Think of Yourself as...

 The COVID pandemic has taught us many things over 2020. Among other things, that a lot of work can happen online, if we have a decent internet connection and a device like a computer or a smartphone. But if you are still in a funk about all the restrictions it puts on your freedom to move around, travel, and so on, there is a solution.

Just think of yourself as an air-conditioner. Why? Because it has an air filter. Just as it filters the air supplied to its users in a car or home or office, you are sticking an air filter (mask) on your face and thus supplying filtered air to yourself and others you come in contact with. Isn't that a great thing to do? Many other germs that are potentially harmful also will get controlled, and that is good for everyone on the planet, especially those around you. Of course, air-conditioners don't wash their hands, but then, you can always teach them a thing or two, can't you, with your superior intelligence?

The Purpose of Exams

We thrive on exams- educational institutes, I mean, and the profs. in them. But what exactly is an exam, why was it invented, and does it serve its purpose?

Yes, and No.

If it makes people think-before, during and after the event, it is a good thing, in my view. If it doesn't, not serving its purpose. just like education.

Maybe with smaller classes, one can explore different types of exams. Oral, for instance. With large classes which are a norm even in institutions that can afford to have smaller ones, your options are limited. But creativity can probably be used here as well, to make it a more meaningful experience.

I have of course, found brilliant students through exams. But I have also found them by other means. So exams might not be the only way to grade the student. Application, which takes time to show up sometimes, could be another.

Entrance exams are another kind. They largely want to filter out a large populace, and so concentrate on that purpose, rather than being a genuine test of a person's all-round capability for engineering, medicine, or whatever the entrance exam is for.

I have had interesting experiences with exams of all kinds- open book, closed, viva, projects, presentations.. will try and list them out one day.