1. Discussion Forums
    2. Education
    3. General
You must Sign In to post a response.
  • Category: General
    Points:5

    Open book examinations –pros and cons- a Group Discussion

    Situations bring solutions themselves, in a strange way.
    Mobile phones were barred from taking to classes . But during Covid times it was mobile phones that saved the situation as online classes was the norm.

    Similarly, as of now ,taking text books, notes etc. to examination hall is not allowed. In case some examinee carries them unnoticed; or tries to refer or look into some points-scribbled paper bit or chits or something similar, and caught, then that is considered as malpractice and will be subjected to punishments, including debarring.

    But now CBSE has brought a proposal to allow text books to exam halls and refer them for answering the exam questions. Recently CBSE has proposed open-book examinations for students of classes 9 to 12
    In an earlier occasion CBSE had experimented with open Text Book Assessment and have the needed feedback with them. However more specific details are yet to come though it is understood to be implemented during November –December this year.
    I invite members-as students and parents- to come up with their detailed view –pros and cons in this matter in this forum Group Discussion.
  • #777104

    Points:5
    Traditionally, no help material is required to be taken by the student in the examination hall. It is considered as copying and is punishable. But as we know rules and regulations change over time and something which was banned earlier becomes a norm today.
    So, there is nothing wrong in allowing the student to take the textbook in the examination hall but at the same time the examination paper should be designed in a unique way such that the student will not be able to take any help from the textbook. In such cases only those students who understand the subject and have a deep knowledge of the topics would be able to answer the questions correctly.
    It means that stereo type questions will not be there and new questions are to be created by the experts which would test the knowledge of the students rather reproduction of a crammed section of text by the students.
    Another is the maximum time limit of the examination paper. It should be limited to at the most 2 hours for each subject or sub-subject group. If questions are more in numbers and time limit is less then the student will not be able to refer the textbook. A student who had not been serious in one's studies during the year would not be able to find much material to answer even with an open textbook. In my view this system might work if the people involved in paper setting prepare the test papers with a changed mindset.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #777105

    Points:5
    Open book examination is in force in some foreign countries, I read somewhere. As mentioned by the author earlier also this system of open books was tried by CBSE. But they discontinued the same, it was reported.
    In my opinion, an open-book examination is not an easier way than a closed-book examination. One should understand the book that is being allowed to open in the examination. To write an answer to a question by seeing in a book, the candidate should be conversant with the book and the chapter from which the question was asked. After that, he should know where he has to start and where he has to stop. That means he should be able to analyse the question and the content in the book and then correctly produce the answer. In my opinion, Guides may not be allowed there, If it is a multiple choice question or one-word answer question or fill in the blanks question what is the use of carrying a big book unless otherwise one understands the content well,
    Another important point is the time allowed. The answer can be reproduced very fast. But if you have to locate the answer, read and then reproduce means it may take more time.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #777109

    Points:5
    Let it be introduced by the CBSE Board and we will term the same as a new experimentation. So far such a facility ie the provision of books to an examinee is not allowed to assess his real knowledge pertaining to the set of questions included in the question - paper. The examinee comes prepared to answer the questions and based on his responses to the different questions, he is awarded marks.
    Now imagine that the scenario is reversed with the introduction of carrying books in the examination - hall, what would be its impact?
    If an examiner is prudent enough or has been directed by the Board to set questions in the different patterns not available in the text books, it would be called the real test of an aspirant.
    If you go through the question - sets of IIT of the different sets, you would observe that there has not been the repetition of the questions of the different sets. This can be said that there is the real assessment of the basics of a candidate in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
    Hope the CBSE Board might devise such a design to evaluate the performance of the candidates. Simply carrying the textbooks or the help books to answer the questions of the question - sets of different papers would not be helpful unless there is full clarity of the basics of the subjects.

  • #777110

    Points:4
    MPBSE also implemented an open-book exam some years ago for social studies in high school exam. But they return to the traditional method only after one year. It is not easy for students to appear in Open-book exams. They think that we have the choice to take any two books in the exam hall, so they never try to understand the concept. Even that, they do not study that subject seriously. When they reach the exam hall with two books they never know in which chapter the question is being asked. They waste their time for searching the materials in the books.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #777118

    Points:5
    I agree with the view made by Hakimuddin that if a student doesn't study during the year then he will not be able to use any book for any fruitful purpose in the examination hall. Consistent and regular studies during the year is the key to the success of a student. Examination is only an assessment to find out how much the student has understood the subjects and learnt them.
    Let me illustrate it with a small example. Suppose in a language examination paper a piece of text is given to the students to read it and then again write it in their own style having almost same length and not losing the essence then many students will not be able to write a good piece of text meaning the same as the original one. Only those students who have good vocabulary, good knowledge of synonyms and good control on that language will be able to write nicely and score good marks.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #777120

    Points:4
    At the outset, I humbly submit that the ISC management organized "A Thread A Day" contest in October 2023. In that contest, I submitted a thread on this particular subject: Open-book Examination: Your opinion please. At that time, that post failed to attract the attention of the members.

    I am planning to participate in this interesting GD if my time and schedule permit. But, I would like to know the last date of submission.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #777121

      

    Points:5
    The matter is, if I am not mistaken, still in the contemplation stage. The CBSE is planning a trial in select schools in a few subjects to assess the viability of the proposal. Various related issues like time-management, type of questions, subject-wise applicability, chances of plagiarism and other malpractices etc. will have to be looked into before putting this plan into action.

    Open book exams, as suggested by other members, is not easy but I think the difficulty will be there only during the initial years. Once the students get an idea about the type of questions that may be asked, they will be able to prepare accordingly and we will have an increase in the pass percentage, which appears to be the aim of CBSE.

    We do have open book exams in some parts of the world, but they are limited to some specific subjects and is tailored based on the educational requirements demanded by such subjects. I doubt whether making it a general rule applicable to all the subjects would be feasible and fruitful.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #777124

    Points:5
    Yes, this open-book examination model is to be organised in select classes in select subjects. This will be test conducted to know the time requirement for the student to answer the questions. One way I feel this is much better. Students should be allowed to carry prescribed books only but not guides and test paper answers etc.
    A student who is familiar with the book only can attempt the questions. If a student never opens the text book will never be able to locate the answer to the question given in the textbook.
    A student has to first understand the question and then locate the pages where the subject is discussed. Then from that part, he has to identify the answer and then attempt writing. A student who is well conversant with the subject can do much better in this open-book examination system. Let us wait and see how the CBSE is going to study and decide on this issue.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #777125

    Points:6
    Many educationists and experts feel that if the students study their subjects thoroughly then they will not need books or guides during the examination even if it is provided to them. At the same time if students have not studied and are not serious about it then even providing them books during examination would not be of any help. So main thing is that students should be concerned about their studies and career and then it does not matter whether it is open- book exam or otherwise.
    In my opinion instead of one final exam for a course there could be a quarterly exam and sum of the marks obtained in all such exams should decide the score of the student. It will help the student in gradual learning and there will not be a stress of final exam.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #777132

    Points:4
    In 2018, the Central Government, to examine the examination reform,Constituted an expert panel, the committee then released a draft report on examination reforms. Accordingly, students of classes 9 to 12 are considering the method of writing exams by looking at books for Maths and Science. But in CBSE maths questions will be different from text book and if student is thorogh only able to turn the page quickly and take the guidance as model sum. For science I have seen student refer 3 or 4 books and so keeping one book may not solve to get good marks but may raise pass percentage.
    shasthranaam Ganitham moordhanisthitham

  • #777137

    Points:1
    I also agree with Saji Ganesh that OTB exam system is in the contemplation stage. But it has been tried in an earlier context and some feedback is available with CBSE. Some of the central universities also had a try in this regard. OTB exam system is one of the reforms that a section of students and academic people were suggesting for last many years.

    For the open textbook exams to successful and effective, without degrading quality of students, the suitable system of quality questions that require answers needing analytical efforts and full understanding of the concepts and their applicability should be put up. Only then the OTB exam can produce real 'qualified' students. Otherwise it will only lead to degradation of teaching and learning. In this context, I concur with Sheo Shankar Jha's response "If an examiner is prudent enough or has been directed by the Board to set questions in the different patterns not available in the text books, it would be called the real test of an aspirant."

    Neeru Bhatt says "if the students study their subjects thoroughly then they will not need books or guides during the examination even if it is provided to them." It is a valid point. Then how does open text book system help? In exams like law and law related field, where there is a necessity of quoting and extracting basic laws and dealt and established cases, depending on memory may not be easy and precise. Similarly, where there is necessity to quote data, there is need for copying from sources. Otherwise for the normal academic exams testing the basic knowledge and concept rot learning only is needed and OTB will make students lazy and indifferent as Hakimuddin opines that "they do not study that subject seriously. When they reach the exam hall with two books they never know from which chapter the question is being asked. They waste their time in searching the materials in the books.". This is a possibility.

    But will the open textbook exam system stay with textbooks only? Will it not lead to Google search in the exam hall? If so, what are the situations that are likely to arise?

  • #777139

    Points:5
    As said by Saji Sir, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) meeting was convened in December 2023 to deliberate on the implementation of Open Book Examinations (OBE) for classes IX-XII. The proposal, aimed at revolutionizing the assessment paradigm, has received extensive discussion among education experts and stakeholders. But we must remember that CBSE has contemplated it as only as a pilot project for three subjects, viz. English, Mathematics and Science for Classes IX and X, and for English, Mathematics, and Biology in respect of Classes XI and XII.

    Furthermore, during this discussion (GD), we must keep in mind that the regional Boards all over India (more than twenty in number) have not said anything in this regard. Even now, the students from the regional Boards consist of more than 80% of the total students appearing in the Xth and XIIth Board examinations.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #777170

    Points:3
    In our country we have a large number of schools and a very big population of students. Even doing experiment in few schools may not be applicable to all when it is applied everywhere for every student.
    Apart from that one important point is until our education system is in line with the open book system how can it become a successful effort. Students will have to understand that book will be available but of no use until they understand the question.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #777171

    Points:5
    Now, I am trying to mention some positive aspects of open-book examinations. These are:

    (a) Encourage critical thinking: Open book examinations shift the focus from rote memorization to comprehension and critical thinking. Students are intellectually challenged to apply concepts to solve problems rather than merely memorising information.

    (b) Reduce stress level: Unlike traditional closed-book examinations, where students are under immense pressure to memorize vast amounts of content, open-book examinations decrease stress level of students/examinees by allowing them to refer to their textbooks. This promotes a more relaxed testing environment which is conducive to effective learning.

    (c) Promote resourcefulness: Open-book examinations promote resourcefulness as students learn to efficiently locate and utilize relevant information from various sources. This skill is invaluable in real-world scenarios where quick access to information is very essential.

    (d) Assess application of knowledge: Most importantly, open-book examinations assess the ability of examinees to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. This assessment method provides a more accurate representation of their understanding and proficiency in the subject-matter.

    Overall, open book examinations develop a deeper understanding of concepts, reduce anxiety levels, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare students/examinees for real-world challenges, nurturning them into to young men and women with analytical abilities.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #777173

    Points:4
    The purpose of examination is to test the knowledge of the students. So, if the students have understood their subjects then only they will be able to perform better. In my view if open book system is to be followed then the duration of the examination should be reduced. It can be brought down from 3 hours to say 2 hours. So, the students who have not studied during the year will not be able to do anything as refering something in a textbook and then putting it in one's words is a time consuming process.
    I will like to know the views of our members in this aspect who are taking part in this group discussion.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #777180

    Points:4
    The type of questions that are asked in this type of examination will be different I feel. More questions will be given based on the application of the taught theories and aspects. If a student can understand the concept well while he is preparing for the examination, he can easily score marks by going into the chapter where this theory was discussed. Learning not just mugging up and writing in the examination and scoring marks.
    The real knowledge of a student can be understood only when he is conversant with the principles of the subject and uses them properly. That way open book test or closed book test makes no difference for a student.
    I agree with Partha Sir that the stress on the student will come down if this OBT system is introduced.
    drrao
    always confident


    • Sign In to post your comments
    Submit New Thread
    Return to Return to Discussion Forum

    Top Contributors

    Today
      Last 7 Days

        more...

        About IndiaStudyChannel.com

        Being the most popular educational website in India, we believe in providing quality content to our readers. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any content published here, feel free to contact us using the Contact link below.

        GENERAL
        STUDY ABROAD
        EDUCATION

        Promoted by: SpiderWorks Technologies, Kochi - India. ©