FBISE will introduce a Practical Based Assessment (PBA) for SSC and HSSC students in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science from 2024 onwards. This means that students will no longer have to sit for separate practical exams in these subjects. Students will instead be assessed on their practical skills throughout the year.
The PBA will be a written exam that will test students’ understanding of the practical concepts and skills that they have learned in class. Students will answer questions on the procedures, observations, and conclusions of a list of prescribed practicals.
The PBA system has some benefits. First, it will reduce stress on students by eliminating the need for separate practical exams. Second, it will encourage students to focus on learning practical concepts and skills. Rather than just memorizing facts for the exam. Students will be assessed throughout the year, rather than just on one day, which will provide a more accurate assessment of their practical skills. The FBISE is implementing the PBA system in line with international best practices.
Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, have already adopted a similar system for assessing practical skills.
How the PBA will work
The PBA will be a written exam that will be held at the end of the academic year. The exam will be based on a list of prescribed practical, which will be published by the FBISE in advance.
Students will answer questions on the procedures, observations, and conclusions of the prescribed practicals to test their understanding of the practical concepts and skills they have learned in class.
Students will be given two hours to complete the PBA exam. The exam will be marked out of 40.
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How to prepare for the PBA
Students can prepare for the PBA by ensuring that they have a good understanding of the practical concepts and skills covered in the prescribed practicals. They can do this by attending all of their practical classes, paying attention to their teacher’s instructions, and completing all of their practical assignments.
Students should also review their practical notes and revise the procedures, observations, and conclusions of the prescribed practicals. Students can also practice answering PBA-style questions by using the model question papers provided by the FBISE.
Benefits of the PBA
The PBA system offers some benefits to students, including:
- Reduced stress: Students will no longer have to sit for separate practical exams, which can be a major source of stress.
- Focus on learning: The PBA system will encourage students to focus on learning practical concepts and skills. Rather than just memorizing facts for the exam.
- The PBA system will provide a more accurate assessment of students’ practical skills by assessing them throughout the year rather than just one day.
- Alignment with international best practices: We are implementing the PBA system in line with international best practices. Many other countries have already adopted a similar system for assessing practical skills.
Conclusion
The introduction of the PBA system is a positive step forward for education in Pakistan. The system will reduce stress on students and encourage them to focus on learning. They also provide a more accurate assessment of their practical skills.