Examination Reforms Implemented at SIMATS
The University has immensely prioritized the diligent practice of Continuous Internal Assessment to improve the examination system.
SIMATS has revolutionised the examination pattern by introducing blinded objective questions to substitute for multiple choice questions, Evidence based Critical Appraisal & Thinking method and concept mapping to foster more intricate understanding for the first time in India in the undergraduate medical and dental disciplines. This greatly improved the understanding of the subject and translated into higher scores in post graduate competitive exams.
The university has introduced viva voce in certain disciplines , first of its kind in India in Law and Engineering and this helped the students to better express themselves and showcase their understanding and expertise in handling complex situations proposed during their interaction with the examiners.This aspect was highly commended by the external examiners.
Case based learning modules introduced in the health sciences examination widened the thinking of the students and increased their confidence in viva translating into very high scores.
Objective Structured Clinical /Practical Examination implemented in the Health science disciplines in the University is a refined grading system that grades every step /answers in written and clinical examination objectively with rubrics calibrated rather than subjective evaluation done most of the times.This has resulted in enhanced grades for the students with less failures.This eliminated all kinds of bias and perceptions of partiality in the examinations and has positively empowered the students.
Formative and Summative Assessment systems were introduced to meticulously measure every academic,research and clinical domain involved in the curriculum ranging from grading the scores in the tests and examinations and assessing the quality of research projects undertaken.Every academic progress and achievement by the student will be calibrated ,graded and endorsed by Formative assessment tools instantaneously.
A unique feature in SIMATS is ,more emphasis and weightage (70%) is given to formative assessment over summative assessment (30%) than the other institutions thus rewarding the hard work put forth throughout the year rather than relying on the performance in a single examination, thus ensuring the outcome parameters are more holistic.
Another uniqueness of Formative assessment in SIMATS is the student is evaluated for competency guided by Bloom's Taxonomy and other educational models. SIMATS practices a novel educational tool Multiple Integrative Learning Algorithm to impart pristine learning to the students.
The examination management system is fully automated, digitized and transparent.The details of the performance,calculation of formative assessment marks can be viewed by the parents also ensuring complete transparency.In case of failure in the written examination,the failed student can view their previously valued paper and can suggest corrections. The merit of the suggestions will be evaluated by another examiner ,if satisfied with the queries raised by the student ,a reevaluation can be recommended.
The university uses Academic Record Management System (ARMS) software that manages all the academic requirements ranging from attendance,grading, formative assessment,tests,calculation of internal assessment marks along with weightage,generation of hall tickets,no due clearance for examination and declaration of results.
MOODLE,an online platform used in SIMATS can precisely calibrate grades with weighted averages,negative marking,shuffling the questions,randomizing answers in multiple choice questions and this system cannot be tampered, thus ensuring absolute genuinity in the examinations.
Self assessment scoring and credentials are done by the students and their periodic assessment by the staff are done to further empower them in appraising their performance and becoming better.