In line with the examination system in the US and UK, the Union government has proposed to introduce open book examination in 2013 and is going to do away with the existing system based on rote learning.
The new system involves setting ‘situation-based subjective type’ questions that demand thinking, analysing and apply own knowledge on part of the students to attempt the questions. It would lead to assessment of the students’ understanding of the subjects. It would also encourage critical or analytical thinking rather than memorise and reproduce the same that is more stressful for them.
Significantly, under the new system named ‘open book system’ students will not be permitted to use books in examination hall. Instead, they will be informed beforehand of the chapters, etc. from where question are to be set.
According to the Union government source, “The basic objective behind introducing the open-book examination system is to encourage students towards understanding the subject rather than just memorising the contents of their books and reproduction of the same in the examination. A shift in emphasis to testing the competencies away from memory would certainly reduce stress among children.”
He further added that, it would impact teaching and learning greatly by ‘promoting the right mental sets in both learning and teaching, subsequently adding value to the education system.’
Open book examination system has been successful in the UK and US. It is meant to check the students’ grasp of the subject. The students are permitted to take books to examination halls. However, as the questions set involve analytical thinking, students will not benefit by referring to books in examination hall.
Source: Deccan Herald