The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India is contemplating introducing open-book examinations for students in classes 9 through 12. Read all the details below
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India is contemplating introducing open-book examinations for students in classes 9 through 12. The proposed initiative includes a trial phase in select schools. For students in classes 9 and 10, the open-book exams would cover English, Mathematics, and Science. Meanwhile, for classes 11 and 12, the subjects under consideration are English, Mathematics, and Biology.
The pilot program is scheduled for November-December this year, during which the CBSE aims to assess the feasibility of such exams, considering factors such as the time taken by students to complete them and the feedback from stakeholders. According to The Indian Express, the focus of the trial would be on evaluating higher-order thinking skills, as well as application and analysis abilities, as reported by The Indian Express.
So, now what is “open-book” examination?
An open book examination is basically what it sounds like - a test where you can use your textbooks, notes, or any other resources you have with you. It's quite different from the usual exams where you have to rely solely on what you remember. With open-book exams, you get the chance to show not just what you've memorized, but also how well you understand and apply the information. The questions tend to be a bit more challenging, focusing on your ability to think critically and solve problems rather than just regurgitate facts. It's kind of like a real-life situation where you might have access to information when you need to figure things out.
Is it challenging?
Open book exams present a unique challenge compared to closed book exams as they require a balance between leveraging available resources and demonstrating deep understanding and critical thinking. While access to textbooks and notes can alleviate the need for rote memorization, it introduces complexities such as navigating through materials efficiently and applying knowledge effectively to answer more complex questions. Success in open book exams hinges on strong time management skills, the ability to synthesize information, and a deep understanding of concepts to effectively tackle higher-order thinking tasks within the allotted time.