Wanted Exam to be More Engaging: IIT Kanpur on ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ Question
In a surprise move, IIT Kanpur has confirmed that a question paper asking students to design a filter for AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal to help him listen to PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ after Delhi poll loss went viral. The question, which was part of the institute’s 2022 winter school program, has sparked a heated debate on the role of examinations in promoting creativity and engagement.
The question, which was drafted by a professor at IIT Kanpur, asked students to “design a filter for Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, to help him tune into PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, which is aired every month, after his party’s losses in the recent Delhi Assembly elections.” The question was part of a design thinking course, which aimed to encourage students to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.
While some have criticized the question for being frivolous and unrelated to the course material, others have praised the professor for his creativity and willingness to think outside the box. In a statement, IIT Kanpur confirmed that the question was indeed part of the curriculum and that the professor who drafted it likes to use “references to well-known personalities…to make exam questions more engaging.”
The use of references to well-known personalities is a common technique used by educators to make exam questions more engaging and relevant to students’ lives. By using real-world examples and scenarios, professors can help students connect theoretical concepts to practical applications, making the learning experience more meaningful and memorable.
In this case, the question about Arvind Kejriwal and Mann Ki Baat was designed to test students’ ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems. The question was not meant to be a straightforward test of technical knowledge, but rather an opportunity for students to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
The response to the question has been mixed, with some students and educators praising the professor for his creativity, while others have criticized the question for being too frivolous and unrelated to the course material. However, the controversy surrounding the question has sparked a valuable conversation about the role of examinations in promoting creativity and engagement.
Rather than being seen as a source of stress and anxiety, exams can be a valuable tool for promoting learning and engagement. By using creative and innovative questions, professors can help students develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts and think more critically about the world around them.
In conclusion, the IIT Kanpur question about Arvind Kejriwal and Mann Ki Baat may have sparked a heated debate, but it has also highlighted the importance of creativity and engagement in the learning process. By using real-world examples and scenarios, educators can help students connect theoretical concepts to practical applications and develop a deeper understanding of complex topics.
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