The educational landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift as the CBSE launches OBE for students in classes 9th to 12th. This initiative comes on the heels of past experiments conducted by CBSE during the academic years 2015-2017. The open book assessments were piloted for classes 9th and 11th. The proposal suggests a departure from conventional examination methods. It has focused on enhancing students’ higher-order thinking skills.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Open Book Examination:
1. Encourages Critical Thinking:
One of the foremost advantages of open-book exams is their ability to nurture critical thinking skills among students. Traditional exams often rely on rote memorization. Open book assessments prompt students to analyze and synthesize information. This shift towards critical thinking benefits individual learners. It also contributes to a more robust education system.
2. Access to Study Material:
In the proposed open-book examination system, students receive study materials well in advance of the exams. This proactive approach allows students to delve into the subject matter over an extended period. It fosters a deeper understanding of the topics. The students can approach the examination with a more nuanced and informed perspective. The students will have comprehensive study materials and enough for preparation.
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3. Reduced Stress:
The conventional examination setting often induces stress and anxiety among students. Open-book exams, by permitting students to refer to their notes and textbooks, reduce some of this stress. The familiar reference materials act as a support system. It empowers students to approach questions with confidence. It reduces the fear of forgetting crucial information during the exam.
Consultation and Considerations
The advantages of open-book exams are evident. The road to their implementation involves careful consultation and consideration. CBSE has initiated a consultative process. It will seek insights from Delhi University. DU, which had itself adopted open book measures during the COVID-19 era. A pilot run for selected subjects and classes. They include English, Maths, and Science for classes 9th and 10th, and English, Maths, and Biology for classes 11th and 12th, is underway. This strategic move aims to gauge stakeholder responses. It assesses the time students take to complete such tests.
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The past experiments when CBSE launches OBE during 2015-2017 for classes 9th and 11th recorded negative responses. The students and academicians weren’t happy with this decision. The current proposal extends the scope to classes 9th to 12th, indicating a potential evolution in approach. The pilot run is a deliberate step to address past concerns. It will help to understand the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing open-book examinations.
Disadvantages of Open Book Examination:
1. Potential Reliance on Materials:
Critics argue that open-book exams may lead to a dependency on reference materials. Students might focus on memorizing where to find information. They shouldn’t internalize the content, hindering deep learning.
2. Time Management Challenges:
Allowing students access to many study materials in exams can lead to time management issues. Students might spend too much time searching for information, risking their ability to finish the exam on time. This could compromise the fairness of the assessment. Striking a balance between using references and completing the exam becomes a challenge. The concern is that the availability of resources might distract students. It hinders their focus on answering questions within the given time.
Traditional exams provide a standardized assessment environment, ensuring uniformity in evaluating students. Open-book exams, introduce variability based on individual resources. Students choose to bring, complicating the assessment process.
DU students demand online open book examination
Conclusion
CBSE launches OBE for students of class 9-12th. Despite facing difficulties before, the new plan for classes 9th to 12th shows a willingness to learn from mistakes and adapt to the needs of 21st-century education. This approach demonstrates a commitment to making improvements based on past experiences. It reflects a positive step toward creating a better learning environment. This approach indicates a commitment to making informed decisions for the benefit of students. By seeking feedback and trying out the new system in a limited manner first, authorities aim to ensure a smooth transition to open-book examinations. It’s a step towards creating a more modern and effective learning environment.
