PW invited parents of Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur to share their thoughts on whether they believe summative exams are necessary
“A child’s true potential cannot be solely defined by her exam scores. Instead, the focus should shift towards cultivating effective learning strategies and fostering adaptability in students. A holistic approach to education is paramount, one that emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application and critical thinking skills development. This equips students to become well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in diverse situations and adapting to an ever-changing world.” — Hina Soni, mother of Ahana (class III)
“In my opinion, examinations are essential in every child’s learning journey. They serve as a catalyst, teaching him that acquiring knowledge and understanding various aspects of life is paramount for success. Far from being stumbling blocks, exams offer students a valuable opportunity to display their understanding and identify areas for improvement. Exams empower them to take ownership of their learning and actively engage in the process of intensifying their knowledge and developing life skills” — Swati Paliwal, mother of Sarthak (class V)
“Examinations empower students to actively engage in the learning process and improve their education trajectory. They provide periodic evaluation of knowledge and understanding of curricular subjects. Students can build on their strengths while identifying areas that require attention/improvement. This self-awareness provides a growth mindset, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. The preparation process instills valuable life skills such as time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving” — Shivangini Luthra, mother of Sabhya (class V)
“Examinations are important miletones in a student’s academic journey, enabling periodic evaluation of learning capabilities. They assess not only information retention but also the crucial skill of applying knowledge to solve real-life problems. The preparation process for exams develops valuable habits such as self-discipline and formulating study routines, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. The joy of achieving desired results ignites a positive attitude towards learning while also providing feedback on areas that require improvement” — Dr. Shilpa Mishra, mother of Shubh (class V)
