Teachers puzzled as Class 8 made to write quarterly for 100 marks

CHENNAI: With allegedly no prior intimation to teachers or students, certain districts in Tamil Nadu have conducted Class 8 quarterly exams for 100 marks as against to 60 marks.

Teachers in Salem and Tiruchy districts alleged that they were not aware that the question paper was set for 100 marks.

Subsequently, teachers also say they are in dilemma over the paper correction pattern and question the reason for scoring students on practicals, when they are forced to write a 100-mark paper instead.

A government middle school teacher in Salem on the condition of anonymity said, “Teachers were unaware that the class 8 exam alone will be conducted for 100 marks as we did not receive any circular from the department as well. In the case of students, they were shocked to write a 100 marks question paper.”

“There are several such confusions that are prevailing in the education department, exposing lack of coordination between higher officials and schools. Announcements are made last minute or in most cases, not made at all – taking both the teachers and students by surprise,” added the Salem teacher.

Additionally, a government middle school teacher in Tiruchy also expressed disappointment over the 100-mark question paper. “The students were not prepared to write 100 marks papers as they were anticipating a 60-mark question paper. Forcing students to write for 100 marks can be quite stressful. Also, many students are also likely to fail,” noted the teacher.

When students write for 60 marks and rest 40 marks in practicals, the overall score will be higher than writing the paper for 100-marks, avert teachers.

Interestingly, there are other districts such as Cuddalore where the question paper for class 8 was set only for 60 marks. “We had the question paper set for 60 marks and the rest 40 marks for assessment. We are unaware of the 100-mark question paper,” said a government middle Headmasters in Cuddalore.

Commenting on this, a Chief Educational Officer (CEO) said, “100-mark question paper for Class 8 is being followed from last academic year and soon will be implemented for Class 9 as well. Conducting a 100-mark exam will be a good writing practice. Nevertheless, we have not received any report of confusion regarding paper corrections or students unable to write.”

Responding to this, a government teacher questioned the reason for two question papers with different marks (60 and 100 marks) for class 8 and urged for clarification from the department.