Wanted Exam to be More Engaging: IIT Kanpur on ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ Question
In a surprising move, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has confirmed that a question paper asking students to design a filter for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to help him listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ after the Delhi poll loss went viral. The question, which has been widely shared on social media, has raised eyebrows among many who believe that exams should be objective and free from any kind of bias.
The question, which was a part of a semester-end exam for Bachelor of Technology (BTech) students, read: “Design a filter (not exceeding 100 words) for Arvind Kejriwal to help him tune into Mann Ki Baat after the recent Delhi poll loss.” The question was reportedly drafted by a professor who teaches at IIT Kanpur.
When asked about the question, IIT Kanpur confirmed that it was indeed a part of the exam paper and not a hoax. In a statement, the institute said that the professor who drafted the paper likes to use “references to well-known personalities…to make exam questions more engaging.”
The question has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many students and professionals expressing their opinions on the matter. While some have praised the professor for using a creative approach to engage students, others have criticized the question for being biased and promoting a particular ideology.
One of the main concerns raised by critics is that the question is subjective and biased. By asking students to design a filter for Arvind Kejriwal, the question is seen as promoting a particular political ideology and creating a divide among students. Moreover, the question is also seen as being unfair to students who may not have a strong understanding of politics or may not be interested in the topic.
Another concern raised by critics is that the question is not relevant to the course curriculum. As a BTech student, the student should be expected to focus on technical subjects rather than politics. By asking such a question, the professor is diverting students’ attention from the core subjects and making them focus on something that is not relevant to their studies.
However, some people have defended the question, saying that it is a creative way to engage students and make the exam more interesting. They argue that the question is not meant to be taken seriously and is just a way to provoke thought and discussion among students.
In an era where exams are often seen as a means to test students’ knowledge and skills, it is refreshing to see an institution like IIT Kanpur trying to think outside the box and make exams more engaging. By using creative and relevant questions, the professor is encouraging students to think critically and come up with innovative solutions.
However, it is also important to note that the question should not be seen as a standalone example. The professor’s approach to making exam questions more engaging should be balanced with the need to ensure that exams are fair and objective. The question should not be seen as a way to promote a particular ideology or create a divide among students.
In conclusion, while the ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ question may have raised eyebrows among many, it is also a testament to the creativity and innovation that is possible in the field of education. By using relevant and creative questions, professors can make exams more engaging and encourage students to think critically and come up with innovative solutions.
As the debate continues on social media, it is important to remember that the goal of education should be to promote learning and critical thinking, rather than to promote a particular ideology or create a divide among students. By striking a balance between creativity and fairness, educators can create exams that are both engaging and effective.
