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Premji for ‘competency-based assessment’ in schools

Deccan Herald, February 23, 2003

Contending that ‘elementary education for every child’ was the only hope for pushing India into the circle of developed countries, Wipro Chairman Azim Premji today said the goal can be achieved by effecting a few systemic changes in the field of education.

Delivering the Third Public Affairs Lecture on “Universal elementary education: A way forward for India” , organised by the Public Affairs Centre here, Mr Premji said universalisation of elementary education will be successful if the focus is shifted from the present text-memory and marks-driven children assessment to ‘competency-based assessment’. Children should be made to learn in an interesting and joyful way in schools and the concept of ‘learning guarantee’ should be emphasised on, he said.

(A social as well as a high quality management process, ‘learning guarantee’ consists of issues such as understanding of the pedagogical processes in the classroom, a better understanding by the teachers of what competencies are to be developed among children, the classroom practices, the competitive spirit that the school is able to create and the parents’ untiring interest in their children’s learning.)

Mr Premji suggested changes in the education system that bring in ‘meritocracy and professionalism’ in appointment of teachers and to use technology in a big way for undiluted training to the teachers.

On the shortcomings in the education system, Mr Premji said “ It is a matter of shame and concern that even after 50 years of independence, there are still over 50 million children in the age group of 6-14 years who are outside the school. The national average dropout rate for children in first to eighth standard is 57 per cent and the dropout rate for girl children is 60 per cent.” On children remaining out of school, Mr Premji said: “ Children do not find it worthwhile to remain in the school as it is threatening, boring and confusing. They do not learn enough. The only way children could be retained in the school is when they find their existence inside the school gainful, relevant and beneficial for life.” The benefits of education and learning should be clearly explained to and understood by the parents and children, he added.

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