The Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation

My exams have just finished, and I have a fresh experience of the new education system based on CCE (Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation). CCE is a new education system introduced by the CBSE for classes IX and X. Being the first batch to experience this system, me and many of my batch-mates were critical about the CCE. This criticism was mainly due to the fact that it did not do what it claimed it could. It did not reduce the pressure on the students, rather the pressure has actually increased.

I think that this is primarily because the ideologies of the old system still remain, while the new kinds of pressure of the CCE has been introduced. This has resulted in double pressure on the students. But I believe that this will soon fade out in the next few (2-3) years.

Now, after the exams, this view of mine has changed. The exam papers were designed in such a way that pure mugging up will not get anybody good results. Some understanding is required. Second, the 'continuous' aspect of this system develops a habit of working regularly. Third, the 'continuous' aspect of this system also encourages actual learning, rather than rote learning. I wouldn't however say that the need for rote learning has gone, only that actual learning is also required. Fourth, I noticed a lesser competition while results were being declared yesterday. One or two marks here and there did not matter any more, all that mattered was the grade which one got.

The system however, is far from being perfect. Personally I feel that too much attention is being given to artistic skills, and these skills are evaluated in the place of actual subject knowledge. This is disadvantageous to students like myself with a bad handwriting and 'artistic disability'. There are also implementation issues as as far as remote areas are concerned. A large scope for corruption also exists in this system, where schools can give spurious results. Thus strict monitoring of schools has to be done by the CBSE

A Poetic Expression

I

Young like a false-leaved sapling,

full of life, energy and crying

comes a baby; Born just now,

innocent and unsuspecting.

The first years are a merry enjoyment,

Like the calm before a Tsunament.

Still blissful, still ignorant,

waiting for the agony's commencement.

The tomb, the coffin, the pyre

of the child's thought;

Which is the community's lyre.

The alphabet is taught, the memory is trained,

to stand the yet to come strain.

So sensitised are they

to bring home a grade;

The happiness is lost,

intellect begins to fade.

The semi-annual hazard

needs to be mitigated;

all alone, it needs to be contested

The revelation comes;

The reasons are explained,

as to why this torture

needs to be entertained.

The means is forced,

rather than told.

the goal is set,

when they are oblivious

to the guillotine.

Determination is cultivated

so the slavery

is waived off as voluntary.

And the noose of the system

still remains satisfactory.

Still alone the student wades

this academic muck,

trusting his luck

for passage through this endless crave

for a yet better grade.

II

Then, from the horizon

comes floating, the real surreality

and the race begins,

to attain the delusive.

Success's only gate

it seems; And entrance to it

seems each one's fate.

But, too narrow it is, to accommodate

the volume of its applicants.

Each escapist is shaken

and brought back to senses.

And each finds, that all dreams are broken.

And back again they reel

with a fresh wave of zeal,

a new alacrity, a new ambition

does the wheel spin.

Ignorant in the bliss,

of yet another pin.

-Venkat Arun