In the previous academic session, the Government Medical College Srinagar started new-pattern of Medical Examination by introducing in its Pre-final MBBS tests. This was the first such Medical Examination being conducted here in Kashmir, as it promotes “higher order skills” in students and attempts to discourage rote learning.
While quoting as per the print media reports regarding the Open Book System Examination, Principal GMC Srinagar said, “we decide to put this method of Examination to use in an Internal Examination to get a feedback about the whole system and so far, we are really amazed by the response.As Various Deans and Head of Departmentsat GMC Srinagar said that the move is aimed to encourage students to think, Analysis, Comprehended, Evaluate, Create rather than tests. Some medicos also said that in the new system of Examination, one question was to formulate a workable action plan to reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents in Kashmir, with reference to a model called “Haddon Matrix” as it will be nowhere explained in the book except for a starting point on Haddon Matrix. A student will require using his mind to think, plan critically,analyse and come up with creative solution or problem.The new system of Examination was already being promoted by Educationists in India as well as in Europe.
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Some medicos explained the questions put across in an open Book Examination are framed to test a student’s comprehension or problem, as the dispelling misconception about the Open Book Examination system as being akin to copying.Before the introduce of open book Examination to Medical colleges, the IIT’s which are running Engineering courses in India, have initially introduced open book Examination for Bachelors of Engineering Programme.But here in Jammu & Kashmir, Engineering institutes are yet to start this new pattern of Examination, as same subjects were taught by our Engineering colleges and Universities which are taught in IIT’S for Engineering courses.
Medical fraternity suggested that this kind of Examination is too hard to pass, as compared to initial Examination pattern. They also revealed that it will be better if this kind of Examination pattern has initially introduced. The Hon’ble Chancellor, Hon’ble Vice Chancellors of different varsities, Hon’ble Advisor to Higher Education,Directorates of Engineering colleges, Deans of VariousEngineering colleges, Registrar’s, Deputy Registrar’s of Academic Affairs, must discuss the issue and make a landmark judgment to introduce Open Book Examination to EngineeringProgrammes, so to promote higher order skills in students in addition to rote learning.
(Shah Khalid is a Srinagar based freelance Journalist)
