The semester end examinations in colleges are currently underway. Pandemic times have compelled the education system to opt yet again for an online mode of answering and assessing. This obvious replication raises a pertinent question as to whether this mode was/is effective and is it the sole method of evaluation and whether numerics alone in the form of marks truly reflect the achievement of the set learning outcomes. The possibility of alternative modes of teaching/assessment has to be explored in right earnest. The new academic year is set to commence, experience gathered during the pandemic times in terms of teaching, learning, evaluating should be to put to good use, less we repeat the same mistakes.
In this backdrop, I would like to share my experience on successful completion of an online certificate course offered by Harvard University. To begin, they have continuous transparent appraisal, where the system tracks the academic progression of the student who is kept in the loop. Such mechanism consciously prompts student to undertake assignments from a range of options, which she is consistently yet as per her convenience and liking can opt for to upgrade her performance. Tasks such as reviewing, analysing, discussing, debating as also undertaking self assessment along with peer assessment, MCP etc, are undertaken, thus there’s a fluid constructive integration of multiple mode of evaluation throughout the course. Least emphasis is given on just recall of information/knowledge alone (as by and large is the case here), the system gauges the comprehension, reasoning, analytical, reporting, soft skills etc, by means of numerous independent modules.
I also happen to attend a model United Nations conference on ‘Gender Equality’, I spoke briefly on the role of education. Our students should be encouraged to participate in such events, and be measured as part of the evaluation.
There is also an urgent need to identify structural gaps in the educational system. Of late superannuated staff are given extension both in the university and college too. In this context, it’s not about undermining the experience and expertise of these individuals, but seriously is it fair that our senior citizens be burdened to continue shouldering the responsibly during these pandemic times, risking their health and life moreover is there a genuine dearth of qualified staff to replace them? It’s almost a year and Goa University is yet to procure a full-fledged Registrar. I’m not certain about the financial implications but certainly this is a worrisome trend. It’s not just that the youth are deprived of new opportunities but the system too is deprived of fresh blood and ideas.
Unless the policy makers take some stringent measures, the future of our youth seems worrisome. It’s my humble request to the Governor of Goa, also the Chancellor of GU, and the honourable Chief Minister, who’s holding the Education Portfolio, to kindly establish a ‘Working Group’ to scrutinise the prevalent teaching, assessment methodologies and the structural gaps, and whether they meet the demands of these dynamic times. Frankly, I don’t expect much, except probably shooting the messenger.
