Assessments...

Yesterday I went to my younger daughter’s school for parent teacher meeting. As I was walking down the corridor I overheard a father scolding his small boy. He had probably seen the son’s assessment sheets in which the boy had not faired well. I vividly remember the expression on the child’s face. He wore a frightened look and was on the verge of crying. Is this all that a parent ought to do about his child’s performance?  To see the report card at the end of term and get angry at the child. Would it not be better to monitor the child’s progress more often, be a partner in his learning, motivate him and help him work on his weaknesses on a regular basis.

I remember another incident in which a mother was talking to her friends. She said “I don’t bother, I am not a stickler for marks”. This child wasn’t doing well on the academic front either, she still isn’t.  It is  good not to get disturbed on seeing the marks on a test but tests are a good indicator of the learning of the child and they  must given due importance. If the marks are not good find out (from the child or teacher) where the child needs help and take remedial measures immediately. Be partners in your child’s learning. Especially so in a day school! They say a stitch in time saves nine.