The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering a major change in its examination system, introducing Open Book Examinations (OBE) for students from Classes 9 to 12. This move is in line with the new National Curriculum Framework launched last year.
What is OBE?
OBE is a form of assessment that allows students to use textbooks, notes, or other resources during the exam. The aim is to test students’ understanding, analysis, and application of concepts rather than their memory. OBE focuses on evaluating higher-order thinking skills, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
How will OBE be implemented?
The CBSE is planning to conduct a pilot project of OBE in some schools, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science for Classes 9 and 10, and English, Mathematics, and Biology for Classes 11 and 12. The pilot project is expected to take place in November-December, after which the board will decide whether to adopt OBE or not. The pilot project will also seek feedback from students, teachers, and parents.
Who will guide the CBSE?
The CBSE will seek advice from Delhi University (DU), which was the first to implement open book tests during the Covid-19 pandemic. The DU’s initiative faced some challenges, especially regarding the accessibility and affordability of online resources for disadvantaged and visually impaired students.
What are the learnings from previous experiments?
The CBSE had earlier tried an Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) format but discontinued it due to negative feedback. Based on this experience, the Board’s curriculum committee stressed the need for high-quality textbooks and suggested that teachers should be involved in the initial OBE trials to ensure high standards of assessment.
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