The Need For Holistic Assessments in Classrooms

Dec. 27, 2024, 2:25 p.m.

Reforms in high school education along with thorough introspection and current student assessment practices are necessary for student well-being. The reliance on standardised tests and fixed grading negatively impacts students' mental health. A WHO survey of 2017 revealed that 35% of Indian adolescents aged 13-17 experience high stress levels. Another NCERT report of 2022 found that 81% of students face anxiety before crucial exams. Also, a study in 2020 by the National Statistical Organisation reported one in five students take private coaching to handle exam pressure. The National Crime Records Bureau noted over 13,000 student suicides in 2022, highlighting the dire need for change.

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With reference to these, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 proposes a shift towards holistic assessments to enhance teaching methods and student development. This approach includes classroom performance, oral exams, and written tests, reducing end-of-year pressure. Learning from the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system’s failures, the Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) promotes competency-based assessments (CBA) through tasks, projects, portfolios, and tests. This method emphasises flexibility, teacher training, and effective communication.

CBA supports critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students with 21st-century skills. The Holistic Progress Card (HPC) aims to offer a fair representation of student achievement beyond academics, though it faces challenges like a healthy competition and managing teacher workload. The government must support teachers by recruiting personnel for data entry and ensuring continuous teacher training. A collaborative effort involving teachers, students, parents, and the government is essential. Reforming high school education to prioritise student mental well-being over rigid assessment practices is essential for a successful and holistic educational system.