinking; and advocates punishment as a mean to enforce discipline. I think what Kapil Sibal is now proposing will surely help in children getting more involved with learning than just mugging up. It is totally unfair to subject 13-15 year olds to such intense pressure and then admonish them as fit for nothing even if they get 75% !!
I haven't read the committee report fully yet, will post another blog when I get to read it. But was too excited today, and hence posting this blog!
Ohh, by the way, our media is at it again! "X board exam to be scrapped?" is what the "Breaking News" all about. Kapil Sibal was at pains to explain that he is proposing an optional system, and no decision has been taken yet. He is also explaining very clearly on TV why some of the recommendations are being considered, and I must say he sounded very convincing. Unfortunately, our media is looking for sound bytes even while discussing this issue too! Randomly interviewing students and not allowing them to complete what they are saying, ubruptly interrupting the panel members, and what not! Come on media, atleast while discussing such issues, let's try to be a little bit more practical and little less rhetorical!
By the way, this cartoon in The Hindu last week says it all !
The idea behind the 10th exam is that if the student is just going from 10th to 11th in the same school, then what is the point in taking that exam? These changes are presently being mooted for CBSE board schools. It is an undisputable fact that the 10th class exams have become a major source of tension for both the children and parents. A totally unnecessary hype has been created around these exams, and thereby the chldren become more susceptible to stress. When I wrote this exam in 1996, I did feel a little tension but there was not so much pressure on me, or for that matter my friends. We felt more pressure during our Intermediate exams though (12th standard). Intermediate education in AP is something that needs drastic alterations, otherwise it is just going to kill the apepitite in students to learn freely. I once wrote about Teacher-Student relationship in The Hindu. ( Click here for feedback that was published too :) )
Anyways, coming back to the point, our education system, especially in recent times does not encourage creativity; does not encourage free thinking; and advocates punishment as a mean to enforce discipline. I think what Kapil Sibal is now proposing will surely help in children getting more involved with learning than just mugging up. It is totally unfair to subject 13-15 year olds to such intense pressure and then admonish them as fit for nothing even if they get 75% !!
I haven't read the committee report fully yet, will post another blog when I get to read it. But was too excited today, and hence posting this blog!
Ohh, by the way, our media is at it again! "X board exam to be scrapped?" is what the "Breaking News" all about. Kapil Sibal was at pains to explain that he is proposing an optional system, and no decision has been taken yet. He is also explaining very clearly on TV why some of the recommendations are being considered, and I must say he sounded very convincing. Unfortunately, our media is looking for sound bytes even while discussing this issue too! Randomly interviewing students and not allowing them to complete what they are saying, ubruptly interrupting the panel members, and what not! Come on media, atleast while discussing such issues, let's try to be a little bit more practical and little less rhetorical!
By the way, this cartoon in The Hindu last week says it all !
