Reflection on Assessment Session- Class VII
The session, facilitated by Minoti Didi, aimed at demystifying the concept of assessment and empowering children to confidently navigate their learning journey.
The session commenced with an acknowledgment of the word 'assessment,' when a child shared that the word can be menacing for someone. Recognizing this sentiment, Didi initiated a thoughtful discussion on perception. Drawing a beautiful analogy, she explained the mind as a clear blue sky, with emotions represented as clouds. The children actively participated, providing insightful explanations and examples, fostering an understanding that our mental clarity is within our control (when we identify these clouds, they can be removed by the wind or break into small pieces). All senses—everything we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell—are objects of my mind, not my mind.
To further emphasize the concept of empowerment, the term "EMPOWER" was introduced. Didi and the children collectively explored its meaning—to give power, to be capable. A powerful revelation emerged as a child expressed, "When I am prepared, I feel empowered." This insight paved the way for introspection on personal readiness and the desire to see a clear blue sky or one with clouds in our minds.
The session seamlessly transitioned to discussing assessment as a normal practice in our daily lives, drawing parallels to assessing a marker pen before purchase. This analogy helped students grasp the idea that assessments are tools to understand their learning needs, study methods, and their connection/relation with the subject.
Addressing the fear associated with assessments, the children shared perspectives, with one insightful comment highlighting how the tone of a teacher can become a cloud. Didi skillfully guided the children to view assessments as reflections of their learning, linking happiness as a motivating factor.
Minoti Didi further enriched the session by introducing प्रज्ञापारमिताहृदयसत्रू , “गतेगतेपारगते पारसंगते बोधि स्वाहा” - go, go, go beyond, go utterly beyond—Be your enlightened mind. Encouraging children to perceive it as a ladder, with each step leading to enlightenment and happiness.
Questions asked by children:
1.What happens when you achieve happiness?
2.What exactly is the beyond?
3.How do we know that what we are doing is what we are made to do?
4.Is sadness really bad?
5.What is the purpose of scoring grades?
The session left an indelible mark, fostering a palpable sense of curiosity and empowerment among the children. Beyond merely acquiring insights into effective assessment strategies, they embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery, emerging as empowered learners. By encouraging them to view learning as a holistic pursuit, we aimed to instill the understanding that the true essence lies in the journey itself.