Caremel opens book to unmake bookworms

Mt Carmel School conducts exams under much-needed yet ridiculed open book examination format, students give thumbs up


By Yogesh Avasthi and Tanushree Bhatia
Posted On Saturday, January 09, 2010  (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20Latest§id=2&contentid=201001092010010903091175dda045fa)

Taking a giant leap towards producing smart students and not bookworms, Mount Carmel School became the first school in the city to introduce open book examination system despite the state government’s decision last September to keep it in abeyance for a year. The girls’ school decided to go for the open book exam system in its unit test that started from January 7 primarily to ease the exam fear among students. It is also aimed at discouraging the practice of mugging up lessons.

And Carmelites are loving it. Exam time is no more testing times for them. Hailing the new exam system that tests analytical skills, Mount Carmel students said they were fearless about exams this time.

Sonya Weir, a Class XII student, said: “The open book system is a scientific method of testing students’ skills. We don’t need to mug up lessons blindly. So, there is hardly any stress.”

Stuti Pandya, a Class X student, said: “We came to know that we will take open book exam after the Diwali vacation. We can finish our papers fast under the new system. It’s not stressful either.”

In open book exam, our concepts should be very clear, else we won’t be able to answer the questions – Pallavi Singhal, Sanaya Patel, class X students

Pallavi Sanghvi, a Class X student, said: “The open book system has been applied to three subjects — social studies, science and English. It has relieved students’ tension.”

Students are not the sole admirers of the open book exam at Carmel. Their parents are also gung ho over the noble initiative of the school. Hemant Shah, father of Khushboo, the head girl of the school, said: “Open book exam is a good concept. Earlier, children simply used to mug up their guides. The open book exam will compel them to read textbooks thoroughly.”

There was some confusion as well. A student who didn’t want to be named, said: “We don’t know whether the prelims would be conducted under the open book exam format as well. Currently, the format is used only in main subject exams.”

Though not stressed, Mount Carmel students had to study every chapter of their syllabus minutely to answer tricky questions. Sanaya Patel, a Class X student, said: “In open book examination, we need to practice more. Our concepts should be very clear. Else, we will not be able to answer despite taking help of books.”

Merryl Fernandes, a Class XII student and assistant school captain of social service, said: “In the open book exam questions are twisted. Those not reading their textbooks thoroughly will be in trouble. Even then, I feel that this concept should be applied in boards too.”

The school authorities, however, refused to comment on their decision. Despite repeated attempts, Mount Carmel principal Prescilla Lobo didn’t answer calls.