Soon, thinner books and lighter schoolbags for NCERT students
The NCERT is close to finalizing a more student-friendly curriculum, officials say, where the focus would be on experiential learning instead of memorizing. A prime impact would be on the weight and size of textbooks and schoolbags: books would be thinner and bags lighter. The modifications would be based on recent learning outcomes - the minimum learning level expected of students in each class.
How do learning outcomes help analyze students' performance?
Learning outcomes help teachers determine how much a student in any class should be able to comprehend and enact. For example, a Class 1 student should be able to follow simple instructions like 'close the door.' By Class 7, they should be able to carry out complex tasks. In November, the Center started its first country-wide assessment of learning outcomes with over 30L students.
Heavy schoolbags, rote learning cause physical, mental stress: Experts
It was found that most students have to carry a dozen books, tiffin boxes and water bottles to school every day, making for 5-10kg heavy bags. Doctors say this can trigger back and neck strain and even lifetime orthopaedic damage. Emphasis was also on reducing mental workload. "We want to promote a problem-solving approach," said NCERT director Hrushikesh Senapaty.
Revision of books to start in March end
The NCERT will now tweak content for each class for various subjects, including Hindi, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Environmental Studies and Urdu. The revision of books will start at the end of March.
