CBSE introduces competency-based assessment reforms

 

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently announced the theme of Competency-Based Education for capacity-building programs in schools. To augment the thrust towards this shift, the board has now initiated changes in its assessment and evaluation methods from the 2021-22 academic year onwards.

To improve the quality of education imparted and to shift the focus from assessment of learning to assessment for learning, the board, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, has called for a change in the current assessment system. Currently, Indian schools follow a summative assessment system that tests a student's rote memorization skills. The board, however, is now focusing on shifting to a more competent, more regular, and formative assessment system that promotes critical thinking and conceptual clarity in students.

Why CBSE is pushing for assessment reforms based on a Competency-Based Learning system? 

Several Indian schools are progressively adopting the outcomes-based approach to improve the quality of education. The unique factor about Competency-based learning is that it focuses on what a child is learning and not the time spent by the child in a classroom. The Competency-based learning system aims at developing real-world skills useful in the current global marketplace. The courses under this system focus on imparting outcome-based learning using relevant instruction material to help students progress on a particular career path. The outcome of such a learning process is that students are workplace ready and have relevant experience in their chosen career fields. 

What Is Competency-Based Learning? 

The need for a Competency-based learning system arose from several years of research on learning theory, brain science, and youth development. The outcome of this research was a learner-centered approach rather than a teacher-centered approach. Personalized learning, competency-based learning, learning that can take place anytime, anywhere, and students having ownership of their learning are the four key principles that form the pillars of this learning system. When propelled by a coherent and rigorous set of educational goals, these key principles lead to an in-depth understanding of concepts essential in preparing students for college, career, and future life. 

To conclude,  

Although CBSE has propelled the changes in its education system by introducing competency-based assessment and evaluation reforms, this is a partial implementation of the principles of the competency-based education system. The CBSE framework currently focuses on helping schools move away from rote learning. To ensure complete implementation of competency-based learning, a shift towards digital learning is essential to help support the key components for delivering competency-based education.