The Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment, BCSEA, has decided to discontinue setting trial exam questions for classes ten and twelve this year. This practice was introduced as a pilot project to standardize exam papers and provide additional practice for students last year. According to the BCSEA, the decision was made after carefully considering factors such as financial costs, redundancy, lack of uniformity, and impact on student performance among others. The decision has received mixed reactions from teachers.
Teachers, BBS talked to, shared differing opinions. Some said that having schools set their own trial exam questions allows schools to prepare according to their convenience and schedule.
On the other hand, others said that when BCSEA sets the questions, it helps students understand the exam pattern and reduces the workload for teachers.
“Firstly, it eases the burden of the teacher if BCSEA prepares the questions. Secondly, it will help the children as it gives a platform for them to prepare for their high-stakes examinations. As a teacher myself, I won’t mind the change but then what matters is change needs to be communicated at perfect timing, not at the end of the day when we do not have a platform to take it as a change,” said Chado Dolma, a teacher at Loselling Middle Secondary School, Thimphu.
“BCSEA setting the trial questions and sending it to the schools across the country eases the teacher’s work. However, I feel that it is good it has been discontinued as we can conduct the trial examinations at our convenience based on the school’s timing, curriculum covered and based on students’ knowledge. We can have enough revision and support the students,’’ said Phub Dorji, vice principal at Motithang Higher Secondary School, Thimphu.
“The only difference was that teachers need not have to spend time in setting the questions and moderating the questions. So, that was the only advantage and benefit that the school had. But the other aspect, the disadvantage was there were some errors in the questions. So, that’s why I think that hereafter, we need much more consultation and proper coordination between schools and the BCSEA,” said Sonam, principal at Loselling Middle Secondary School, Thimphu.
According to the officiating controller of Examinations, BCSEA and schools across the country faced several challenges that led to the decision to discontinue setting trial exam questions.
These challenges included inconsistent administration, logistical and financial burdens and the strain on resources like time, manpower, and money.
In addition, the trial exams did not significantly improve students’ final exam results, making it difficult to justify their continuation.
A similar discussion with the Cambridge board, an international board for examinations, also provided the same recommendation.
According to the BCSEA, the continuation of this practice was always dependent on a thorough impact analysis.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sonam Pem
