Reflection on Minoti Didi’s Session on “Assessment” with Class VII
In a thought-provoking session led by Minoti Didi, Class VII students explored the significance of Final Assessments, the purpose of schooling, and the necessity of grading. Since this was their first experience with final assessments, their curiosity was mixed with a sense of apprehension. Through engaging discussions, Didi aimed to break down the concept of assessment, allowing students to gain clarity and confidence in their learning journey.
The session opened with an exploration of emotions—where do they originate? Which part of our body holds them? This led to a powerful analogy that set the tone for the discussion: the mind as a vast, clear blue sky and emotions as passing clouds. Didi explained that just as clouds drift in and out, so do our thoughts and feelings. By understanding this, students could learn to regulate their emotions and view assessments not as a source of anxiety, but as an opportunity for self-discovery.
Assessments, she explained, are a way of understanding oneself—whether one is a morning or evening learner, how deeply one connects with a subject, and what study patterns work best, such as listening to music while studying or needing a quiet space. Each group engaged in discussions about the role of assessments in personal growth, individual learning styles, and the broader purpose of education.
A particularly engaging discussion emerged when one group debated the concept of God and the invisible energy that binds everything together. Their perspectives reflected a profound understanding of existence, connecting learning with the deeper mysteries of life.
To reinforce the idea that "everything is in our hands," Didi shared a beautiful story. Through this, students realized that they have control over their learning, shifting their perspective from helplessness to empowerment. The discussion also extended to how they could communicate this understanding to their parents—helping them see assessments as tools for growth rather than mere scores on a report card.
Didi further enriched the session with a shloka:
"गते गते पारगते पारसंगते बोधि स्वाहा"
(Go, go, go beyond, go utterly beyond—be your enlightened mind.)
She encouraged children to view assessments as a ladder to growth, where each step brings them closer to deeper understanding and self-awareness. Rather than seeing grades as rigid labels, they began to reinterpret them in a way that resonated with their learning journey.
By the end of the session, students had shifted their perspective—assessments were no longer something to fear but rather reflections of their learning process, emotions, and mindset. Through meaningful analogies, engaging stories, and deep discussions, the session inspired them to embrace learning with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of ownership over their growth.