CBSE seeks feedback on English novels, OTBA

CHANDIGARH: The CBSE has asked schools for feedback on English novels and the recently-introduced open text based assessment (OTBA) from students, parents and schools. The board has provided a form to schools on its website that contains various questions about OTBA and English novels introduced in classes IX and XI.
The CBSE aims to ensure improvement, fairness and objectivity.
The board has asked for suggestions and novels that could be introduced in the curriculum and feedback about textual material in OTBA.
In 2013, the CBSE had introduced OTBA for classes IX and XI in the final exams to be held in March 2014. According to CBSE, the system was "meant to incorporate analytical and theoretical skills, moving away from memorization".
Under the system, students got 20% of questions from the material provided by CBSE. For Class IX, OTBA was applicable to all the main subjects, while for Class XI it was for economics, biology and geography.
The textual material for both classes was in the form of an article, a case study, a diagram, a concept/ mind map, a picture or a cartoon, problem/situation based on concepts taught to students during second term in case of Class IX and during the session for Class XI.