|
Education Plus
The smiles are back
MEERA SRINIVASAN
|
Students were better prepared for the Plus-Two this year, as the results show. But college studies may be more demanding.
|
“To understand how the normalisation of marks will work out this year, we have to wait till the CBSE results are declared.”
Photo: V. Ganesan
Past the post: There was reason to be happy for these candidates, as the results of the higher secondary examination came in.
Touching success stories, a considerable increase in the State’s pass percentage and a phenomenal rise in centums marked this year’s State Board Class XII (HSC) results, which were declared on Friday. The pass percentage has gone up from 81 last year to 84. 4 this year. The total number of centums in all subjects have increased to 5,851, as compared to 2,649 last year. The centums in mathematics alone, have gone up to 3,852.
These encouraging numbers could either mean that the students are working harder, or the question papers were very simple. P.V. Navaneethakrishnan, former director of entrance examinations, Anna University, feels it is a bit of both. “While the syllabus, which was initially thought to be very difficult post-revision has been simplified, we also find that students are better prepared for the public examinations these days. They know that their admissions to professional courses will depend entirely on their Class XII marks,” he says.
However, a section of senior teachers seem troubled about “diluting” the learning process to achieve higher success rates. “The mathematics paper and the other core subjects did not require application of one’s mind. It was extremely straightforward and simple. This may not help the student in his or her higher education,” says a member of the State textbook committee, on condition of anonymity.
Another retired teacher feels coaching institutes stand to gain the most in this situation. “They capitalise on parents’ insecurity and make money. Your average student is still never encouraged to think. The examination process has become an exercise in memory,” he remarks.
Admission scene
When the quality of education offered is being debated by one group, another group - essentially parents and students - are anxious about what the admissions scene will look like this year.
As for professional courses, the process of normalisation would require the top scores to be equated. The subsequent scores and ranks for admission will depend on that. For CBSE students and those from other streams except the State Board, scoring as high as their State Board counterparts has never been easy, given the nature of their system. Once the CBSE results are out, it would be interesting to observe how this year’s admissions are likely to be.
“To understand how the normalisation of marks will work out this year, we have to wait till the CBSE results are declared. However, two factors are in favour of students. There are more number seats and fewer relative vacancies. Last year, over 10,000 seats remained vacant in the single window system. Secondly, the eligibility marks for admissions have also been brought down,” Prof. Navaneethakrishnan notes.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education Plus
|
