Teachers worried over new curriculum

Now that the hype over the new curriculum for 10 class has died down, reality is staring in the face; not as much for students as it is for teachers!

The new curriculum formulated by Andhra Pradesh State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) and introduced in all State-run schools, ushers in a new pattern of learning, deviating from the rote model followed in the past.

Apprehensions

Contrary to apprehensions expressed from some quarters that the new mode of education may subject a major chunk of the student population to difficulties in learning, it comes as a surprise that the new textbooks have left many teachers squirming.

New method of teaching

Sources indicate that teachers, most of them, are a worried lot. Not for the students, but for themselves. Many of them fear that they may not be able to match to the expectations of the new method of teaching put in place.

The whole pattern revolves around CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation) system wherein ‘formative’ and ‘summative’ assessments replace the unit and term exams in 10th class.

The nature of the question papers and questions given at the back of every lesson are open ended, descriptive and analytical which tests a student’s ability of thinking, critical analysis and judgement, leading to self-expression. Children must be trained to think critically and construct the answers on their own.

The system calls for doing away with guides and ‘study material’ that have been the mainstay of the education system.

Rules also say that the questions once appeared in public exams should not be repeated.

Welcome change

“The new system is a welcome change and the pattern adopted is excellent. But it also calls for utmost commitment on the part of teachers. Many of them merely read aloud the lessons and ask the students to do the remaining part as ‘home work’.

Then there is also the issue of high standards which not all teachers may find it easy. Such elements are restless for obvious reasons,” said Principal of an English medium school on condition of anonymity.

Krishna District Education Officer D. Devanand Reddy however dismissed such fears and said there was some confusion over the exam pattern as it is proposed to reduce the existing 11 papers to nine and it is being addressed.