`1,300 errors found during review of NCERT textbooks'

Manash Gohain | New Delhi:





Over 1,300 factual errors have been identified during the review of school textbooks published by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Stating that the Council will correct the errors, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said nearly 900 teachers had sent over 2,500 suggestions for correction.

 

Earlier this year, NCERT decided to review all its books, as they were written over a decade ago and needed to be updated. The books were published in 2007, post National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005. The Council had sought suggestions from tea chers for factual errors and updation.

Speaking to TOI, Javadekar said the bo oks were not being re vised but reviewed for factual errors. “This is w. NCERT received aro a review. NCERT received around 2,500 suggestions and of those 1,300 were found to be correct,“ he said. The minister said NCERT is going to update the books mostly before start of the next academic session. “ A new portal has been created which will help schools order books to ensure timely supply ,“ he added.

According to MHRD, NCERT printed and supplied 4.5 crore copies of textbooks this year and it is anticipating orders of six crore copies next year. Javadekar said, from October 2, the Centre will also undertake a “first of its kind technologically-enabled teachers' training programme for nearly 11lakh untrained teachers“.




Source : Aug 20 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)
 

Source Link: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=1300-errors-found-during-review-of-NCERT-textbooks-20082017018024

Aug 21 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

JEE Advanced will go online from next year to fix errors





The IIT Joint Admission Board announced on Sunday that the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) would go online from 2018. Errors in the question paper this year prompted the change, officials said.

They said an online test will help prevent mistakes and also avert situations like what they encountered last year when 18 bonus marks were given to candidates who took the JEE (A) because of printing and translation errors in the question paper. After a meeting on Sunday, JAB members said they were optimistic that the online version of the JEE Ad online version of the JEE Advanced will ensure that there is greater accuracy and transparency in the test.

Candidates in 2018 are likely to continue to have the option of taking either the online or written version of the JEE (Mains), the qualifying test for the JEE Advanced. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the qualifying test, which only 10% of all candidates chose to take online in 2017.

More than 1.5 lakh students took the JEE Advanced in 2017.Officials had put the admission process on hold temporarily after a group of students pointed out mistakes in the question paper. The Supreme Court heard a plea by the students in July and directed the JAB to award them bonus marks and submit an undertaking to the court that it would develop a suitable mechanism so such errors would not take place again. “The online version of the test will make logistics easier and the evaluation process more accurate,“ a senior official with the human resource development (HRD) ministry said. “It will also take care of security issues because there will be no scope for question papers leaks.“ IIT-M director and JAB chairman Bhaskar Ramamurthi said printing costs would drop with the online version and the board would be able to declare results faster.





Source: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=JEE-Advanced-will-go-online-from-next-year-21082017001065#

 

Mumbai, it's time to focus on your kids' mental health

Ismat Tahseen





There's nothing more tragic than a young life cut short. In April, 24-year-old college student Vishal Bhardwaj had shocked Mumbai by announcing his suicide on social media, barely moments before jumping off a high-rise hotel in Bandra. And last week saw Mumbai grappling last week saw Mumbai grappling with the news of another tragic death. In the latest incident, a 14-year-old boy leaped to his death from the terrace of the building in which he stayed. The cops are still probing if the boy , Manpreet Sahans, was playing the dangerous `Blue Whale' dare-based game or if there was another reason that triggered the act. Amid speculation about how children are more vulnerable to the dark side of the web, these incidents also highlight the alarming need for greater support for the city's kids and preteens, in order to help them overcome mental health issues that they may go through. 

`SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION CAN BE HIDDEN' 

In the case of Manpreet, reports state that he was regular with academics and extracurricular activities. He also loved basketball and cricket and cracking jokes with his friends. In short, there was no visible signs of depression. However, city-based psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, “The symptoms of depression and other mental health issues can be just as much hidden in kids and teens as adults. And often, they are ignored. So many parents say , `We did not know or child is depressed; we thought he's just being quiet'.There are red flags to watch out for. Look for these symptoms --poor concentration that starts suddenly , talking about wanting to meet God, surfing sites for suicidal methods, wanting to run away from the house in a suicide statement, sudden anger and irritability towards parents, clinging excessively to parents or teachers, picking fights with rickshaw drivers and non-teaching staff, wanting to explore the upper stories in a school or other buildings, losing weight and developing either an excessive or poor appetite, apart from sadness and crying. Another rare symptom is sympathising with those who have already harmed themselves and supporting their action. If you see these, con sult mental health professionals and not an astrologer,“ he warns. “Often, when a nor mally aggres sive child becomes extremely well behaved, it's time to go for a mental health screen ing,“ he adds.

SHOCKING STATS `HELPLINE CALLS FROM YOUNGSTERS ON THE RISE' 

Johnson Thomas, who works for a Mumbai-based helpline for suicide prevention, says, “In the last one week alone, we have received close to 180 calls a day , of which 45 were from young adults in the 14 25 age group.
There are kids who say that they are depressed and can not study. Some even talk of wanting to end their lives. The reasons may vary , but it's mostly about being alone, losing friends and not feeling like doing anything. These kids want to consult counsellors, but are afraid of how their families will react. Since they are too young to reach counsellors on their own, it's the parents' responsibility to understand their plight. What is even more disturbing is that we have also been getting calls from teens, who want to play the Blue Whale game as it has garnered so much negative attention.For those who are on the verge of depression, this can be fatal. We are actually looking at a ticking time bomb that may explode if access to the game is not denied and if adults do not look at depression as a wakeup call.“

IMMEDIATE NEED OUR CITY HAS NO SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE YOUNGER LOT 

The emotional well-being of youngsters is largely ignored, feel experts.Dr Aleeka Kumar, psychodynamic psychotherapist, says, “ Apart from the school counsellor, we don't see any help being available for them. There is also a lack of understanding about therapy and mental help. When it comes to therapy , parents still think, `There is something is wrong with my child'. So, as adults, we need to acknowledge that emotional wellbeing is as crucial for development and survival. Why don't parents come together and form an informal support group and include a therapist as part of it? Mumbai is a city of initiatives, why can't this happen?“

THE WAY OUT `GO FOR REGULAR CHECK-UPS, WHY WAIT UNTIL RISK ARISES?' 

The need of the hour is regular mental health check-ups. Do not wait to consult a counsellor till you realise that someone is at a risk of ending his life. Developmental pediatrician Anjana Thadani says that many lives can be saved if parents, teachers or even friends act on the symptoms. “We have been neglecting mental health issues of kids and adolescents all this while. Do not ignore their mood changes and swing into action right away . Always keep the channel of communication open and take your kids for mental health check-ups on a half-yearly basis,“ she advises.

Source : Aug 08 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

Source Link: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=Mumbai-its-time-to-focus-on-your-kids-08082017102033#

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 SMARTPHONES ARE RENDERING TEENAGERS LONELY AND DISTRESSED

IANS





Teenagers today are working less, have fewer relationships and are far less happy than previous generations because of increased use of smartphones, says a social psychologist who has been researching generational differences for 25 years.Jean Twenge says there is evidence that the devices we have placed in young people's hands are having profound effects on their lives and making them unhappy .

 

The statistics are alarming.While only 56 per cent of high school seniors dated in 2015, compared to 85 per cent for Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, the number of teenagers who spend daily time with friends dropped by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2015, it said. The decline in dating tracks with a decline in sexual activity.

While this might have had a positive impact on teenage birth rate, which hit an all-time low in 2016, down 67 per cent since its modern peak in 1991, Twenge said that increased smartphone use is also linked to loneliness and depression among the post-millennial generation. Today's teenagers are also working less than their predecessors and driving less, often depending on parents for the rides, according to research. So, if they are not meeting their friends, working less, and not often going on a date, what are they doing with all that time? They are on their phone, in their room, alone and often distressed, Twenge said.
 

Source : Aug 09 2017 : The Times of India (NaviMumbai)

 

Link :  http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=SMARTPHONES-ARE-RENDERING-TEENAGERS-LONELY-AND-DISTRESSED-09082017105033#

‘Udaan’ to boost enrolment of girl students in engg

By : Litha Thampy | TNN | Jul 26, 2017, 11:50 PM IST

 

Indore: To boost enrolment of girls in engineering colleges Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to assist girl students in preparation for entrance examinations of premier engineering colleges through its project-Udaan.

The CBSE will set up four centres across Madhya Pradesh for the project. Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Tikamgarh will be the four centers. Indore's Vidyasagar School, Bhopal's Girls School, Gyan Ganga International School in Jabalpur and Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya in Tikamgarh have been selected by the board as Udaan centres in the state.

Girl students enrolled in Class XI in physics, chemistry and mathematics stream with a minimum of 70% marks in Class X overall and 80% marks in science and mathematics with a minimum CGPA of eight and a GPA of nine can enroll for the project.

The selected students will have access to an online portal, which will be organised on the basis of Class XI and XII syllabus with three subject streams - physics, chemistry and mathematics.

This portal will have content in the form of videos, tutorials and text. Concepts will be organised based on the learning taking place in the classroom as per the syllabus of Class XI and XII

Meanwhile it is not just CBSE students, who stand to benefit. Selected girl students in class XI and XII from other boards will also be provided free assistance to prepare for the IIT-JEE.

In a novel initiative, if selected students score well in weekly tests conducted by the CBSE, then the points accrued will be redeemed as fees in an IIT or NIT. "Udaan project provides a platform to empower girl students to join prestigious educational institutions like IITs and NITs," said CBSE helpline counsellor from the state Jaydeb Kar.

Under the project, CBSE will assist students by providing them free online and offline support. Selected girls will be provided with tablets that have preloaded content, besides regular tutorials, study materials and assessments.

There will also be constant monitoring and tracking of student progress with feedback to parents, besides interactive sessions with peers and teachers. A helpline will allow students to clarify doubts at any point. The selection will be based on merit-cum-economic criterion.

Under the programme, CBSE has appointed principals and teachers as coordinators in each state.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/udaan-to-boost-enrolment-of-girl-students-in-engg/articleshow/59780074.cms

Heavy school bags in Maharashtra CBSE, ICSE schools: State to seek centre’s intervention

School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court's directions.

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Published:July 29, 2017 12:56 pm

 

Congress’ Sanjay Dutt also voiced that heavy schoolbags can result in long-term medical issues.

School students in Maharashtra may be granted relief as the Union Human Resourse Development minister Prakash Javadekar has planned to approach the state government to discuss the issue of heavy schoolbags carried by students studying in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).

School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court’s directions. He said that 94 per cent of school bags in the state are now considerably lighter.

Since CBSE and ICSE affiliated schools do not come under the state’s jurisdiction, there has been no change in the issue, Tawde said adding that the state government will seek audience with the HRD minister before the end of August to check this issue.

Following this thought, Congress’ Sanjay Dutt also voiced that heavy schoolbags can result in long-term medical issues as it has been noted by doctors and asked the state government to direct the CBSE and other central boards to reduce the weight of school bags.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/education/heavy-school-bags-in-maharashtra-cbse-icse-schools-state-to-seek-centre-intervention-4772555/

CBSE considering holding X & XII board exams simultaneously

Abhishek Choudhari | TNN | Jul 31, 2017, 02:15 AM IST

Nagpur: If everything goes according to plan, CBSE may conduct its Std X and XII board exams on the same date in future. A CBSE official said the suggestion had emerged from a meeting with some school principals and is being actively considered.

CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said, "The suggestion is being referred to the committee constituted to give suggestions on systemic improvement of the evaluation process in future board exams." City schools say, if implemented, this move will definitely help in managing logistics better.

Anmol Badjatia, principal of Jain International, said, "In Nagpur, very few schools are exam centres, so there is definitely a load on resources. If exams are conducted in two shifts, then this might be possible and they will be able to utilize the infrastructure. But two different shifts will definitely be needed to do it."

Plex John, principal of Edify School, said, "Already, university level exams are conducted in this manner. The BA first year paper will be in the morning whereas second year paper will be in the afternoon. So, if it is done as per the shift system, there will be a lot of benefit to everyone."

Swati Chauhan, principal of Central India Public School (Kamptee Road), said, "I think manpower can be managed much better if this is done."

Another point of view emerging is that managing logistics won't be that easy since exam duration does not provide a complete picture. Shilpee Ganguly, principal of Centre Point School (Katol Road), said, "Students are in the exam room for 3.5 hours, which includes their pre-exam time as well. Apart from this, we need one hour to prepare everything for a crucial exam as this, which requires 4.5 hours. And then Std X students will need to be out of the campus completely before the second shift of Std XII exam starts, and that time also needs to be accounted for. It can be done, if it has to be, but it's not a feasible option."

The other change CBSE is planning is to advance the board exams to February, from current March. This will help CBSE to wrap up exams a month earlier and leave enough time to deal with revaluation (if any) issues and declare early results. Schools say this will result in students getting almost a month less for revision. Ganguly said, "Syllabus is completed in every school by December and if this new rule comes into affect then we'll have to wrap up by November."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/cbse-considering-holding-x-xii-board-exams-simultaneously/articleshow/59837444.cms

17000 CBSE schools may see change as PMO pushes for military-model training

Pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education, patriotic outlook

Factchecker Team  August 1, 2017 Last Updated at 08:52 IST

Around 17,000 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)-affiliated schools across the country could be the testing ground after the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) asked the ministry of human resources to consider replicating the model of sainik schools (military schools) in all schools across the country.

The PMO was pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education and a patriotic outlook among students. 

There are 25 sainik schools across the country, according to the 2016-17 annual report of the defence ministry.

The schools, run by Sainik Schools Society, admit students based on entrance tests held in January every year.

“Approximately one-fourth of cadets in each batch of National Defence Academy (NDA) are from sainik Schools,” the annual report of the defence ministry said.

“For the 136th NDA/ INA course, which commenced in July 2016, a total of 102 cadets from all sainik Schools have joined the NDA and Naval Academy”.

The human resources ministry is keen to develop the model initially in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs or central schools) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) under the control of the CBSE, Indian Express reported on July 21, 2017.

The ministry is of the view that it would be easier to replicate such elements in JNVs, which are also residential schools.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/17000-cbse-schools-may-see-change-as-pmo-pushes-for-military-model-training-117080100172_1.html