'Make kids shed fear of exams'

Stiff competition unhealthy, adds pressure

Schools should dissolve the fear of tests among children by changing the definition of competition, said Vineet Joshi, chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) at National Progressive Schools’ Conference’s  on Saturday.

He suggested that teachers should share a friendly relationship with students ahead of the board examinations for better results.

“Children are not interacting with the school authorities at a personal level as they only care about their marks. Competition is becoming stressful which leads to malpractices like cheating. Instead of encouraging children to compete among themselves; teachers should encourage students to compete with themselves. We need to inculcate innovative methods of teaching in Delhi schools,” Joshi said.

He added that CBSE and National Progressive Schools’ Conference’s (NPSC) might form a collaboration soon to enhance the quality of education at the school level. “We are trying to achieve the impossible by forcing our children to master all subjects. I am definitely not a supporter of coaching classes but they seem to be teaching tricks which help students get good marks,” he said.

Ameeta Wattal, vice chairperson of NPSC and principal of Springdales School said schools are looking forward to this collaboration. “CBSE initiatives have helped in building strong networks and sharing best practices. We hope this engagement will help in boosting our students future,” she said.

Loknaad, a rights group from Ahmedabad highlighted  social aspects which are being neglected in schools.

“Children only mug up whatever is being taught in books,” said an activist.