New education minister Bratya Basu has suggested some changes in school education.He's introduced English at primary level from class I, which is undoubtedly a welcome step.In addition he's made a novel but an extremely necessary move that teaching spoken English would be made compulsory at primary level.Some times despite knowing English well students can't communicate in English properly.Now a days in service or in practical life communicative skill becomes extremely necessary.More often than not students fail to qualify in interview for jobs because of lack of communicative skill in English.Perhaps this far no body will contest the move.But the implementation part of the move is not that easy.Where are the competent teachers at primary level in most of the academic institutions who would teach spoken English with proper pronunciation and accent particularly at districts, if not at Kolkata too?So the teachers should be first properly trained at renowned institutes of spoken English.So it'll take time to implement the new idea.
Minister's other suggestions might draw flak from most of the educationists.It's proposed that pass-fail system till class-VIII will be abolished.Nor there would be any unit tests till class VIII too.Half-yearly and annual examinations would be made optional.These moves, in fact,would do more harm than good to the education system.A student might make it to class IX practically without taking any examination.Isn't it absurd?
Previous Govt after long gap and futile experimentation introduced English from the primary level. Present Govt intends to strengthen that process by introducing oral tests of English only.The abolition of all tests - unit, half-yearly, annual up to class viii, is something which deserve serous attention. This means that students will have to face exams from class ix onwards. The very concept of bidding adieu to the frightening exams is the most radical of the thinking s which are sure to be misunderstood. Students enjoying the care free atmosphere of no exam will be mentally more innovative and will be ready for any exceptional achievement. Perhaps the intention is to prepare the students to practice in speedy handwriting so that they can answer the questions in the exams from class IX with books. That will ensure good results in the Secondary and Higher Secondary levels. The leaders who had to go through excruciating atmosphere while copying books unauthorised and often threatening with daggers, now can bless the students with official sanction. So the next generation will be well prepared to face any ordeal in life. Also they will be bold enough to succeed in all India competitions. Let it succeed!
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