 EXAMINATION REFORMS

11 EXAMINATION REFORMS

The NCERT is engaged in several activities related to measurement and evaluation in the area of examination reforms. The programmes in this area are specially directed towards designing, developing and standardising scientific processes, tools and techniques for assessment of cognitive, affective and conative aspects of pupils' growth; promoting and conducting research in educational testing and evaluation and measurement and training of key resource personnel; providing advisory services and coordination and clearing-house functions in the area of examination reforms.

Qualitative Analysis of Pupils' Errors in Boards' Examinations of Class XII Biology, Physics and Chemistry

After making random selection of a sample of answer books of CBSE Class XII examination in the subjects of Biology, Physics and Chem- istry representing all types of schools, a workshop was organised in which teachers and evaluation experts identified and recorded the shortcomings along with their frequency of occurrence A summary of shortcomings was prepared and possible reasons for such shortcomings and suggested ways and means to prevent such shortcomings were mentioned. Subject-wise reports of qualitative analysis of pupils' errors in Biology, Physics and Chemistry were prepared and disseminated to the Boards of School Education to prompt them to take up such studies.

Try-out of the 'Scheme of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation in Schools

A programme of try-out of the scheme of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) was undertaken to, find out its viability and feasibility in school situation. The sample included 25 schools of various types in rural and urban areas of Delhi. The data were collected through: (i) Interview schedule, (ii) Evaluation practices questionnaire, (iii) Question papers of Class III, and (iv) Report cards. After analysing the data, the try-out report was prepared.

Training of Key Personnel in Educational Evaluation

An orientation course for Paper Setters of the Meghalaya Board of School Education was organised. Participants from the Meghalaya Board were trained in Educational Evaluation. Evaluation workshops were organised for the Madhyamic Shiksha Mandal, Madhya Pradesh and the Board of School Education, Meghalaya.

Regional Level Inputs to Examination Reforms

The RIE, Bhopal undertook (i) Analysis of answer scripts of Science at secondary level of the Madhya Pradesh Board for identification of common errors, and (ii) Analysis of answer scripts of Social Studies of the Madhya Pradesh Board at secondary level for identification of common errors.

The RIE, Bhubaneswar analysed common errors in Mathematics committed by students in Class IX Board examination by analysing 500 answer scripts of the last year's examination. The common errors committed by pupils in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics at plus-two examination conducted by CHSE, Orissa were identified, mapped and categorised by analysing about 500 answer scripts of candidates who appeared in Board's examinations in each of the subject areas. Based on the findings, drafting of remedial materials was planned. A seven-day workshop for the paper setters of the Board of Secondary Education, Orissa was conducted by the RIE, Bhubaneswar (i) to orient them on objective-based tests and objective tests, (ii) to make them aware about criterion-referenced testing and norm-referenced testing, (iii) building their capacities in designing diagnostic tests and achievement tests, (iv) informing them how to give weightages to the different dimensions to be reflected in a question paper, (v) giving them a hand-on practice on how to design a good question paper, and (vi) helping them to prepare a set of exemplar question papers.

The RIE, Mysore undertook research studies to identify the common errors made by pre-university students of Karnataka in

Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The reports of these studies were prepared.

Examination Reform Bulletin

The first issue of the Examination Reform Bulletin was brought out and sent to about 80 organisations concerned with school education. Among other things, the developments in examination reform taking place in other organisations have been highlighted in the bulletin.

Handbook of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation

The draft manuscript was prepared, critically examined and finalised in a vetting workshop. The handbook is being edited for circulation.

Reports and Other Materials Brought Out during 1996-97

1. Development of Training Package in Educational Evaluation (mimeographed)

2. Qualitative Analysis of Question Papers of Class X in Social Studies of Four Boards of School Education (1995) (mimeographed)

3. Try-out of the Scheme of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation at Schools (mimeographed)

4. Coordination, Documentation and Dissemination of Research in Examination Reform at School Level (mimeographed)