‘Off-line exams test ability of students; cancelling or promoting won’t help’
   Date :27-Feb-2021

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Some states are mulling over cancelling the school examinations and promoting students to next classes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. School heads in Nagpur have opposed the very idea. While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ they expressed, examinations should be conducted that too off-line as it is the real assessment of students.
“Last year, we already faced the repercussions of the decisions. Promoting students to next classes is a very bad idea. Ability of students can be tested through off-line examination. With schools are closed for the last one year, students have become habitual of living in comfort zone. This state is very bad,” was the general sentiment. Most educationists feel examinations should be conducted that too off-line.
Neeru Kapai, Director of Modern School, “Situation is very bad. Coming to any conclusion at this juncture is very difficult. The academic loss due to bad COVID 19 situation was witnessed last year. I must admit the fact that last year students, parents and even the schools suffered a lot. I personally feel everything should be done depending upon the situation. Examinations can be conducted on-line or off-line as per the choice of students. At the same time canceling examinations and promoting students to next classes is not a very good thing.”
 
Abha Meghe, Director of Meghe Group of Schools pointed out, “I would accept cancellation of examinations of classes below X. But Class X examination must be held. An internal assessment of the students of classes below Class X can be made. This would give an idea to the schools about the students’ ability. But Board examinations are different. Here the child faces the real challenge. It is at that point where student has to take decision of moving to the career of his choice. It means here the child has to assess himself or herself which is an important aspect.”
 
Though there is a trend of on-line examinations being witnessed, it is not known whether State Board possesses the facility of holding on-line examinations or not. If the facility is not there with the Board then it can’t conduct on-line examination.
 
Shilpi Ganguly, Principal of Centre Point School, Katol Road, “With rising number of COVID 19 cases the situation is really bad. Still I prefer off-line examinations, taking all precautions, following social distancing norms, doing proper sanitization. It is through off-line examinations that the student faces real test.”
 
Reena Dargan, Principal of Ira International School, “Whatever the situation, canceling examinations and promoting students can’t be the solution. Already students have suffered a lot as far as academic aspect is concerned. Have sanitization of the class rooms, explain all the rules to the students, call them on alternate days or in two shifts and let them appear in examination. This can be the solution for holding examinations.”
 
“Students will not understand the importance of facing examinations if they are cancelled or students are promoted to next classes. Facing examinations is like facing life challenges. If students are promoted then they would get easy marks. They will not be able to use their ability. If they become habitual of getting promoted then it would become difficult for them in future,” commented Resmi Umesh, Headmistress of Primary Section of Saraswati Vidyalaya.