Article Contents
Introduction
Since a very long time, the Education system has been following the pen and paper based method for conducting exams for students belonging to different age groups. However, due to the current pandemic state, the Education sector welcomed the technology as also its infusion in carrying out the learning activities.
The new age of digital era began and helped to resume the educational activities in a modern and innovative way.
The Education Policy which was being followed for last 34 years also needed a makeover. To keep up with the changing times and its knowledge needs, the Education Ministry along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi published a new draft of the National Education Policies on 29th July, 2020.
In this new draft, some major changes which are based on the pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability are yet to be implemented.
About new CBSE assessment framework
In addition to above changes, the Central Board of Secondary Education launched a competency-based assessment framework for classes 6-10 for three different subjects.
This framework which was launched by Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Union Minister of Education, is a part of the CBSE Competency Based Education Project aims to replace the existing rote-learning method in the coming 3-4 years.
The main aim of new National Education Policy 2020 is to prepare students for the 21st century and lay emphasis on competency-based education rather than an education which tests mindless learning. The new National Education policy 2020 will envisage an exceptional shift in the education ecosystem in India.
As stated by Manoj Ahuja, CBSE Chairman, “The CBSE has had collaboration with British Council and three UK agencies, Cambridge, NARIC and Alphaplus who are helping CBSE in attaining this objective. The work has already started, and significant progress has been made and we do look forward to this co-operation and working with British Council in the future”.
Framework of the CBSE assessment as per NEP 2020
This framework will mainly cover three subjects- English (reading), Maths and Science based on National Education Policy 2020.
This project which is the basis for a larger project wherein 40 assessment designers, 180 test item writers and 360 master trainer mentors will be trained in using this framework to create model question bank and collection of ideal lesson plans.
In the first phase of this project, a few selective Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, UT Chandigarh and some other private schools across the country will participate in this programme. This programme will be rolled out to all 25,000 CBSE schools in India by 2024.
“Education and research collaboration is central to the India-UK relationship. The reformed assessment framework will support high quality teaching for both an improved learning experience and outcomes for all students in CBSE schools” as said by Barbara Wickham OBE, Director India, British Council.
“Our extensive work with government agencies in India over the past few decades and our links across the whole UK education network meant we were able to propose a framework that will not only bring international assessment standards to Indian schools, but accompany it with an implementation roadmap tailored for India. We are committed to working closely with the CBSE and Indian school system stakeholders in the last mile delivery of the project,” she said.
Conclusion
This framework will surely help to improve the quality of teaching and implementation of changes recommended in the National Education Policy 2020.
This framework designed and developed by the British Council along with AlphaPlus after analysing the current learning and assessment model in Indian schools will surely help the students of CBSE board to gain more exposure and knowledge- both practical and theoretical.
