Internal Evaluation of Disaster Management in Social Science

Central Board of Secondary Education has decided to evaluate Disaster Management in Social Sciences of class X through projects from the academic session 2008-09 and the Board Examination 2009 in Social Science of class X. The Board has further decided that in addition to Project Work, Disaster Management will be evaluated through assignments also. Following is the revised marks distribution over the three components:

1. Tests – Formative and summative -10 marks
2. Assignments – class and Home – 4 marks
3. Project Work – 6 marks
Total marks for internal evaluation : 20 marks

Detailed guidelines in this regard are as follows :-

1. Tests – Formative and Summative:

The Unit/ Term tests in Class X will not include testing of theory in Disaster Management. Other things remain the same and the marks will be allotted taking the average of student’s performance in Class IX and also unit tests in Class X. Kindly refer to Board’s Circular No.26/05 dated 25.05.2005 in this respect. This circular states that:

Regarding evaluation of formative tests, the teachers are expected to give a variety of oral and written questions for recapitulation, review and diagnostic purposes. The purpose is not to assess learning but to identify learning gaps, deficiency in teaching and to bring improvement in teaching-learning process.

However, for evaluation of unit tests (written) it is suggested that a record of at least three unit tests, term tests and half yearly tests should be maintained. In class IX, students can be given marks out of 10 and average can be calculated out of ten marks. Alternatively, students can be assessed in the unit tests on a five-point rating scale and grade point average can be worked out. Then, the final scores on written tests can be worked out of 10 marks. These grades will have the following numerical values:-
Excellent – A-5, Very Good – B-4, Good – C-3, Fair – D-2, Unsatisfactory – E-1

In class X, 10 marks will be awarded on the basis of final performance of students in class IX and also on the basis of at least two unit tests held in class X. Then the average can be calculated for marks to be given out of 10. For example, if any student has got 60 per cent marks in aggregate in Class IX home examination and has got 7 & 8 marks out of 10 respectively in two unit tests in Class X, the above can be added up in proportion to 10 which comes out 21 which will then be divided by 3 to get the average marks out of 10. In the instant case, it comes to 7. The teachers may note that too many tests increase the stress level of students. The tests should be conducted in stress free, non-threatening environment to help the student in revising learnt concepts.

2. Assignments – Class and Home

Hereafter, students are expected to do 4 different assignments in Social Science in Class X during an academic session. Out of these, one assignment must be from Disaster Management. All assignments would carry 1 mark each. The remaining three assignments can be given on the other components of Social Science as per discretion of the teacher after ensuring that questions cover all the units of Social Science syllabus and also no component of Social Science should carry more than one assignment.

The purpose of the assignment in Disaster Management is to evaluate the students understanding of the different methods of managing disasters. These assignments could be based on the suggested activities in the textbook or through using diagrams, pictures, comprehension of texts and descriptions given in all the seven chapters of the CBSE textbook, ‘Together Towards a Safer India, Part III’. This assignment should be from any chapter other than that selected by the student for project work. Records of assignment done by the students should be kept for a period of six months after board’s examination is over for verification.

3. Project Work:

Every student has to compulsorily undertake one project on Disaster Management. A list of topics for project work is enclosed for ready reference in annexure 1. These projects have been carefully designed so as to –
a) Create awareness in learners
b) Enable them to understand and co-relate all aspects of Disaster Management.
c) Relate theory with practice
d) Provide hands on experience.

In order to realize the expected objectives completely, it would be required of the Principals to muster support from various local authorities and organizations like the Disaster Management Authorities, Relief, Rehabilitation and the Disaster Management Departments of the States, Office of the District Magistrate/ Deputy Commissioners, Fire Service, Police, Civil Defence etc. in the area where the schools are located. The textbook entitled “Together Towards a Safer India, Part III”, by CBSE so far in use for theory examination is the recommended primary source for successfully carrying out the project work. The teachers must ensure judicious selection by students of projects covering a maximum number of listed projects.

The revised distribution of marks over different aspects relating to Project Work is as follows:

ASPECTS and MARKS distribution

1. Content accuracy and originality – 2 marks
2. Presentation and creativity – 1 mark
3. Process of Project Completion : Initiative, cooperativeness, participation and punctuality – 1 mark
4. Viva or written test for content assimilation. – 2 marks
Total marks for project in Class X – 6 marks

The projects carried out by the students in different topics should subsequently be shared among themselves through interactive sessions such as exhibitions, panel discussions, etc. All documents pertaining to assessment under this activity should be meticulously maintained by concerned schools. A Summary Report should be prepared highlighting:

o objectives realized through individual or group interactions;
o calendar of activities;
o innovative ideas generated in this process ;
o list of questions asked in viva voce

and subsequently sent to the undersigned. It is to be noted here by all the teachers and students that the projects and models prepared should be made from eco friendly products without incurring too much expenditure. The Project Report should be handwritten by the students themselves and comprise of not more than 15 foolscap pages. The record of the project work should also be kept for a period of six months for verification, if any.

There being no change right now in Class IX syllabus and Evaluation Scheme, the component of Internal assessment pertaining to this aspect will remain the same.