Kerala students do better in Language than in Mathematics across grades, shows achievement survey
In Grade III, the average performance of students in Kerala in Language was 75%, against the national average of 64%, a difference of 11 percentage points. In Grade VI, the State average in Language was 76%, while the national average was 57%, a gap of 19 percentage points. The gap further increased to 20 percentage points in Grade IX with the students' average performance in the State at 74%, against the national average of 54%.
In Mathematics too, the State students' average is higher than the national average in all three Grades surveyed. However, the margin is not as consistent as in the case of Language. The 10% margin State students have over the national average in Mathematics in Grade III increases to 14% in Grade VI, but dips to 8% in Grade IX.
State students in Class III did better in some mathematical competencies such as sorting objects into groups and sub-groups based on more than one property (80% as compared to 68% national average), arranging number up to 99 in ascending or descending order (72% against 55% nationally), or identifying simple patterns in their surroundings, shapes, and numbers (86% State average to 69% national average).
However, they did not fare well when it came to recognising multiplication as repeated addition or division as equal sharing (53% against 54% national score). Only 57% could perform simple monetary transactions up to ₹100 (50% national average), and only 59% could recognise classify basic geometric shapes (50% national score).
In Grade VI, while their grasp of the Indian number system (71% against 54% nationally) or odd, even, square numbers, and cubes was good (69% against 49% national score), they struggled to carry out simple unit conversions (43% as compared to 38% nationally).
In Grade IX, students in the State only did slightly better than those countrywide when it came to application of percentage to solve problems (31% against 28% nationally), understanding whole numbers, real numbers, fractions, and integers and visualising them on the number line (36% against 31% nationally), or application of fractions (36% against national score of 31%).
Even when their scores were significantly higher than the national average, only 50% of them discover patterns in numbers such as multiples of seven or understand congruence or similarity in geometric shapes and only 49% could use formulae to determine area.
This highlights the need for special intervention in Mathematics, says State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Jayaprakash R.K. The SCERT plans to address the issue by focussing more on teacher training. It is also mulling getting subject experts who have prepared the new Mathematics textbooks as per the revised curriculum to communicate to teachers how to transact lessons in class so that students understand the logic behind a mathematical concept. This could be in the form of short videos that teachers could easily view on mobile phones, says Dr. Jayaprakash.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
20 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Govt. aided schools fail to sustain results in higher classes: survey
State government and aided schools scored more than private and Central government schools in Class III, but could not sustain the lead in higher classes, the results of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan have shown. PARAKh Sarvekshan, earlier known as National Achievement Survey, assessed the performance of 46,737 Class III, VI, and IX students in 1,899 schools across the 14 districts in the State. In Class III, State government schools and aided schools scored 78% in Language, which was not only higher than the national average but also than that scored by private and Central government schools (71%). In Mathematics too, the pattern was repeated with government and aided schools scoring 74% while private and Central government schools students scored 63% and 62%, respectively. By Class VI, Central government schools had turned the tables. They had the highest score of 80% in Language, with private schools scoring 77%, aided schools close behind at 76%, and government schools at 75%. In Mathematics too, Central government schools topped with a score of 66%, with the other three management types tied at 59%. In Class IX too, Central government schools performed better. In Language, they scored 82%, just slightly ahead of private schools with 81%. Government and aided schools were tied at 69%. In Mathematics, Central government schools with 52% did much better than private schools that scored 46%. Aided institutions were next with 43% and government schools scored 42%. Education officials said students currently in Class VI in State government and aided schools were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, unlike students in Class III now. Class IX students were also affected to an extent, but their results had to be studied in detail. The result pattern in the State was similar to the all-India trend, they said. While girls in the State did better than boys across all three grades, students from rural schools did better than those in urban schools in Class III, scoring 76% and 75%, respectively, in Language and 71% and 68% in Mathematics. The situation changed by Class VI when urban students edged out rural students by 2 percentage points in Language, Mathematics, and 'The World Around Us.' In Class IX, urban students maintained the advantage on rural students, scoring 1 percentage point more in Mathematics, 2 percentage points more in Science and Social Science, and 4 percentage points more in Language.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
How To Make Perfect Gluten-Free Rotis That Don't Crack
In a rush? Can't cook? Let's be honest. The journey to mastering gluten-free cooking is often a delicious but frustrating one. You've conquered the baking, aced the pancakes, but then you try to make a simple roti, and it all falls apart, literally. The dough crumbles, the edges crack into a thousand pieces, and what was meant to be a soft, warm flatbread ends up looking more like a delicate papad. But what if we told you there's a way to make soft, pliable, and most importantly, non-breaking gluten-free rotis? The kind you can actually fold and use to scoop up your dal? It's a simple technique with the help of a game-changing ingredient. But first, let's talk about the right flours. Which Indian Flours Are Gluten-Free? Fortunately, the world of cooking offers a wonderful variety of flours that are naturally gluten-free and perfect for making rotis. In fact, many of these are staples in regional Indian cooking already. While you have the option to order gluten-free rotis online for your meals, keeping these flours handy in the kitchen is also a good idea. Jowar (Sorghum) Flour: A light, versatile flour with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It's one of the most popular choices for making rotis in Western and Southern India. Bajra (Pearl Millet) Flour: Known for its rustic, nutty flavour and a darker colour. Bajra rotis are a winter favourite in many parts of India, prized for their warmth and nutritional benefits. Ragi (Finger Millet) Flour: A rich, earthy flour with a reddish-brown colour, ragi is packed with calcium and fibre. It's perfect for adding a wholesome twist to your rotis. Rice Flour: A simple, pure white flour made from ground rice. While it can be a little less forgiving on its own, it works wonderfully when blended with other flours to add a soft texture. Chickpea Flour (Besan): A common flour in Indian cooking, besan adds a nutty flavour and is fantastic for making chilla or pudla (savoury pancakes), and can also be used in small quantities in your roti dough for extra flavour. How To Make Perfect Gluten-Free Rotis 1. Add Psyllium husk Psyllium husk, also known as isabgol, is the magic binder you've been missing. When mixed with water, it forms a viscous, gel-like substance that gives your dough the elasticity and binding power it desperately needs. Without it, gluten-free flours like jowar, bajra, ragi have no structure. Adding a tablespoon of psyllium husk per cup of flour can transform that crumbly mess into a cohesive, workable dough. 2. Knead the dough right Now for the technique. Always use very hot water. Gluten-free flours, unlike wheat flour, don't just "absorb" water; they need to be slightly cooked or gelatinised to become pliable. Start by combining your chosen gluten-free flour (or a mix of two) with the psyllium husk and a pinch of salt. Next, pour in boiling or very hot water, mixing with a spoon first to avoid burning your fingers. Once it's cool enough to handle, knead the dough for a few minutes. You'll feel the dough change from a sticky, loose mixture into a smooth, slightly elastic ball. You'll know it's ready when you can press it with your finger and it holds its shape. 3. Roll the rotis gently When it comes to rolling, apply a gentle touch. Lightly dust your rolling surface and the dough ball with a little dry flour. Use slow, even pressure, turning the roti after every two strokes. Don't be tempted to press too hard or roll too fast, as this is where the cracks appear. The psyllium husk will give you a little leeway, but a gentle hand is still crucial. A little trick is to use a large flat-bottomed bowl or plate to press down on the roti to get a perfectly round shape. 4. Cook at the right temperature Finally, the cooking. Heat your tava or griddle until it's hot. Place the roti on the pan, let it cook for about 30 seconds, then flip it. Cook the other side for another 30-45 seconds, until you see small bubbles. For that satisfying puff, you can now transfer it to a direct flame or continue cooking on the tava while gently pressing down on the edges with a cloth. The first attempt might not be perfect, but with a little practice, you'll be rolling out soft, beautiful rotis that taste just as good as they look. And for those times, you don't have the time or patience, you can easily order rotis and many other gluten-free food items like cakes on a food delivery app.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Are Indian men the worst flyers? They take ‘secret photos, make creepy comments' on planes
A commercial airline pilot's post on unruly behaviour by Indian passengers has reignited the debate on Reddit. The pilot expressed both frustration and embarrassment over the growing number of complaints from cabin crew about the way some Indian men behave toward women flight attendants. However, this is not an isolated grouse. In the past, male passengers from India have grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons read more An anonymous pilot shared her frustration over repeated incidents of disrespect towards flight attendants, including unwanted photos, creepy comments, staring, and inappropriate physical contact. Image for Representation Stories of unruly behaviour by Indian passengers on flights seem to crop up far too often. From the infamous 'pee-gate' episodes to instances of verbal abuse aimed at cabin crew, Indian flyers, particularly men, have frequently drawn criticism for crossing the line in the air. Now, a blunt post by a commercial airline pilot on Reddit has reignited the debate. The pilot, who claims to work for an international airline, expressed both frustration and embarrassment over the growing number of complaints from cabin crew about the way some Indian men behave toward female flight attendants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And this isn't just a one-off online rant. It echoes a string of incidents that have made headlines in recent years, raising serious concerns about the rising passenger misbehaviour in the skies. Here's a closer look In a candid Reddit post dated July 14, the anonymous pilot shared her frustration over repeated incidents of disrespect towards flight attendants, including unwanted photos, creepy comments, staring, and inappropriate physical contact. 'We're talking about things like secretly taking photos of them, making creepy comments, staring, or even trying to 'accidentally' brush up against them. And sadly, more often than not, it's Indian men," anonymous pilot wrote. She clarified that not all Indian men behave this way, but said the pattern has become so frequent, cabin crews have come to expect it. 'It's honestly embarrassing. I hate that we're building such a bad reputation because of the actions of a few, but it keeps happening often enough that crew members immediately recognise the pattern,' she added. 'I genuinely don't understand what goes through someone's head when they think it's okay to treat another professional. Whether it's entitlement, lack of exposure, or just plain disrespect, it's something we seriously need to talk about more openly.' The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from crew members across the world. One cabin crew member even said that they dread flights with mostly Indian passengers, with one even calling them 'some of the worst passengers to deal with.' According to a report by The Print, some foreign airlines even provide 'hardship allowances' to their crew for India-bound flights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Indians drink nonstop' Misbehaviour isn't limited to creepy comments. Alcohol-fuelled incidents on flights involving Indian passengers have made headlines several times in recent years—most infamously the string of 'pee-gate' cases. In April 2025, an Indian man named Tushar Masand allegedly urinated on a Japanese co-passenger during an Air India flight from Delhi to Bangkok. He was reportedly intoxicated at the time. A similar case surfaced in March 2023, when Arya Vohra, an Indian student at a US university, was banned by American Airlines after allegedly urinating on a fellow passenger. And in perhaps the most widely reported case, Shankar Mishra was arrested after urinating on an elderly woman during a New York to Delhi Air India flight. Ritu Kapoor (name changed), a flight attendant with Air India, told The Print that some Indian passengers treat international flights like an 'open bar.' 'Indian passengers treat international flights like an open bar and drink non-stop,' she said. 'When a male crew member tells a passenger that he can't have extra drinks, guests listen and obey. But when a female staff member says the same thing, male passengers often get even more aggressive. A 'no' from a woman is unacceptable.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Arguments, abuse and entitlement It's not just drunken misbehaviour that cabin crews deal with; verbal abuse and a strong sense of entitlement are just as widespread. Female flight attendants, in particular, often face passengers who shout, argue, and even make threats when things don't go their way. One such incident from 2022 went viral, involving an IndiGo flight from Istanbul to Delhi. A passenger had an argument with an air hostess over meal availability, and a video of their exchange sparked widespread debate online. Typical Indian behaviour. I have paid money you are my servant. Kudos to the air hostess for standing up to an asshole passenger. I just hope @IndiGo6E doesn't reprimand her for her justified anger. — Too Opinionated (@ToooOpinionated) December 21, 2022 In the clip, the crew member is heard saying, 'Because of you, my crew is crying. Please understand that there are carts with counted meals.' The passenger—who isn't seen, but can be heard—asks, 'Why are you yelling?' prompting the attendant to respond firmly: 'Because you are yelling at us. I am so sorry, sir, but you cannot talk to the crew like that.' When the passenger retorts with, 'You are a servant here,' she doesn't hold back: 'I am an employee, I am not your servant. You cannot talk to me like that.' These instances are just a few among many, highlighting a growing concern about how passengers treat airline staff in the air. Larissa, a former Jet Airways flight attendant, told Vogue India that female crew are often told to stay quiet and not escalate such situations. 'It's almost like being told that women don't have it easy anyway, so why create more problems for yourself,' she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In more serious situations, pilots can alert the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and request that the disruptive passenger be detained upon landing—but even that, she added, rarely brings lasting change. While shouting matches and entitlement are disturbing enough, what often pushes the boundary into clear harassment is the kind of creepy behaviour many female flight attendants regularly face, usually from male passengers. In a case from 2022, a passenger seated in the first row of SpiceJet flight SG157 from Delhi to Mumbai was caught clicking photos of a crew member while she was seated on the jump seat during takeoff. 'The passenger was confronted by the crew members. He deleted the pictures from his phone and apologised for his action. The passenger also gave a written apology,' SpiceJet said in an official statement. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) even launched inquiries into the incident. Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. In a Vogue India report, a flight attendant named Shalini recalled being caught completely off guard while working a New York–Delhi flight. As passengers were deboarding, a man from first class walked up, kissed her on the cheek, and said, 'Maybe you can open a bottle of wine with me in my apartment.' Shocked, she froze. She just thanked him for flying with us and went numb. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such incidents are a reminder of where we stand as a society. It's high time for passengers, airlines, and even authorities to take these concerns seriously and ensure that flying remains a safe, respectful experience for everyone on board. With input from agencies
