Education board gets practical

MSBSHSE to introduce practical evaluation in Mathematics for SSC students

Education board gets practical

MSBSHSE to introduce practical evaluation in Mathematics for SSC students

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The state board, it seems, has finally mulled over the 'practicality' of its State Secondary Certificate (SSC) examinations. In a bid to reduce the examination stress and promote practical learning among students, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examination (MSBSHSE) has announced measures to simplify the SSC examinations.

For the first time, the education board will introduce practicals to test students in Mathematics.
Shahaji Dhekne, secretary, MSBSHSE, said that according to the new format there would be two practical exams for both the Mathematics subject.

"Currently, Mathematics carries a weightage of 150 marks. The syllabus is divided into Algebra and Geometry and each of these papers are for 75 marks each. There is no practical in this subject now and so the board has decided to introduce projects and practicals to make the understanding of these subjects easier and generate interest towards learning," he said.

The move will be applicable from next academic year, namely from 2012, said Dhekne. Instead of a theory paper for 75 marks each, the new format would have only a 60 marks theory paper, he said.

"The remaining 15 marks would depend on practical exam and project submissions. The idea is that the students have the entire year to work on a project and they could develop interest in the subject and it would also reduce the anxiety to score," he said.

From next academic year onwards, science learning is also expected to get a practical edge. From 2012, SSC students would get only one textbook for the science subject that would include both Science I and Science II
sections.

"There would be only one science exam though the paper would be divided into two sections. This paper would carry 60 marks, the other 40 is divided as 20 marks for practicals and 20 for an objective test conducted at school level," said Dhekne. Besides that the board has also decided that practicals would be carried out by the schools and no external invigilators to oversee. "We save manpower, time as well as reduce pressure and fear on students," he said.

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