Battle it out

The upcoming Boards can be a daunting task for both students and teachers. More so, because of the year-long online studies and lack of student-teacher interaction, says BHARAT GOYAL

The 10th & 12th board examinations are critical stepping stones in every student’s life & future. The results will help them come closer to their chosen professional dream.

COVID-19 pandemic scenario made digital or online education the norm and brought 360 degree change in the Indian educational system. Amidst this, the 2021 board examinations will be the testing grounds for the future of the students and the Indian education system.

Here are reasons for Boards being critical for both students & teachers.

• These exams are the litmus test for the teachers and students alike. The effectiveness of their year-long digital education will be put to test. There were no practicals & major exams or assessments, etc, as there was minimal or no physical school. The board exams will be consequently held for the first time amidst such testing conditions. 
• The vaccination procedure has started on war level, but has sent some in a panic mode with regards the general safety of those involved. Many are also worried about the fairness of the results, as these exams will be conducted on the basis of the online education provided.
• Average & below average students can face a major challenge. Focused students as a rule managed their timetable and studies well during the pandemic. But average & below average students can be a major contributor to a dip in overall result, due to their lack of ability to handle the year-long online studies. The topper percentage can remain unchanged though.
• Students might have issues related to the practical exams due to almost non-existent practical exams held during the pandemic school year. A major responsibility in the 2021 exams would be conducting these exams that are critical for the overall scores.
• Students will indeed face a major issue of scoring higher marks than the ones scored by others in the earlier exams. Scoring high marks is aspired by the students and their parents. And these aspirations & expectations can be detrimental for those students’ mindset who might not achieve the same high scores.
• A 30 per cent cut & syllabus reduction has been one of the effects of the pandemic. This has made the previous model/sample test papers based on the full syllabus useless. Teachers now face the challenge of coming up with sample/mock test papers based on this new syllabus. Schools have to talk extensively with the students about the reduced syllabus & the resultant probable papers. They also need to make the students take these new papers at length for better preparations.
• Waking up early to reach the exam centres can be another challenge for students. This is because these students have been attending online classes from home and have lost the habit of waking up early for school.

• Safety at the exam centres will be a vital aspect & challenge. Attendance will have to be under strict preventionary codes. Every centre must have fewer students. The number of centres & teachers handling them will thus increase. All this will give priority to social distancing protocols. The centres will be reserved solely for these exams for safety purposes.

These indicators truly give clues as to why the 2021 Class X and XII Board Examinations are so decisive for both students & teachers. It is a precursor to the educational future of India.

The writer is Founder & Director, Bhartiyam International School