CBSE to eliminate students' fear of maths

KOZHIKODE: The CBSE decision to introduce two levels of examination in mathematics for Class 10 in 2020 to help different kinds of learners has evoked a mixed response from teachers, students and school authorities. The majority of them have welcomed the decision as mathematics is a tough nut to crack for a number of students.

The two examinations will be mathematics – standard for the existing level and mathematics - basic for the easier level for the academic session ending in March 2020 onwards, according to a circular issued by the CBSE. The national curriculum framework states that the two levels of examination would help different kinds of learners and allow different levels of testing and reduce the overall student stress levels.

Reacting to the decision, Mr M. Abdul Nazar, general secretary, All-India Private Schools and Children Welfare Association, Kerala state committee, said, “two options- easy and standard- for mathematics is appropriate because those who pursue their higher studies in humanities and allied subjects without mathematics will feel relaxed.” Nowadays, bright students are opting for humanities to appear for civil services examinations. 

This decision is child-friendly. Those who do not decide their career option at the time of Class 10 examination can opt for the standard paper. The school authorities and CBSE must tell the students and parents about the pros and cons of this change, he said.

Opposing the decision, noted educationist N.P. Johnson said the students experience stress before and during their most 'difficult' subject exam but differentiating them with two different sets of question papers would be unethical. The students of the same class will get trained in two different papers. It would be interesting to find out the number of students opting for standard and advanced exams. A huge number of students may opt for standard examination fearing the challenge of questions to come under the advanced category, he added.

According to the circular, the syllabus, classroom teaching and internal assessment for both the levels would remain the same so that the students will get an opportunity to study the whole range of topics throughout the year and are able to decide on the level of board examination depending upon their aptitude and abilities.

“This would be the best gift for the students entering Class 10 in the coming academic year,” opines, Karthika Menon, student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kozhikode. “We can learn all the elements of the subject and at the same time get through an easy examination. Mathem-atics is dreaded by many students, but now things will get better,” she added.