T P VENU
Many moons ago without prior notice our Professor of Political Sociology asked us to write an essay and he told us that we could refer to books. It was the first time that we, the students of Kerala University were caught off guard. Nevertheless, as we could look up the prescribed text books and notes, we completed the task and in the process understood the topic much better. Little did we know that we were a part of the Open Book Exam experiment. The result was good as we ourselves discovered so much.
The latest plan by CBSE to go for a pilot in select schools in November-December for subjects like English, Mathematics and Science for Classes 9 and 10, and English, Mathematics and Biology for Classes 11 and 12 is a welcome one.
One of the aims of the National Education Policy (2020) is to get rid of rote learning and the Open Book Exam (OBE) ensures students apply concepts instead of just copying information. This form of examination is designed to test learning beyond facts and definitions. The questions are not direct.
The challenge lies in preparing questions and training students on writing an open book exam. The need is to develop necessary skills of analyzing concepts. The board will design the pilot test by June this year with help from Delhi University.
India has experimented with OBE in the past with mixed response. Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Delhi, IIT Indore, IIT Bombay to name a few have conducted OBEs. There is no harm in giving it a try. Just look at the advantages: they are less stressful, the aim of understanding concepts is fulfilled, and students start enjoying the process and most importantly student understands the big picture and can apply analytical skills on the concepts learnt.
Tail Piece: Do not confuse OBE with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire which is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations.