Wanted Exam to be More Engaging: IIT Kanpur on ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ Question
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has recently been in the spotlight after a question paper went viral, asking students to design a filter for Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, to help him listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ after the Delhi poll loss. The question paper was deemed so unusual that it caught the attention of many, leaving them wondering about the intentions behind such a question.
The question, which asked students to “design a filter for Arvind Kejriwal to help him tune into PM’s Mann Ki Baat”, was met with both amusement and criticism. Many felt that the question was not only irrelevant to the course but also an attempt to sensationalize the exam. However, IIT Kanpur has now confirmed that the question was indeed part of the exam and was drafted by a professor who likes to use “references to well-known personalities…to make exam questions more engaging”.
The question was part of the electronics and communication engineering (ECE) paper, and the professor who drafted it aimed to make the exam more interesting and relevant to the current scenario. The professor’s motive was to encourage students to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.
However, not everyone was convinced by the professor’s explanation. Many felt that the question was an attempt to politicize the exam and was not relevant to the course. They argued that the professor was using the exam as a platform to express his political views, rather than focusing on the academic content of the course.
The debate surrounding the question highlights the importance of engaging and relevant exam questions. While the professor’s intention was to make the exam more interesting, the question was met with criticism and controversy. The incident raises questions about the role of professors in shaping the academic environment and the importance of maintaining academic integrity.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using real-world scenarios and references in exam questions to make them more engaging and relevant to students’ lives. However, the ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ question raises concerns about the line between engagement and sensationalism.
The incident also highlights the power of social media in shaping public opinion. The question was initially shared on social media, where it quickly went viral and sparked a heated debate. The incident demonstrates the potential for social media to influence academic discourse and the importance of maintaining academic integrity in the digital age.
In conclusion, the ‘Kejriwal & Mann Ki Baat’ question raises important questions about the role of professors in shaping the academic environment and the importance of maintaining academic integrity. While the professor’s intention was to make the exam more engaging, the question was met with criticism and controversy. The incident highlights the importance of careful consideration when designing exam questions, ensuring that they are relevant, engaging, and maintain academic integrity.
