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ShareBangalore: With the much-touted grading system making its debut across CBSE schools in October, one aspect being discussed and debated is how to help students make a transition from marks to grades, and help them choose the apt educational streams on completion of the 10th grade.
The board has asked schools to consider providing optional aptitude tests for students twice -- once in the ninth and once in 10th grade. While experts laud the idea, there are doubts if schools have sufficient infrastructure to implement it. "Unlike the West, in India aptitude tests are yet to be standardised. Besides, it should only be used as an indicator and additional input, and it should be interpreted properly, or it could cause harm," said Dr R Srinivasa Murthy, retired professor of psychiatry, Nimhans. Also, many schools will have to hire counsellors for the purpose at additional costs.
Some city schools have been doing this for years now. "Every year, as part of our life-skills programme, we conduct counselling for high school students. We have trained professionals on campus and also get help from outside," said Mansoor Ali Khan, member of the management board, DPS Bangalore. "I'm keen to know the choices available , irrespective of the marks or grades' system," said Avika Sunil, a ninth grade student.
