A recent notification issued by the JKBOSE proposes the so-called “Dual Level Math Exam” to be comprised of Level 1 (Basic Level) and Level 2 (Standard Level) which is being contemplated for implementation at the 10th class. The proposal stipulates that Level-1 which is being advertised as the “easier” option of the two shall be compulsory whereas the option of selecting Level-2 shall be open to those students who wish to opt for maths as one of the courses at the 11th standard. Further, in its effort to gauge the public mood on the merit and efficacy of the proposal, the Board, in its wisdom, has sought public opinion including from the “stakeholders”. However, considering that the consequences expected to follow from the implementation of the proposal shall have serious implications on the future of mathematics in Jammu and Kashmir, taking a final call on the issue of implementation of the proposed policy on the strength of inputs from the students and the general public makes little sense.

That is so because the general public is not expected to be equipped with the expertise and experience to provide informed inputs on an issue which is too technical for them to comment upon. Only those who have been involved in teaching mathematics at some level over a period of time are qualified to expatiate on the advisability of implementation and on the implications and consequences of such a proposal. Pertinently, something similar was witnessed recently when mathematicians across the country came together to sign a petition against the draft of UGC’s ‘learning outcome-based curriculum framework’ for mathematics which is now set to be withdrawn from implementation.

On a first reading, it appears that the idea behind the proposal is nothing more than to minimise the quality and content that a 10th grade student would be required........

© Greater Kashmir