When curricula adopt a student-centric approach, the standardized examination system often remains the primary measure of success. The disconnect between curriculum and assessment reflects a real tension present in many education systems. Pedagogical language has evolved faster than assessment structures; until the assessment model is updated, classrooms continue to feel the influence of standardization.
Where is the solution?
Vega Schools found a practical answer to this complex problem by expanding their vision beyond exams—’teach for learning, coach for exams.’
What are the action plans?
At Vega Schools, teachers plan units around rich learning outcomes and meaningful experiences. Equally important is the feedback cycle.
It has been observed that continuous feedback significantly improves students’ learning outcomes by enabling adjustments in time management, fostering self-regulation, and addressing knowledge gaps before summative assessments.
What does the research tell us?
John Hattie’s meta-analyses reveal feedback’s high effect size around 0.73-0.80 on achievement, far surpassing the average 0.40 threshold for educational interventions, making it one of the most influential factors on learning. Formative feedback, delivered continuously through tasks, self-assessment, or technology tools, boosts engagement, motivation, and skills like critical thinking in subjects such as math and language arts.
At Vega Schools, we have seen the most practical benefits of providing feedback. It promotes a growth mindset by emphasizing ‘where to next’ strategies rather than just praise or grades, aligning with invisible learning and competency-based assessments. In a PrBL (Problem Based Learning) setting like ours, continuous feedback supports revision cycles, self-assessment, and personalized progress tracking, as demonstrated by studies on essay resubmissions and projects.
By limiting feedback to summative assessments, which occur only after evaluable tasks and without opportunities for students to ‘safely fail’ in a formative, low-stakes environment, students may be unprepared for high-stakes assessments or exams.
Comments focus on the work, not the child; on strategies, not labels. Phrases like “You used evidence here effectively; now try linking it to your claim more clearly” replace generic praise or criticism. Students learn that performance is not a fixed identity but a point on a trajectory.
Most summative assessments give data in the form of a score, a grade, or a percentile but a feedback‑rich system uses assessment information very differently. It turns “dead data” (marks) into “live data” (guidance).
We, the teachers at Vega Schools, discuss specific gaps and strengths that are understandable to students and hence, reduce their anxiety level. A summative exam tells learners “how they did”, whereas a strong feedback system tells them “what is happening in their learning, why it is happening, and how to change it before it’s too late.”
Vega Schools follow a unique way of giving feedback – “Be kind, be specific, and be helpful.”
If every classroom truly lived by these principles, would exams still define success, or would evidence of real, continuous growth finally take centre stage?
Vega Schools offers holistic education to children in Delhi NCR and is rated among the top Schools in Gurgaon. Its modern infrastructure, facilities, and experienced teachers are a big asset to the learning & development of students, be it for Nursery, Primary or Senior children making Vega Schools the best schools in Gurgaon. For information about admission please visit the Vega Schools campuses in Sector 48 and Sector 76 Gurugram.