Indian schools in UAE consider an exam-less future

Dubai - The jury is still out on the future of school-leaving assessment pattern.

In light of the CBSE and CISCE’s Class XII board exams being cancelled, experts say its time to critically examine the education system.

Discussions about the purpose of examinations are once again rife in the UAE’s academic circles.

Some feel exams — unless designed to test the application and adaptation of knowledge — are a mere test of recalling and memory skills.

Others argue authentic assessments can be contrasted with conventional exams, but such decisions need to be taken by legislators who are seldom a part of the teaching fraternity.

Nargish Khambatta, Principal, GEMS Modern Academy and Vice President - Education, GEMS Education says, “With examinations being cancelled, education circles are once again abuzz with discussions – what is the true purpose and relevance of examinations? Are examinations an authentic evaluation of student potential? If not exams, what are the alternatives? Can application of students’ knowledge, their creativity and ability to innovate be a more relevant marker of their potential? What are the ways to evaluate these? - that is perhaps the question to ask.”

She adds, “The pandemic is a perfect opportunity to spring clean systemic flaws. Regrettably, practitioners are rarely policy makers, and it is difficult to get consensus on such matters at the highest level.”

They opine until educators are certain, examinations will continue to remain society’s benchmark for success.

“But progressive schools will also continue to explore meaningful ways of engaging students in their learning; providing opportunities for experiential learning, internship opportunities, partnerships with industry, a focus on wellbeing, on innovation, on leveraging technology, while yet teaching our youngsters empathy, resilience and grit in an attempt to make them positive change-makers”, adds Khambatta.

Head teachers feel education in the future will be more hands-on, real life-connected and more practical than theoretical.