The Chronicle Times Of Education(2020-Till Now) : The pandemic Covid -19 has changed our perspective with education, exams and teacher student bond. The Lockdown and the subsequent shift to virtual learning have forced us to look at the student-teacher dynamic, the examination system and analyze their shortcomings. Old-school teaching allowed teachers to make rounds of the classroom and to some extent individually assess the performance and understanding of every student.
In the second week of March, state governments across the country began shutting down schools and colleges temporarily as a measure to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. It’s close to a month and there is no certainty when they will reopen. This is a crucial time for the education sector—board examinations, nursery school admissions, entrance tests of various universities and competitive examinations, among others, are all held during this period.
The structure of schooling and learning, including teaching and assessment methodologies, was the first to be affected by these closures.
Change in the examination system
It is now impossible for schools to conduct exams like they used to. Written exams which had a humongous syllabus have now been rendered ineffective. The entire system has come under the microscope where marks are useless and it is the understanding of the curriculum that has taken precedence.
Even though some schools are still focusing on how to make tests foolproof using proctoring and cameras, many schools have started relying on data to give them insight. Many schools, who jumped the wagon of live classes, just switched the mode of delivery from in-person teaching to using tools like Zoom and Teams.
CBSE 12th Board Exams 2021: What is the New Pattern, How to Prepare for it?
Crucial exams like the Boards, undergraduate entrance exams and other competitive exams are either postponed or cancelled. While the students of CBSE class 10th will be promoted without exams this year, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will hold a crucial meeting on May 17 in light of the increased demand for the cancellation of the CBSE class 12 board exams 2021. Nishank might take a final decision in the virtual meeting about the conduction of class 12 board exams, after interacting with education secretaries of all states. Prior to this, the Union Minister will be reviewing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the education sector. There will also be discussion on the New Education Policy (NEP) and the promotion of online education.
Irrespective of the dates, a consistent study pattern and the right resources will help you score high in not only your CBSE 12th Boards, but also the college entrance exams.
This year has been exceptionally unpredictable in terms of mode of instruction, a timeline of syllabus completion, date sheet of examinations, and even the pattern of exams. In a situation like this, we appreciate the concern and understanding shown by authorities in limiting the syllabus and fine-tuning the exam format to make it tighter and effective.
Here are some advantages of the new format and pattern:
· Syllabus reduction
· Limited writing
· Case study format
· Understanding the pattern
Where to practice for new pattern
· CBSE has already published subject-wise sample question papers online, which will help students get an idea of what to expect and prepare for.
· Students should attempt back exercise questions and the entire NCERT question bank to make sure they can solve the questions accurately within the given time limit.
· These sample question papers will give students an idea of the number of questions per section, be it MCQs or case-study-based questions, thereby providing a fair idea of required time allocation.
· Extensive learning and retention are required for the MCQ format as the numerous choices may appear to be correct when attempting the questions.
· Since there is no negative marking in this format, it is recommended that students attempt all questions.
· Reasoning topics from NCERT should be thoroughly looked at and answered from the question bank.
· Students must not fail to attempt MCQ or case-study or reason-based questions as these can be easily answered and holds the most number of marks on the paper.
Staying focused till the end
Examinations have been a part of students’ lives. They must remember that the only thing that has changed is the pattern. Their ability, intelligence, and commitment to perform – are factors in their control. The students themselves are the masters of their destiny.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X