Learning as Festival!

Education is a tripolar process involving the learner, the parent, and the teacher. As Kashmir gears up for the final Summative Assessments, it is crucial we see education not just as a means to an end, but as a celebration of growth, discovery, and personal development.

Firs t thing to do is to move away from exam fear and consequent stress, and create an environment of joyful learning. As parents, your words, your attitude, and your involvement shape how your child experiences exams.

For Parents

Don’t Transfer Stress: Avoid statements like “This exam decides your future.” Instead, say: “Do your best — we’re proud of your efforts.”

Understand Child’s Unique Abilities: Not every child learns the same way — and that’s not a flaw, it’s a strength. According to psychologist Howard Gardner, there are multiple intelligences, each reflecting different ways children learn, process, and show understanding.

Your child may have strong verbal skills, while another may express themselves through music or visuals. Appreciate the unique learner in your home. Your role is not to compare your child with others, but to support their journey and help them find the best version of themselves.

For Teachers

Teachers are the mentors and academic guides who hold the power to transform exam fear into exam readiness. With the final assessments approaching, it is time to move beyond traditional models and embrace individualized, flexible evaluation strategies. This version is ideal for a school circular, policy document, or teachers’ training manual that emphasizes inclusive, differentiated, and meaningful assessments.

Incorporate Multidimensional Intelligence in Assessment Design: In today’s progressive educational landscape, it is imperative that teachers move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all assessments and embrace a multidimensional understanding of intelligence and learning. Pioneering psychologist Howard Gardner, in his Multiple Intelligences Theory, emphasized that learners exhibit distinct intellectual strengths — ranging from linguistic, logical-mathematical, and spatial abilities to interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalistic talents. Similarly, J.P. Guilford’s Structure of Intellect Model proposed that intelligence is comprised of over 120 abilities categorized across three domains: Operations, Content, and Products, highlighting the complexity of human cognition and the need for varied assessment formats. In line with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, teachers are included due to rigid formats or narrow definitions of intelligence.

Summative assessments should therefore include diverse question types, tiered difficulty levels, and optional components that cater to varying intelligence profiles, learning styles, and developmental stages. Such an approach not only aligns with global best practices but also respects the individual potential and dignity of each student.

Provide Flexibility:

• Allow differentiated paper patterns or tiered question sets for Grades A, B, and C.
• Maintain core competencies but allow diverse paths to demonstrate understanding.
• Include choices in question papers (e.g., “Attempt any 3 of the following 5”).

For Students

Be Your Best Version: Exams are not just about grades — they are about growth, self-discovery, and direction. While they may seem stressful at times, they are a vital part of your academic journey and a gateway to your future. They help shape not just what you know, but who you become. Here’s why you should take exams seriously — for yourself:

• Organize scattered knowledge into structured understanding.
• Connect theory to real-life application.
• Strengthen recall, logic, and reasoning — all critical life skills.

Exams Help You Set Personal Benchmarks : You’re not competing with others, you’re competing with yourself. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of comparing your marks with others. But real success lies in competing with yourself:

• Can you revise smarter than last time?
• Can you stay focused a little longer today?
• Can you improve your handwriting, your presentation, your confidence?
• How much better are you today than yesterday?
• What did you understand more deeply this time?
• Which strategies worked best for you while preparing?

Self-evaluation through exams helps you track your growth and take charge of your learning.

 Exams Guide Your Career Path: Your performance in exams often helps:

• Decide your stream or subject choices.
• Qualify for scholarships or entrance tests.
• Discover what subjects you enjoy and which ones you might want to pursue as a career.

Exams can be stepping stones toward your future ambitions if you treat them with sincerity and purpose.

Exams Build Habits That Last a Lifetime: Regular study, revision, resilience, and routine - these are not just exam skills, but life skills. The discipline you build now becomes the foundation for success in any field you choose.

Let’s ask not just: “How much did you score?” but more importantly:“What did you learn, and how did you grow?” Education is not just about marks it’s about values, character, skill, and joy. Let’s commit to making this exam season one of empowerment, encouragement, and excellence.

Iqra Shabir, Research Scholar, Department of Education, University of Kashmir.