DIMAPUR, MAY 30 (MExN): With the National Assessment Survey (NAS) conducted by the NCERT painting a bleak picture of math and science education for Class X students in Nagaland, the same survey has revealed that the problem with these subjects begin in the lower classes and deteriorates as they go up.
This is indicated in the Nagaland State Learning Report, which saw the participation of 5486 students from class 3; 5922 students from class 5; and 4352 students from class 8.
It stated that on an average, 64% of class 3 children are responding mathematics questions correctly. However this drops to 46% when children reach class 5; and gets worse as only 34% of class 8 students could answer math questions correctly.
When it comes to languages as well there is a decline in the number of students answering questions correctly—declining from 67% in class 3 to 52% in class 5 to 45% in class 8.
For class 8 students, the survey reveals that 35% students could answer science questions correctly, while 37% could answer social science questions correctly.
The survey also saw the participation of 1431 class 3 teachers, 1243 class 5 teachers and 870 class 8 teachers. Regarding the teaching scenario, it indicated that 79% children could understand what teacher’s say in the classroom.
Teacher satisfaction low
Teacher satisfaction on teaching materials and work space was also very low, with 72% saying they don’t have adequate instructional material and supplies; and 83% citing lack of adequate work space. Related to utilities, the survey found that 42% of school buildings were in need of significant repair. Further, only 25% teachers were found to fully understand the curricular goals.
In terms of school utilities, 42% teachers said that school buildings need significant repair; 32% saying there is lack of drinking water facilities; 22% citing lack of adequate toilet facilities; and 31% teachers responded that there is lack of electricity.
Meanwhile, 15% of teachers opined they are overloaded with the work, while only 27% of teachers expressed high satisfaction with their job. In addition the survey reports that 47% teachers in class 3; 62% teachers in class 5; and 73% teachers in class 8 are teaching the same subject they had pursued during their higher studies.
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) was conducted throughout the country for Classes 3, 5 and 8 in government and government aided schools. The survey tools used multiple test booklets with 45 questions in Classes III and V and 60 questions in Class VIII in Mathematics, Language, Sciences and Social Sciences.
The competency based test questions developed reflected the Learning Outcomes developed by the NCERT which were recently incorporated in the RTE Act by the Government of India. Along with the test items, questionnaires pertaining to students, teachers and schools were also used.
The findings of the survey, the NCERT hopes, will help to guide education policy, planning and implementation at national, state, district and classroom levels for improving learning levels of children and bringing about qualitative improvements.
