Setting a unique example, Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) chairman Anand Bhushan on Thursday declared that his salary would be linked to the performance of students in intermediate science examination.
The move, to come into effect from 2014, is surprising but underscores the council’s resolve to address the falling success graph in Intermediate Science (ISc) exams. The last few years have upset Bhushan. Addressing a valedictory session of a teachers’ training programme, the JAC chairman said, “If the result doesn’t improve, I’ll draw less salary. This (improving results) is my moral responsibility.”
The chairman will draw salary equivalent to the average arrived at by calculating results, in percentage, of all examinations conducted by the council. Bhushan also motivated teachers to follow his example for at least two months. “If we cannot improve performance, then we should put pressure on ourselves,” he urged.
The chairman announced a slew of measures to improve performance next year, including changing the marking pattern to make it student-friendly. Step marking will be introduced in at least two questions carrying four and six marks. Teachers also suggested bringing in multiple choice questions and alternatives.
“The pattern will be approved very soon and then it will be implemented,” added Bhushan. JAC has decided to follow the CBSE pattern keeping in mind students’ aptitude. “We must change our focus. Instead of deducting marks, we should see where to award them,” maintained Bhushan. JAC is also preparing a question bank for all science subjects, to be uploaded on its website. More than 400 model questions on each subject will soon get final shape — based on the concept of varying intelligence, study styles and ambitions.
“Those who aspire for small jobs can focus on questions that are sufficient to score minimum pass marks,” Bhushan pointed out. Earlier, the JAC chief also mooted a class XI exam before the ISc so teachers and students get more time to prepare for the boards. He asked teachers to take extra classes on Sundays and organise orientation programmes among themselves. “Seek help of the officials for such district-wise orientation and inform me also,” he added.