Are Final Year Exams a Matter of Worry?
July 24, 2020
UGC's warning to states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal, who had called off exams for final year students before any notice could come, reveals a fundamental weakness of India's education system. It also betrays their poor understanding of CBCs (Choice Based Credits). Their insensitivity towards students during a worldwide recession and pandemic is inviting widespread criticism and backlash from students and teachers across the country.
Risks and Dangers
In a scenario where we are discovering new facts about the coronavirus every day, it is not only risky but also highly irresponsible for the University Grants Commission (UGC) to even hint at the possibility of offline exams, even at a later date. The latest Japanese research shows how easily coronavirus can spread by simply holding a conversation and by remaining suspended in the air. These droplets may spread and form due to activity as innocuous as coming face-to-face and talking. After recognizing that confined areas pose a danger to public health, schools, colleges, and workplaces have indefinitely shut down. That is why it is strange to see that even under such circumstances, the UGC considers exams to be the end-all and be-all for students.
As for conducting online exams, even though there is no conceivable risk, it is still worth noting that not all students have equal access to the internet or devices like smartphones and laptops. Even students with technology may face other barriers, such as home barriers or the need to take care of family members. That is why it’s imperative to consider other options like pass/fail instead of letter grades to offer more flexibility to students.
The deeper rationale behind opposing exams for final year students is that it is inhumane and unfair. Not only are students liable to face tough times during the pandemic, but the UGC also expects them to appear for an exam even though their professors have not taught them anything. They end up accumulating stress.
A final year student narrated her ordeal to us after we assured her that we wouldn't reveal her name. She reported, 'The college authorities are pushing us towards offline exams at a later date. My family is worried because there has been news of one or two students turning out to be COVID positive at exam centers.'
When asked why she imagines that authorities believe the 8th semester to be all-encompassing and all-important, she answers, 'If they didn't complete the formalities, the companies would not let the students start the job. Hence offers could be put on hold.'
However, the counterpoint to that is the oft-misunderstood system of CBCs (Choice Based Credits).
According to such a system, as students progress through each semester, they are awarded credits for each subject based on the number of hours per week put in. The system is meant to encourage students to study subjects of their choice. These credits not only prove that the students have fulfilled a requisite amount of work but also grant a certain amount of importance to each semester. That implies that each of them is equally important. The performance over the seven semesters that precede the eight-semester is more than enough and suitable to contribute to the final grade point average (CGPA).
History of Indian Higher Education System
From ancient age to the modern era, the Indian education system has seen many reforms. Takshshilla, Nalanda, and Vikramaksila were premium universities around the world during the ancient period. In comparison to that time, the model of the Indian higher educational institutes has changed. The Britishers established new universities that were inspired by the University of London. After independence, many changes occurred in the Indian higher education system. But if we talk about major reform in recent times then we can easily pick Rashtriya Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). The RUSA scheme was launched in 2013. The main aim of this centrally sponsored scheme was to provide fundings to the higher educational institutes. The major changes under this scheme were the introduction of the Semester System, the Choice-based Credit System, and new methods of Evaluation. The RUSA was also introduced to lessen the exam-centric approach of higher educational institutes. Internal Evaluation was introduced keeping the principle ‘those who teach should evaluate’.
Further, it gave three points for evaluation:
- Continuous Internal Evaluation
- End-of-semester Evaluation
- Integration of Continuous and End-of-semester Evaluation.
Many technical and professional institutes like BITS, IITs, and JNU were already using the semester system. But, RUSA gave rise to a semester-based system in India.
What can be the possible solutions?
These are the three main course of actions which schools and universities across the world have taken:
- Cancellation of examinations
- Postponement of examinations
- Continuation of examinations online
While the first and second option is arguably more student-friendly, the third option proves the student's robustness and employability in the future.
Perhaps, this is why Delhi University (DU) wanted to keep an online, open-book examination.
However, students called for the cancellation of such exams.
While the UK has successfully held open-book exams for six-year medical students by framing 150 questions to be solved in 3 hours, it is not fair to consider an open-book format for all circumstances.
Instructors must try to lessen the mental load of each student by normalizing the difficulty and keeping the process as fair as possible. Exams that are cancelled can be substituted with other measures of internal evaluation. For modified format exams, it is advisable to keep submissions and virtual meets open for a few days so that even students who experience issues in internet connectivity can participate and earn a grade. In the end, it does not matter which of these constitutes the right decision. Most importantly, the university/college must deliver timely updates to the students to not leave them hanging.
A popular petition to scrap final semester/year exams for students in all universities in India has already garnered over 239,524 votes out of its goal of 300,000 votes.
Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray also moved to the Supreme Court to file a petition against the decision. At present, the Supreme court is hearing the plea of 31 students who had challenged the circular by UGC.
Let us not normalize the pressurization of already stressed-out students. Marks do not indicate a child's potential. But it becomes a stain on their forehead and societal stigma that they have to carry. If effectively utilized, the score can also become a portal for long-term opportunities. Today, we urge you to back up the students and support them because they are precious gems. Don't force them and don't twist their arms. Let us wholeheartedly love them and safeguard their interests and future.
What do you think it is like to be a student during this pandemic? Tell us about your experiences and views.
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