Students fare poorer in higher classes: SSA

Trend evident in English and Mathematics

Data available with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) about performance of students in government-run schools in the capital district point towards a considerable decline in their performance, particularly in English and Mathematics, as they graduate to higher classes. The assessment was done for students from Classes 1 to 8.

Statistics gathered as part of SSA’s quality improvement programme reveal that while more than 70 per cent of students in Classes 1 to 4 secured A grade in English, only 52 per cent of the students secured the grade in Classes 5 and 7.

In Mathematics, the decline is more considerable as the student moves to higher classes. The decline starts when the students graduate to Class 5. Only 50 per cent of them manage to achieve A grade and it dips further as they move to the next level.

Girish Kumar, State programme officer, SSA, says the trend is not confined just to the capital district but across the State. “Large variation on achievement level is witnessed in all the districts. It’s a matter of concern and we have apprised the Directorate of Public Instructions,” he said.

Suggestions include providing students hands on experience in English, Maths, Social Science and Basic Science and equipping teachers. The assessment reveals that most students confront the problem of expressing the subject details while taking examination.

“The decline is basically due to lack of understanding of the basics in Mathematics,” Director, SSA, E.P. Mohan Das, says.

T.K. Prema Kumari, consultant with the State Institute of Education Management and Training, says a multitude of factors contribute to the dip in achievement level. A key reason is the failure of teachers in ensuring that students comprehend each unit in a subject properly. “If a student fails to comprehend a few aspects in a lesson, he/she will not be able to grasp the next unit. Continuity in learning is important factor,” he said.

Difference in teaching practices adopted in school and in tuition classes confuse the student, adding to the problem, she says. The teachers should be encouraged to use teaching aids, particularly in Mathematics, she added.