Time to focus on consistent evaluation of students

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The current surge in cases has resulted in schools and colleges cancelling exams. Lakhs of students and their parents heaved a sigh of relief, as a decision was finally made after weeks of uncertainty and stress and anxiety lessened.

The current outbreak has been so challenging for students and teachers. We have had reports about the difficulties of online teaching, how students are struggling with this new concept, the tough times that teachers have gone through and the unhealthy amount of time youngsters are spending in front of their device. Numerous accounts about these aspects means that we are familiar with all the obstacles. Yet academics within the outbreak should surely make us think.

There has been evaluation on performance through the year in certain cases, as exams have been cancelled. This is a refreshing way to ensure consistency in learning, rather than put all the stress on one or two exams held mid or end of the year.

It ensures that students stay alert through the months, and keep up their learning. It may make us debate whether this is a better way for students to study rather than that one big make-or-break test at the end of the year. The exam results shape lives and decide destinies given the absolute and inordinate stress on marks that is part of our system.

Let the pandemic be a trigger for talk and thought about a more consistent approach for evaluating students not just in elite, upscale schools with international boards but all across. It may not work out, exams may still ultimately be best, but this warrants serious discussion and can lead to beneficial transformation taking the accent away from one shot or two shots at success, and a spaced out consistent system of assessing the student and ensuring they do not slack through the year.