What does continuous and comprehensive evaluation mean in the Indian educational system?

Education in India has been plagued by rote learning for the longest time which has led to students getting inadequate training. The consequence is that they tend to follow whatever is taught and never venture to ask any questions. Classroom teaching that focuses more on teacher-centric practices further worsened the condition, as it promoted an ineffectual structure that ignored the development of learners. 

Higher education institutions were bound to be aware of this truth, and they took steps to develop teaching-learning approaches that would empower students. Integral to this also the assessments which help to track the progress of students and knowledge retention. 

But for that, just month-end or yearly examinations were not sufficient; a well-organized system that would serve to teach students new skills has been imperative. Apart from teaching core subjects, the emphasis would be on the equitable and effective public education system, which is the crux of continuous and comprehensive evaluation.

Let’s take a look at why continuous and comprehensive evaluation is important: 

Student-centric approach 

In a classroom, the teacher takes the role of mediator or leader as he/she should but conducting a very strict and inflexible class only leads to unproductive learning. Holding debates and discussions on varied topics would give them the opportunity to express their opinions. 

Books-based learning which has been in practice for the longest time often becomes the reason for frustration and boredom for many. 

The Student-centric approach often focuses on a plethora of activities such as quizzes, projects, role plays, and brainstorming sessions. These help to enhance problem-solving skills, independent thinking, and creativity. 

Adjusting the learning levels

Consider a class of forty pupils; is it reasonable to expect that each of them understood what was taught? 

How about expecting all of them to score good marks? 

 As per CCE, the difficulty level of examinations is adjusted as per the capability of each student, this helps the students to learn faster and gradually pick up their level as they go ahead. 

It is noteworthy to mention that the learning level is simultaneously matched with the proficiency level; this, in turn, helps the students to progress slowly but steadily. 

Collaborative learning 

But the new approach gives the opportunity for educators to give a platform for conducting activities that require collaboration. 

Pairing the students to do a project or assignment together would not only help to increase social skills but also improve communication skills. 

Recognizing differences 

Why is it that only one section of the class does well, while the other performs poorly? 

Is it possible to ensure that all students do well? 

The answers to these questions lie in the teaching methodologies; while most of them strive to complete the syllabus and enforce students to memorize and vomit it all on paper. There has been an urgent need for reforms when it comes to conducting assessments of students’ performance. 

Thankfully there has been a shift and educators are taking measures to track and identify the shortcomings of the students. Following which steps are taken to help them overcome these differences and improve themselves. 

Student self-evaluation

What is the best way to determine one’s strengths and weaknesses? 

After the end of a particular lesson or course, a student could easily evaluate whatever he/she has learned. Reflecting upon the difficulties they faced and expressing their doubts have become easier, as it can be done easily through a learning management system.