Page 9 - EVALUATION ENGLISH

Preface

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken various initiatives to bring in
academic reforms in the Higher Education Institutions in India. Development and
regular revision of curriculum based on “Learning Outcomes” is one of the quality
initiatives taken up by the UGC. In continuation with this, evaluation reforms are
the next major milestone to be achieved. Some limitations in the current system
of testing students have made the need of reforms in evaluation system relevant.
However, evaluation should be primarily linked to the teaching pedagogy and learning
methods adopted and should be adaptable to situation.

This report of the committee formed by the University Grants Commission
is intended to draw attention to areas, which require attention and provide ways
and means to be undertaken by institutions to improve the methods of conduct
of evaluation. Evaluation plays a pivotal role in the educational system. To make
evaluation more meaningful, this report has considered several aspects. Foremost,
it was felt necessary to link evaluation to “Learning Outcomes.” This document
proposes and recommends Learning Outcome-based Framework to structure and

link evaluation right up to Institutional goals. It specifies required activities and
work products, models of assessment and outlines the role of rubrics to increase
objectivity in assessments.

Taking a more comprehensive view of evaluation, this document also covers
different types of assessment by considering requisite learning attributes and has
been categorized into four groups. Adequate focus is also given to need for more
proportion of testing based on internal assessment modes. The document has also
touched upon the grading system used and to be considered. It also focuses on
the moderation process and important aspects to be considered for conduct of
moderation during evaluation process.

Question banks provide an attempt to integrate both teaching and evaluation.
The document stresses on the implementation of the question bank system as

collaborative efforts of many experts will lead to setting of good quality question
papers. Technology has provided us ways to enable lifelong learning and technology
has the potential to augment traditional classroom practices and revolutionize learning
and evaluation methods. Use of technology both as a learning management system
and the administrative conduct of examination process has been recommended.

It is hoped that this document will serve as a useful guideline in taking an important
step towards evaluation reforms.

Evaluation Reforms in Higher Educational Institutions 7