Fr Dr P S Varghese
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what to counts is best.” Bob Talbert
Jean Piaget (1896-1988) was a Swiss psychologist known for his groundbreaking constructivist theories on knowledge. Piaget's theory of cognitive development and epistemological perspective together are called “genetic epistemology.”
Across the world, Educators are still preparing for careers in the field study of his “theory of child development.” They also continue to use his constructivist-based strategies.
Piaget strongly believed that there are two basic ways that we can adapt to new experiences and information: assimilation and accommodation.
Assimilation is most practical because it does not require the greatest amount of adjustment. We add new information to our existing knowledge base as a result of this process, sometimes reinterpreting these new experiences so that they are consistent with previously existing knowledge.
Accommodation and assimilation complement each other for learning to take place. As children learn, Piaget believed that they strike a balance between assimilation and accommodation. This he termed as Equilibration also called an adjustment, allows children to find a balance between applying what they already know and adapting their behavior to the new information they encounter.
Nagaland is one of the few states on the subcontinent to conduct regular board exams. Despite the challenges and difficulties of the pandemic, NBSE, educators, students, and parents were able to collaborate seamlessly. The cooperation of everyone is deeply appreciated. The NBSE officials and all the others who participated in the preparation for and conduct of the examination deserve warm applause.
Our students performed well in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. Their victory is in a way comparable to the victory won over covid-19.
A series of challenges were encountered, including lockdowns, suspensions of physical classes, fear, trauma, internet connectivity, load shedding, and the switch over to online classes, which were both relatively new concepts for teachers and students alike. It could be due to the reasons outlined above that the pass percentage has declined.
As humans, we have adaptation skills and capabilities. Therefore, teachers, students, and parents were able to adjust quickly to the new system.
Assimilation is thus the process of incorporating new information into one’s knowledge of the world. When you encounter something new, you typically relate it to things that you already know to process and make sense of it.
We are familiar about the 3A's: Adaptation, Assimilation, and Accommodation. The terms ‘Accommodation and Assimilation’ are sociological terms, whereas ‘Adaptation’ is a biological term. Although these terms are not particularly new to us, the real meaning has been revealed in the midst of a pandemic. How man has not lost their humanity but used the capabilities in the best possible manner.
We are delighted to note that students are still motivated, determined, and curious to learn even in the midst of challenges. This year we may also see that girls overtake boys, but the percentage from last year fell from 70.03% to 69.42%.
Although private schools have faced challenges, their pass rate remains consistent. Nagaland's private schools are the state's second-largest source of employment avenues after the government. It is also important to recognize the improvement in Government schools. Among the 120 schools with a 100 percent result, 95 schools are private, while 25 are government schools.
Learning is never too late, and failure and success don't define the journey. You never have to give up. The rewards of persistence are always worth it. It may be a good thing for successful candidates to maintain their enthusiasm as they climb the ladder, while those who fail should not surrender easily because failure is not the end.
In addition to congratulating the successful students from across the state, let me thank you for your enthusiastic and curious approach. You all managed to appear in exams despite so many challenges. Although your percentage may not meet the expectations of your parents and mentors, do not be disappointed, as you can still improve.
Students could not attend exams in so many places, even if they wished to. By writing the exam physically in spite of some challenges, we have learned how to cope with challenges.
In the words of Helen Keller: “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” Those who succeed try new endeavors; those who fail will never give up, and tomorrow is yours.
God bless you all.
