Revolutionizing Education
By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
With time, every aspect of life evolves, and education the foundation of any progressive nation is no exception. Recognizing the need for modernization, the Government of India introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, replacing the National Policy on Education (NPE) of 1986 after 34 years.
One of the most significant shifts in this policy is the move from content-based learning to competency-based learning, ensuring that students develop skills beyond memorization. A crucial aspect of this transformation is the School-Based Assessment (SBA), which has been given great emphasis under NEP 2020.
The traditional examination system, which often focuses on recalling information rather than understanding concepts, has proven ineffective in equipping students with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Large-scale assessments conducted across 701 districts in India revealed that students are still heavily reliant on rote memorization, highlighting the urgent need for a more effective assessment system. In response, the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) and NCERT have pushed for the implementation of SBA, aiming to replace out dated examination patterns with a holistic and student-centered approach. However, while the policy and framework are in place, the real challenge lies in its proper implementation at the grassroots level.
Understanding School-Based Assessment (SBA)
The concept of assessment has now replaced the traditional term examination in modern education. Unlike examinations, which are rigid, judgmental, and conducted under controlled conditions based on fixed standards, educational assessment is a dynamic, ongoing process that helps define, design, collect, analyze, and interpret information to enhance student learning and development. SBA is an in-school assessment method, conducted by teachers, to evaluate students’ learning progress in real-time.
This approach empowers teachers, as they are the ones who interact with students daily and understand their learning needs best. Unlike external assessments, where students are evaluated based on a single test, SBA provides a continuous and comprehensive evaluation of students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Why school-based assessment is essential
SBA plays a vital role in shifting the focus from marks-based learning to skill-based learning. Some key advantages include:
- Empowers Teachers – Since teachers conduct the assessments, they can provide personalized feedback and design learning experiences suited to individual student needs.
- Encourages Conceptual Understanding – Instead of simply testing memory, SBA focuses on understanding, application, and creativity.
- Reduces Exam Stress – Traditional exams often cause anxiety among students. SBA, with its continuous and formative approach, makes learning a more natural and less stressful process.
- Addresses Learning Gaps – SBA allows teachers to identify weaknesses and intervene immediately, rather than waiting for final exam results.
- Promotes Holistic Development – SBA assesses not just academic knowledge but also skills like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Types of assessments in SBA
SBA includes both formative and summative assessments, ensuring a balanced approach to evaluating student learning.
Formative Assessment:
This is an on-going process conducted during learning. Teachers observe students, provide feedback, and help them improve before final evaluations.
Summative Assessment:
This is conducted at the end of a course or term to evaluate overall learning. While it is judgmental, it is still more flexible than traditional examinations.
Unlike exams, where students either “pass” or “fail,” SBA identifies learning gaps and provides corrective measures before final assessments.
Assessment Techniques and Tools in SBA: To make assessment more student-friendly, SBA encourages the use of various techniques and tools, including.
Portfolios – A collection of students’ work over time, showcasing their progress.
Checklists – Structured lists used to track learning objectives.
Anecdotal Records – Observational notes by teachers on student performance and behaviour.
Rubrics – Scoring guides with clear criteria for evaluating student work.
SBA also encourages different types of assessments:
Assessment for Learning – Teachers assess students continuously, making adjustments in teaching strategies.
Assessment as Learning – Students take charge of their learning by self-assessing under teacher guidance.
Assessment of Learning – The final evaluation that determines a student’s competency.
These varied approaches ensure that assessment is not just about marking answers, but about improving learning outcomes.
Challenges in Implementing SBA
Despite its numerous benefits, SBA faces significant challenges in implementation. Many teachers and schools are still unfamiliar with its methods, tools, and techniques. Some of the major roadblocks include:
Lack of Teacher Training – Many educators have not been trained in modern assessment techniques.
Resistance to Change – Schools accustomed to traditional exams find it difficult to shift to a more flexible system.
Inadequate Infrastructure – Some schools lack the necessary resources to implement SBA effectively.
Time Constraints – Teachers often struggle with large class sizes and limited time, making continuous assessment challenging.
To address these issues, institutions like NCERT, SCERTs, and DIETs are conducting teacher training programs to equip educators with the skills needed to implement SBA effectively.
Recently, DIET Bandipora launched a three-day capacity-building program on School-Based Assessment, focusing on training teachers in assessment design, feedback mechanisms, and practical implementation. Such initiatives are the need of the hour. However, the responsibility ultimately lies with schools and teachers to apply these learnings in the classroom.
The way forward: Making SBA a success
For SBA to be successful, schools must ensure:
Proper Training for Teachers – Every teacher must be trained in SBA techniques to conduct assessments effectively.
Supportive Infrastructure – Schools must provide necessary tools, time, and resources for meaningful assessments.
Active Student Participation – Students should be encouraged to take ownership of their learning through self and peer assessments.
Parental Involvement – Parents must be made aware of SBA’s benefits so they can support their children’s learning journey.
Feedback-Driven Improvement – SBA should be a cycle of learning, assessment, feedback, and improvement, ensuring that students continuously progress.
A Necessary step towards a better education system
The future of education lies in holistic and competency-based learning, and School-Based Assessment is a crucial step in that direction. If implemented effectively, SBA can transform the Indian education system, creating self-reliant, critical-thinking, and skillful students who are ready to face the challenges of the modern world.
However, for SBA to truly make an impact, it must not remain a mere policy on paper—it needs proper implementation at the grassroots level. Teachers, schools, policymakers, and parents must work together to ensure that SBA becomes the foundation of India’s new era of education.
Only then can we ensure that our students are not just passing exams, but truly learning, growing, and preparing for the future.
(The author is a Teacher. He works as the Resource Person at DIET Bandipora)
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