Assessments play a critical role in the education system. When designed effectively, assessments perform a number of function they facilitate learning; help provide feedback to students on their learning progress; and also provide evidence for external stakeholders to judge the a particular course of study, what students are gaining out of it and so on. Assessments are two types Formative and summative. Formative assessments provide ongoing continuous feedback on student learning to the course instructors. On the other hand, summative assessments are usually administered at the end of a programme of study.
There is a recent trend to adopt standardised assessments in schools.
Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation
The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), in its advisory on implementation of section 29 of the RTE Act, specifies that CCE should be built around five tools - child’s engagement pattern, general observations, observations during group work and individual work in class, child’s written work, and an anecdotal record.
While the CCE was introduced to redesign how assessments are formulated in our country, unfortunately its implementation has remained a big challenge. While the MHRD recommends that the states adopt an activity-based-learning.CCE has mostly evolved into a process of format filling and frequent testing. It is critical that adequate training is provided on the pedagogic motivations behind CCE, so that it is effectively implemented.
Advantages of CCE
- Elimination of chance & subjectivity.
- De-emphasis of memorization.
- Encouragement of comprehensive evaluation covering scholastic and co-scholastic aspects.
- Improvement in the mechanics of conducting examination.
- Introduction of desired changes in instructional material & methodology
- Use of grade in place of marks in determining the level of pupil's performance and proficiency
Disadvantages of CCE1) Time consuming
Heavy work load of teachers
The short term evaluation increases the work load of teachers. Moreover, it demands training, efficiency and resourcefulness on the part of teachers.
3) Incomplete without external examination
In the absence of external examination, a public examination at the end of the year is very essential in every scheme of evaluation.
4) Increase in number and intensity
Bad things like bribery may increase in number and intensity.
5) Shirkers of work
Shirkers of work in the teaching profession who are there due to some compulsions of life may not work and the standards in their hands may go down.
