1. DEEPAK KUMAR
Research Executive
Effectiveness of Tutor Marked
Assignments for NIOS Learners

2. Outline of the Presentation
I. Introduction
II. Need and Importance
III. Objective of the Project
IV. Methodology
V. Graphic Presentation
VI. Challenges
VII. Recommendations/ Suggestions

3. Introduction
 Need and Importance of TMA
 It helps the learners to develop regular study habits.
 It has features of formative evaluation known as CCE.
 The comments of tutors on the assignments help in
initiating dialogue with the learners.
 It is helpful for the guidance, support or clarification from
the tutor on the concept/topic.

4. Objectives
 To seek the opinion of experts, tutors/coordinators of Accredited
Institutions (AIs) on the TMAs.
 To get the feedback on the quality and usefulness of TMAs from the
learners of NIOS.
 To find ways and means to improve the system of TMAs in order to
make learning more effective.

5. Scope of the study
 The present study is delimited to:
 Selected learners of classes X and XII of NIOS under the jurisdiction of the
two Regional Centres of NIOS (Delhi and Pune) covering Northern and
Western Regions of the country.
 Academic Officers, Academic Facilitators and Coordinators of Accredited
Institutions of NIOS.

6. Methodology and Procedure
Preparation of Questionnaires
 Questionnaire I : For NIOS Learners of classes X and XII.
 Questionnaire II : For the Academic Coordinators of the
Study Centres (AIs) of NIOS.
 Questionnaire III : For the Academic Officers and the
Academic Facilitators of NIOS.

7. Dimensions of Challenges related to
Learners
Coordinators
Tutors
NIOS

8. Learners
 Non receipt of Assignment
 No proper suggestions and comments on Assignments.
 Difficulty in solving TMA.
 Non usefulness of study material of NIOS in completing the Assignments.
Coordinators
 Non availability of Learners.
 Non submission of TMA.
 Lack of Participation in PCP.

9. Tutors
 Non seriousness of Learners.
 No proper evaluation.
NIOS
 No weightage of TMA in final certification.
 Lack of training of the tutors for conducting effective of the PCP.
 Non submission of grading by the coordinators on time.

10. Percentage of Receipt of Assignment
Booklets Month-Wise
Learners received
the Assignments
Booklet in
September,
October,November,
December and
January = 26.68%
Learners received
Assignments
Booklet in other
months = 6.53%
Learners did not
respond to the
question =
66.79%

11. Usefulness of Study Material of NIOS
to Complete the Assignments
No responses
about the
usefulness of
Study Material
of NIOS to solve
assignments
= 27.07%
Learners who
have given
positive response
= 53.74%
Learners who
have given
negative
response
= 19.19%

12. Evaluation of Assignments-Responses by Tutors
Assignments
checked by
tutors seriously =
60.85%
Assignments not
checked by
tutors seriously =
5.18%
Learners who
have not given
response to this
question =
33.97%

13. Usefulness of Tutors Comments/Suggestions on Assignments-Responses
Tutors
comments on
Assignments are
helpful =
37.81%
Tutors
comments on
Assignments are
not helpful =
31.86%
No responses
about comments
of Tutors on
Assignments =
30.30%

14. Language of Assignments
Learners who
have stated that
the language of
assignments is
helpful in
understanding the
questions =
31.29%
Learners who
have mentioned
that the language
of assignments is
difficult =
5.37%
Learners who are
undecided about
the language of
assignments =
63.34%

15. Quality of Assignments
Learners who
have stated that
the quality of
Assignments is
good = 52.78%
Learners who
have not
appreciated the
quality of
Assignments =
5.37%
Learners who
have not
responded about
quality of
Assignments =
41.84%

16. Weightage of Assignments
Learners who
suggested that
weightage may be
given to Solved
Assignments =
25.14%
Those who
suggested that
weightage may
not be given to
Solved
Assignments =
11.13%
Those who did
not give opinion
about Solved
Assignments =
63.72%

17. Credit of TMAs in Final Examination
Credit may be
given to TMA in
final examination
= 90%
Credit may not
given to TMA in
Final examination
= 10%

18. Timely Dispatch of Assignments Booklet by NIOS to Students
Assignments
Booklet is made
available before
the date of
submission of
First Assignment
= 59.20%
Assignments
Booklet is not
made available
before due date of
submission of
First Assignment
= 29.60%
No responses to
this question
=11.20%

19. Submission of Assignments Response Sheets during
the period of Five Years of Validity of Admission
Favoring
submission of
Assignments
Response Sheets
during the period
of Five Years
=70.30%
Not favoring
submission of
Assignments
Response Sheets
during the period
of Five Years
= 7.40%
No response
= 22.30%

20. Suggestions
 Essential for Evaluation:
 TMA may consider as an integral part of the examination and awarding
marks/grades.
 Choice of Submitting TMA:
 Learners may be permitted to solve assignments of concerned subjects in
the relevant years as per their choice.
 Submission of TMA in the PCP:
 The learners may be asked to solve Assignments in PCP Classes and
submit them, then and there.

21.  Counseling for Learners:
 The Study Centres may organize counseling sessions of TMA for learners.
 Compulsion:
 One Assignment per subject may be made compulsory for all students.
 Attendance:
 50% attendance in PCP (Personal Contact Programme) Classes made
compulsory.
 Evaluation of Answer Sheets:
 The maximum utilization of the TMA can be possible only when
the Tutors will evaluate the assignments minutely and also give
their suggestions/comments in details.

22.  Weightage of Assignments:
 20% weightage may be given for Assignments-Responses and the
Project Work.
 Language:
 Language of Assignments should be simple, precise and
comprehendable.
 Comments/ Suggestions:
 The comments/suggestions should be discussed by tutors with students
during PCP Classes.
 Capacity Building:
 There is a need for organizing training programmes for the tutors of
Study Centres on TMA.

23.  Linkage of TMA with Exam Fee:
 Learners may be allowed to deposit the examination fees who have
submitted the Assignments-Response Sheets as per schedule.
 Construction of TMA:
 25% knowledge based, 50% understanding and 25% application.
 Orientation:
 Orientation of Academic Officers of NIOS and Tutors in preparation,
transaction and evaluation of TMAs is needed.

24. Thank You