Photo : Collected
The recent change in the evaluation system at the secondary school level has left teachers, students, and parents furious.
Parents say frequent changes in assessment methods by the government are unsettling students. Specifically, the new assessment method for SSC examinations has drawn criticism for its complexity and lack of clarity.
Many stakeholders are uncertain about its implications, leading to anxiety among educators and students alike.
Concerns were voiced during a meeting at the Ministry of Education last Monday, where the final decision was made to implement the new curriculum-aligned assessment system, discarding the previous GPA method.
The sudden rollout prompted immediate responses from teachers, students, and parents through various media platforms.
Discussing the matter in Jashore, Abdul Jabbar, Principal of Dhakuria Secondary School, expressed frustration over the frequent curriculum and evaluation changes in recent years.
Even the GPA system, previously used for assessments, underwent modification last week. The new system introduces a rigorous five-hour examination format, distributing 65% weightage to written exams and 35% to practical assessments, a departure from past practices.
This sudden change has caught educators and students off guard, prompting calls for thorough research and a stable evaluation method.
In Dhaka, Hasanul Firoz, a ninth-grade student at Ideal School, told The Daily Messenger, “We've just started studying under the new curriculum. Teachers have briefed us since the GPA is no longer applicable, but they are unsure about its specifics. Students across the country feel similarly uncertain and are navigating uncharted waters.”
Parents in Jashore and Satkhira expressed similar sentiments, saying their confusion over the new assessment methods and their children's struggles to adapt.
Ziaul Kabir Dulu, president of Obhibhabok Oikya Forum, a platform of guardians, said, “Perhaps in time, everyone will understand the new assessment method. However, how long it will take and what will happen during that time remains uncertain.”
“The sudden change has left students and teachers alike anxious about its implications, questioning whether such transitions bring any benefits.”
The debate over the new system has sparked divided opinions among educators as well.
Dr Siddiqur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at Dhaka University, said, “Increasing grading levels in assessments typically lead to better evaluation accuracy. The real concern, however, lies in competency and infrastructure. Even if teachers receive training, their prompt implementation remains doubtful, potentially leading to both benefits and drawbacks.”
He added, “To ensure accurate assessment under the new system, reducing student numbers per class is essential. Otherwise, I doubt if proper evaluations can be made.”
Local influencers, including teachers, may also influence such decisions.
Speaking to The Daily Messenger, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, said, “I have not yet conducted extensive research on the new curriculum. However, the potential for enhancing education through practical exams and classroom monitoring is considerable.”
Furthermore, Monday's decision to finalise the new system saw written exams receive a 65% weightage, with practical activities accounting for the remaining 35% per subject. Evaluations will now take place on a single school day per subject, diverging from the previous GPA-based assessments.
Messenger/Fameema
