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Karnataka teachers criticise lesson-based assessment system, say promotes rote learning
Karnataka teachers criticise lesson-based assessment system, say promotes rote learning

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • General
  • Time of India

Karnataka teachers criticise lesson-based assessment system, say promotes rote learning

Bengaluru: The school education department's lesson-based assessment kicked off in govt schools. However, teachers are not amused. Teachers across schools have called the system stifling, promoting rote learning and introducing excessive administrative work. As per the new system called lesson-based assessment (LBA), teachers are to conduct tests after every chapter. The tests will be out of 25 marks. After every test, the marks should be entered in the student achievement tracking system (SATS), and grades will be generated. This is applicable for classes 4-10 in Kannada medium and classes 1-10 in English medium classes. "This is a huge administrative task. For example, in social studies, there are around 30-40 chapters. Imagine the number of entries that need to be made by a teacher for a class of 30 students," said a teacher. Teachers also feel the system is stifling. "This is a rat race for teachers. They are just forced to teach one chapter after another, with no breathing space. The system is so rigid that you have to complete a fixed number of chapters within a given time in the same order given by the department. Where is the time and scope to step back and analyse results, create differentiation in classrooms to teach at the right level for different groups, bring engaging learning materials, leverage peer learning?" said another teacher from East Bengaluru. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Are Ditching Finger Pricks with This Breakthrough Monitor Thelifeh Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Educationists also point out that it is just promoting rote learning. "All that the department is now expecting from children is to learn the answers and score in the exams. There is no space for creative or critical thinking," said an educationist. "Repetitive, uniform tests result in assessment fatigue among students and teachers. The department should provide flexible guidelines, frameworks, and exemplar tools, not rigid prescriptions and formats. Teachers will be lost in marking scripts, making these entries as data entry operators. Teachers are not robots. They need time for lesson planning, process-oriented learning, engage in professional discussions and reflective practices," said a teacher trainer. "We have requested the department to reduce the number of questions for the assessments in the lower classes. The department has agreed and we hope to have an official order on this soon," said Chandrashekhar Nuggali, president, Karnataka State Primary School Teachers' Association. The department of school education and literacy said while the SATS website has been seeing some upgradation, the process of entering marks will be made smoother soon. "We have already provided them with a question bank with the questions for LBA. Further, with the Khan Academy's app, teachers will be able to use artificial intelligence to generate question papers. It will be easier for the teachers," said Rashmi Mahesh, principal secretary.

'I Went Back To School In My 30s': Adults Share Honest Advice About Returning To Education
'I Went Back To School In My 30s': Adults Share Honest Advice About Returning To Education

Buzz Feed

time4 days ago

  • General
  • Buzz Feed

'I Went Back To School In My 30s': Adults Share Honest Advice About Returning To Education

The decision to go back to school at 30 hits differently than it did at 18. You're not just worried about picking a major or making friends — you're wondering if you can still absorb information like you used to, how you'll balance coursework with real-world responsibilities, and whether you'll stick out like a sore thumb among classmates who are nearly half your age. It's a mix of excitement and terror that only adult learners truly understand. So when one Redditor asked, "I'm 30 and going back to school. Any tips?" the responses came flooding in from people who'd been exactly where they are now. From practical study hacks to managing the mental game of being a non-traditional student, here's the (super supportive!) advice that could make all the difference: "I'm in the same boat! I turn 31 this November and am going back for respiratory therapy. Slow and steady wins the race. Do not compare yourself to your classmates who have fallen into a comfortable study routine that they have been using for the past four-plus years. You took a break, so you need to give your mind some TLC before you can expect it to learn as quickly as it used to. Just focus on having a solid daily study routine. When I was working retail, I would use flashcards while waiting for customers to walk in. Do not let yourself make excuses, but do not burn yourself out. Be firm but kind to yourself. Good luck!" "A tip I learned from my time doing engineering: Use every resource your school has — professor office hours, TAs, department-specific study halls, literally all of it. It is meant for you. My school had a mentoring program for math, science, and even sessions on how to study, and it helped me a ton. It might be a slow start, but once you get a routine in place, you will do great. I would also reach out to other mature students so you can build a network." "My dad told me a few weeks ago, 'Going back is not hard. It is just time-consuming and requires doing things when you do not want to do them.' I just started college again at 34. It is honestly not as daunting as you think it is! Your brain picks up learning and studying again very quickly — you will surprise yourself! Just make sure you have or develop decent time management skills and the ability to say no to things to do homework or study. Best advice: Email your teachers. Take advantage of office hours, tutoring, etc. Whatever resources are available on campus, use them! College professors are generally understanding if you stay in contact and ask for help." "My advice: Stay organized with a planner, use study resources like Quizlet, and do not hesitate to ask for help. Balance is key — prioritize self-care alongside your studies." "Khan Academy." "You will feel out of place, but do not hesitate to speak to the younger folks. I have some classmates who are 17, some in their 30s, and one lady who is 67. Always plan ahead, and start your assignments as soon as you get them. Not all professors will teach the same way, and you will be on your own to figure out most things. (I have had bad luck with profs— I got PTSD from it.) Have a study buddy, or better, create a group chat for the whole class. Even if they are online, just ask in the chat. If I did not ask, then no one would have said anything, so I always take the initiative to ask first — and they all agree. Do not beat yourself up over something you do not know. You will figure it out slowly, and you are not alone. Good luck!" "Continuing your education is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. I am 32 and recently went back to school after a 12-year break. At first, it felt a bit strange being back in a classroom setting, but because I genuinely love the subject I am studying — business — it has been a surprisingly smooth transition. When you are passionate about what you are learning, it is easier to stay engaged and motivated. I find myself absorbing the material like a sponge, but it is also because I put in the work by reading and doing the homework consistently. One thing I have learned is that college is not about cramming. It is about understanding and applying the concepts, which is why it is so important to choose a subject you are genuinely interested in. When you enjoy what you are studying, it will not feel like a chore — it will feel like you are expanding your knowledge and skills in a meaningful way." "I'm 43, in my third semester of my undergrad, and I have already decided I am staying for my Master's. What I have learned after going back is this: Use the resources the university offers. The more you participate in class, the more you retain. Read the course material. Take good notes." "Study in short sessions to stay fresh. A friend of mine would talk out loud about what she was writing and reading — she got a Year 12 grade of 99. That method enforces the memory. I had a classroom test where we read a sheet that had errors in quick time. Reading and talking simultaneously produced a much greater recognition of errors. Learn the quick and easy stuff first." "Test yourself, number one. It's the only tip you need, but if you want me to break it down, there are two ways to do this: Pay for a solid resource and do practice questions, or — and the one I like more because it is faster — do a ton of flashcards. (Do not make your own. Borrow Anki or Quizlet pre-made decks. Save yourself time!)" "Start the core and recommended reading as soon as you can. The more you can keep up with the readings and learning, the easier it will be. Check out some study skills and note-taking advice too — there are some great resources out there on different styles of note-taking, referencing, and writing that will help." "Study smarter, not harder! Get apps like MindGrasp to summarize your articles and readings. Ask questions. Become an expert in one key area. Every term, I add five key authors to my research. I read everything by them and include them in all my coursework (my courses are all interrelated). Tips: I listen to books and papers on Speechify. I write papers using voice-to-text, then use AI to organize my thoughts. I use Grammarly to edit. Get books free from the library, Anna's Archive, or just Google it with '.pdf' attached. Create a master schedule of due dates. Use time-boxing. Take advantage of student discounts. Exercise. Get a reusable bottle for water, coffee, or tea." "I'm doing a master's now at 33. In my experience, be patient. School has a lot of nonsense, which you might not be used to anymore. I have worked as a physician and entrepreneur on my own terms for six years, and I am all about efficiency. School can be the opposite of that. Expect it, and be patient. It is part of the process — part of something you chose to do." "I am 30 and this is my third semester. I would encourage you to take breaks when you need them and ask for help studying as well. My significant other has been tremendously helpful in my process." "I am 30 and studying for the MCAT. Use Anki! Make your workspace a place that is both fun and productive. I play video games on the same desk I study on. When I was working from home, that same desk only screamed stress and burnout — I did not give my brain a chance to feel safe there. Make studying interactive and follow your energy." "Take advantage of professors' office hours. Get the easy assignments out of the way first so leftover time goes to papers — by the due date, of course. Try and socialize with others. It helps a lot with studying for exams. Also, make it fun. It will fly by!" "I am 38 now and went back to school when I was 28 (2013) for a second undergraduate degree, after earning my first in 2008. What worked for me: When there were assigned readings, I started immediately and finished them before the first TA session. I wrote down any questions to bring to class. I sat in the front, took notes, and recorded the lectures. I used my notes to create outlines. I applied the Feynman technique by answering questions on the class message board. When it came time for quizzes and tests, I reviewed my outlines, notes, and skimmed the reading again. That got me A's and B's in all my classes. During my first degree, I struggled because I was distracted by all the 'fun' college had to offer." And finally, "Get comfortable with Google Docs and shared documents for group projects! That is a must." What advice would you add to this list? Drop your insights in the comments or through this anonymous form — your tip could help someone navigate their return to school with more confidence!

ChatGPT was a homework cheating tool. Now OpenAI is carving out a more official role in education.
ChatGPT was a homework cheating tool. Now OpenAI is carving out a more official role in education.

Business Insider

time6 days ago

  • Business Insider

ChatGPT was a homework cheating tool. Now OpenAI is carving out a more official role in education.

When ChatGPT took the world by storm in 2023, students frequently used the AI chatbot to cheat on homework assignments. Two years later, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is taking a more official role in education. On Wednesday, OpenAI and edtech company Instructure announced a partnership that brings generative AI into the heart of classroom instruction. Instructure is the company behind Canvas, a learning app that's used by thousands of high schools and many colleges. If you're a parent, like me, you've probably seen your kids checking for homework assignments and grades in this app on their phones. Going forward, AI models will be embedded within Canvas to help teachers create new types of classes, assess student performance in new ways, and take some of the drudgery out of administrative tasks. For students, this provides a way to use AI for school work without worrying about being accused of cheating, according to Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure. "Students actually do want to learn something, but they want it to be meaningful and applicable to their lives," she added in an interview. "What this does is it allows them to use AI in a class in an interesting way to help them be more engaged and learn more." The edtech market is crowded, and many players are integrating generative AI into workflows. Last year, Khan Academy, a pioneering online education provider, launched Khanmingo, an AI powered assistant for teachers and students that uses OpenAI technology. The LLM-enabled assignment At the center of the Canvas transformation is a new kind of assignment. Instructure calls it the LLM-Enabled Assignment. This tool allows educators to design interactive, chat-based experiences inside Canvas using OpenAI's large language models, or LLMs. Teachers can describe their targeted learning goals and desired skills in plain language, and the platform will help craft an intelligent conversation tailored to each student's needs. "With Instructure's global reach with OpenAI's advanced AI models, we'll give educators a tool to deliver richer, more personalized, and more connected learning experiences for students, and also help them reclaim time for the human side of teaching," said Leah Belsky, VP of Education at OpenAI. Instructure and OpenAI are aiming for a learning experience that better fits how students interact with technology these days — one that mirrors conversations with ChatGPT, but grounded in academic rigor. For instance, a teacher could conjure up an AI chatbot in the form of John Maynard Keynes, powered by OpenAI GPT models. Students can chat with this AI economics avatar and ask questions such as what might happen if more supply is added to a particular market. AI in student assessment As students work through these AI-powered experiences and prompts, their conversations are compared with the teacher's defined objectives and funneled back into the Gradebook, offering real-time insights into student understanding. This gives educators more insight to evaluate the learning process, rather than just students' final answers. In Canvas, the Gradebook is a centralized tool that helps instructors track, manage, and assess student performance across assignments, quizzes, discussions, and other activities within a course. Having OpenAI models involved in the assessment process may raise eyebrows among some educators and parents. However, there will always be a human in the loop, and teachers will have full control over assessments and grades, according to Loble. Help with scheduling and parent questions Instructure has also developed an AI agent that helps teachers tackle heavy admin tasks in Canvas. For instance, if Porsche broke her ankle riding her horse and she asks for more time to do homework, her teacher can ask the digital agent to go into the app and bump deadlines for Porsche and all her relevant classes. This AI agent can even help teachers respond to parent questions. Why did Porsche get a B on her economics test? Her parents might want to know at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday. The Canvas agent can summarize parent questions like these for teachers, potentially spotting similarities and trends within the messages. The teacher can then ask the agent to write a response to the relevant parents. Again, a human is always in the loop: In this case, the teacher would check the agent's message and edit or re-write it before sending.

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