Status: EDITED/SALIL
Chennai: The Directorate of Elementary Education will train teachers in creating customised assessments using digital tools, to meet the diverse learning needs of primary school students. This training will help teachers design mock question papers and revision modules tailored to different abilities.
An online platform and messaging groups are being launched to encourage the exchange of innovative assessment practices.
According to the State Planning Commission’s report on the Ennum Ezhuthum numeracy and literacy programme, teachers question the effectiveness of existing digital assessments. “The present system works for slower learners, but it doesn’t push intelligent students to their full potential,” said Sindhuja M, a teacher in Tiruvottiyur.
Teachers suggested increasing the number of questions in formative assessments and improving the usability of mobile app-based evaluations, which many find challenging to administer.
“Most times we have to prompt students to reply on the application. Otherwise, they go without answering the question even if they know the answer,” said Dhanya Mahesh, a mathematics teacher in Virudhunagar.
Despite the challenges, digital assessments conducted via the TNSED (Tamil Nadu school education department) app provide detailed insights into student progress. Unlike traditional summative assessments, which emphasise core skills, digital evaluations highlight both strengths and learning gaps.
“I can pinpoint exactly where each student needs improvement, which allows me to adjust my teaching strategy accordingly,” said a teacher from Salem.
These assessments spark curiosity in students and reduce exam-related anxiety. “It feels like a game rather than a test, which makes students more engaged and confident,” the teacher added.
However, their implementation can be improved to meet the programme’s goals. Director of elementary education P A Naresh says regular orientation of teachers is essential. During a recent review meeting with district education officers, an innovative method was suggested by teachers from Krishnagiri. It involved reading and colouring, which showed a positive impact on student learning and recall. He said these practices should be shared with the teacher community.
“Teachers are willing to learn and are very creative and passionate. Some teachers can be deployed for conducting demonstration classes to other teachers,” he added.
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