Question- Write a short note on assignments.

Ans.

Assignments are used for both learning and evaluation. While teaching in the classroom, teachers often cannot cover the important points of a given topic. Furthermore, there are some important skills like presentation of observation or information in a systematic way, organization of the important points of a given topic, originality, creativity etc. which cannot be judged during the limited time allotted for teaching.

For evaluating these abilities and skills, specific assignments are given to students which are in a way performance of relevant activities to be carried out at home by students according to the directions provided by the teacher. Assignments are used as a learning device as well as evaluation tool in content and skill areas. The assignments can be of different types based on the purpose fulfilled by them :

(i) Extension of the Classroom Lesson : Some lessons end with an assignment which is in a sense an extension of the lesson. It is a lesson carried on at home by the students in their leisure time according to the direction provided by the teacher. Such assignments provide additional learning experience which is not possible in a brief class session.

(ii) Self Evaluation : Sometimes assignments are given in the form of home work. These assignments are based on the application of topics already taught in the class. It provides a situation for self-evaluation.

(iii) Detailed Study of Specific Topics : In some cases, assignments related to a specific topic are given to students, where a student is asked to write a report on the important aspect of the topic. Doing some research on the relevant topic, students are expected to organize all the related information in some order. Sometimes, assignments may be based on some observations, measurements or collection of some materials, arranging or tabulating them and finding if any pattern exists in them.

After the conduction of the assignments, evaluation is an important aspect. When an assignment is given, it must be based on the instructional objectives. The assignment should be evaluated keeping in view those objectives and the extent to which objectives have been achieved.

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