THIMPHU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Education Ministry of Bhutan has resolved to cancel the examinations for pre-primary to third grade students (Classes PP to III) starting 2020 academic session.
The decision was made Thursday at the 19th National Education Conference in Phuentsholing town. It is one of the pledges the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) party has promised to fulfill if elected.
To implement the no-examination for smaller classes students, the educationists decided that the teachers in the country would be given professional development training for formative assessment during 2019 winter vacation.
Currently the students of Bhutan are taught and tested through conducting class tests and mid-term and annual exams. However, with formative assessment, a child's progress will be assessed on listening, writing and social skills.
Education officials said doing away with the exams would have less examination stress on students, which is one of the many advantages. Teachers could also focus on holistic development of a child, officials said.
This measure is also to improve the education standard of the country.
