Khyber schools shifting to a new examination system
The District Education Office has launched a novel approach to annual examinations, emphasizing student learning outcomes (SLO) over rote memorization. This initiative aims to shift the focus from cramming to demonstrating genuine subject knowledge in exam papers.
According to officials speaking to Dawn, the inspiration for the SLO-based exam system stems from the annual intermediate exams conducted by the board of Intermediate and secondary education. Under this system, subject specialists set uniform exam papers for all affiliated educational institutions.
Abdur Rehman, Principal of a government high school in Jamrud and a member of the committee responsible for drafting unified exam papers highlighted that the introduction of the SLO-based system intends to discourage cramming and promote genuine understanding of subjects among students.
He cited the poor results from last year’s grade 9–10 annual exams as a driving force behind this initiative.
“The new exam system, which has been introduced at the school level in Khyber district for the first time, will not only help improve exam results, but it will strengthen the mental faculties of the students as well,” he said.
Under the new system, exam papers consist of two parts: Part I comprises multiple-choice questions (short questions), while Part II includes critical questions aimed at encouraging students to provide detailed answers based on their understanding of the subjects.
The examinations are currently underway in the district, commencing on March 4 and scheduled to conclude on March 25.
“A three-member committee engaged at least 12 qualified subject specialists for scrutinising and proofreading new papers,” he said.
Education expert Bahadar Khan lauded the initiative, emphasizing the quality of papers designed under the SLO-based system, which he believes will benefit both students and teachers.
Moreover, the system is expected to reduce expenses for schools by eliminating the need for separate exam paper drafting and printing.
Senior teacher Sharifullah Afridi from a government school in Landi Kotal also praised the new exam system.
He also said the SLO-based exam system would do away with “laziness and indolence” among teachers and would make them more responsible regarding the discharge of their duties.