Is OTBA a Boon for Slow Learners?

The Open Text-Based Assessment is an initiative taken by CBSE to encourage decision-making skills in students and to apply conceptual learning in real-life scenarios. Since OTBA is aimed at promoting better understanding, will it actually help slow learners grasp concepts?

Through OTBA, theoretical concepts are taught practically. This will lead to co-operative learning. Co-operative learning will add to positive interdependence among students, thereby helping slow learners to take their own time and learn through teachers and friends.

Practical applications of concepts taught in theory will lead to better understanding of the syllabus. Students doing this in groups will learn better. OTBA ensures the manifestation of hidden skills, so slow learners will discover their skills, and by working on them, they can achieve the expected levels of learning. Students are encouraged to think out of the box and to give their own answers unlike the traditional answering patterns. You can use all your creative thinking and come up with answers with supported illustrations.

A specific teaching method has also been assigned for OTBA. Here, teachers are expected to read, discuss and analyse the open test material with respect to

• The objective

• The concept

• Application of the concept to a real-life situation

• Explanation of the case

• Encourage higher order thinking skills

• Analysis with different perspectives

After the teacher is done with explanations, students are encouraged to form groups for further analysis and discussions. Group discussions will help students discuss their opinions and come up with doubts which can be clarified by the teacher.

OTBA seems to be a safe bet for CBSE students.

Also Read: Benefits of OTBA for CBSE Class 11 Students