Introduction
The new national curriculum, implemented in 2023, announces significant changes. In 2022, the pilot project distributed books to students across 62 educational institutions at the primary level. Aligning with the updated curriculum, these students now enjoy a two-day break each week. This scheduling adjustment will extend to all educational institutions nationwide from 2023 onward.
Commencing in 2023, the revised education program initiates in the 6th and 7th grades. Subsequent phases include the introduction of the new curriculum to the 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 9th grades in 2024. The curriculum will extend to the 5th and 10th grades in 2025, the 11th grade in 2026, and the 12th grade in 2027.
The outline for the forthcoming curriculum, set to commence in 2023, has received official approval.
The foundational Principles of the National Curriculum Are
The foundational principles outlined in the National Curriculum, including the philosophy derived from the Declaration of Independence during the Liberation War, human dignity, social justice, and equality, reflect a commitment to fostering a holistic and inclusive educational environment. By incorporating these principles, the curriculum not only aims to impart knowledge but also seeks to instill values that promote a just and equitable society. This thoughtful approach aligns with the broader goals of education in nurturing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities and uphold the core values of justice and equality.
Emerging Perspectives on the New Curriculum:
- Crafting a dynamic and adaptable curriculum to unlock the inherent potential of every student.
- Transforming educational institutions into social hubs fostering student development and excellence.
- Identifying and cultivating diverse learning opportunities beyond institutional boundaries.
- Ensuring a responsive, inclusive, and participatory educational system
- The new curriculum seeks to establish a responsible, self-motivated, efficient, and empathetic education system at all levels.
- Designed to elevate students' attitudes, knowledge, skills, values, and competencies, prioritizing genuine understanding over result-based learning.
- The main aim is to teach six important values: respect, responsibility, trust, fairness, community, and integrity. Also, to encourage three important attitudes: affective, behavioral, and cognitive together with self-confidence. This helps students become well-rounded and acquire ten important qualities.
The new curriculum delineates ten distinct learning areas spanning from pre-primary to class 10:
- Language and Communication
- Mathematics and Logic
- Life and Livelihood
- Society and Global Citizenship
- Environment and Climate
- Science and Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
- Physical and Mental Health and Safety
- Values and Ethics
- Art and Culture.
A Student-centered Paradigm
In the new educational approach, pre-primary children will no longer rely on separate books; instead, teachers will play a pivotal role in their instruction. This collaborative paradigm extends beyond the classroom, involving not only teachers and students but also encouraging active participation from parents. The new learning environment is poised to break the monotony of rote memorization, fostering critical thinking skills among students.
The national curriculum overhaul aims to empower students to think critically about various issues. By comprehending diverse perspectives and positions, students will be equipped to express their thoughts and opinions creatively, adapting to the context. The recently approved curriculum outline introduces ten new qualification levels, emphasizing a student-centered and enjoyable learning atmosphere.
The new curriculum is designed with a keen focus on deep learning, aiming to alleviate the burden and pressure associated with subjects and textbooks. The objective is to cultivate a student-centered approach, fostering an enjoyable and engaging learning environment.
Considerations in the New Curriculum:
- Establishment of a learner-centered and joyful learning environment.
- Reduction of the burden and stress associated with subjects and textbooks.
- Prioritization of teaching and learning.
- Emphasis on experiential and activity-based learning, moving away from rote memorization.
- Integration of sports and creative activities into the educational process.
- Minimization of homework by structuring learning activities to conclude within the classroom.
- Recognition of competencies through certificates acquired over time.
- Inclusion of
education pertaining to life and livelihood.
The curriculum underscores the development of students' analytical and problem-solving skills using information, shifting the focus from mere memorization of facts.
Evaluation Process Overview:
For secondary level education:
In classes 7th and 8th, encompassing Bengali, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, 60% of the evaluation is conducted during the learning process, with the remaining 40% determined through overall assessment at the end of the year. In subjects such as life and livelihood, information technology, physical and mental education, health protection, religious education, art and culture, etc., the assessment during learning is set at 100%.
In classes 9th and 10th encompassing Bengali, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, 50% of the evaluation is allocated to learning time assessment, while the remaining 50% is based on collective evaluation at the end of the year. The evaluation for the remaining subjects in classes 9-10 will be comprehensive, with a test accounting for 50 marks, and the remainder assessed by teachers.
Enhancements in Evaluation and Examination under the New Curriculum:
The revised curriculum places a greater emphasis on continuous assessment, or in-learning evaluation, across educational institutions from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. Notably, examinations are deferred until the third class, with 100% assessment relying on diverse learning activities throughout the academic year. Subsequent classes will undergo evaluation through a combination of tests and ongoing learning activities.
Departing from the current format, the new curriculum eliminates SSC and HSC exams. Instead, there will be a singular SSC exam aligned with the class 10 syllabus. Classes XI and XII will feature two public examinations held annually under the board. The final HSC result will be derived from combining the outcomes of these two exams.
Starting in 2023, public examinations for class V and VIII will be discontinued. Students will progress to the next class based on temporary examinations. Additionally, the new curriculum ensures consistency by maintaining the same syllabus for students from pre-primary to class 10. Students will choose their academic paths—science, humanities, or commerce—in the eleventh class.
According to the new curriculum, the ten subjects taught from the sixth to the tenth standard are Bengali, English, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Social Science, Life and Livelihood, Religion, Health Education, and Art and Culture.
Evaluation in the educational context extends beyond appraising individual student learning; it encompasses gauging the overall effectiveness of the educational system, evaluating the learning environment, and assessing student learning comprehensively.
The bedrock of learning assessment lies in merit, ensuring that achievements are the foundation for evaluation.
There is a notable emphasis on self-evaluation and peer evaluation, promoting a collaborative and reflective approach to learning.
To reduce reliance on face-dependent social evaluation, the evaluation framework is designed to be more objective and equitable.
Consistent record-keeping of learning progress assessments is prioritized, aiding in maintaining and managing a comprehensive overview of students' educational journeys.
Strategies for Effective Learning:
Using the internet for learning has changed education a lot. Now, we focus on both technical things and being a good person. We use the internet to teach technical stuff well, and we make sure to include good values in what we learn. We also do more practical learning, like projects and solving problems together. This helps us think better, work together, and learn on our own. Teachers now guide and inspire us, while we take an active part in learning. This way of learning helps everyone, no matter how they like to learn. It also helps us grow not just in our thinking but also in being good people, getting ready for the challenges in the world today.Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment:
The learning environment is designed to be integrative and
inclusive, fostering a student-centered, democratic, collaborative, and
participatory atmosphere.
Key Transformations:
According to the National Curriculum Outline, educational institutions, including primary schools, will observe a two-day weekly holiday.
Starting from 2023, examinations will not be conducted up to Class III, aligning with the National Curriculum Outline.
SSC and equivalent exams will be based solely on the class 10 syllabus.
Classes XI and XII will undergo two public examinations under the board, with the HSC result derived from the combined outcomes of these exams.
In classes XI and XII, 30 percent of assessment will be conducted within educational institutions.
Commencing in 2023, students will follow the same syllabus until Class 10, eliminating divisions among science, humanities, or commerce departments.
The new curriculum outlines study areas from pre-primary to Class 10, including Language and Communication, Mathematics and Reasoning, Life and Livelihood, Society and Globalization, Environment and Climate, Science and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Physical and Mental Health and Safety, and Values and Ethics, along with Art and Culture.
In the pre-primary stage, there will be no separate books for children; teachers will take on a central role in instruction.
Students are encouraged to read eight specified books initially, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.
The Evolving Role of Teachers in the New Curriculum:
In the upcoming curriculum, teachers will be equipped with a comprehensive teacher guide outlining effective teaching methodologies. Following this guide, teachers will orchestrate engaging learning activities and maintain a continuous assessment of students throughout the learning process.
Teachers will enjoy the autonomy to craft collective assessments and public examination questions in each subject, ensuring that no student is left unprepared. The meticulous preparation of the teacher guide underscores the commitment to quality education.
The focus is not merely on traditional teaching; instead, teachers will assume a more guiding role. Empowering students to independently solve problems is a key objective, aligning with the philosophy that textbooks should serve as tools for self-directed learning.
Education Policy Act Highlights:
The finalized draft of the new Education Act-2022 encompasses 58 provisions.
Section 16 of the Education Policy Act specifically prohibits the publication and marketing of note-guides. However, with government approval, auxiliary and practical books may be printed, bound, published, and marketed.
The proposed education law delineates four levels of the education system:
- Primary education spans from 1st to 5th class.
- Secondary education encompasses 6th to 10th standard.
- Higher Secondary education covers Class XI to XII.
- Higher education reaches the university level.
Additionally, the law addresses the pre-primary level as a distinct category. Mandating pre-primary levels in all primary educational institutions is a specific provision outlined in the legislation.
Question Format Innovation:
The examination question structure is poised for transformation in the new curriculum, allowing teachers the freedom to formulate questions creatively. Departing from the existing dichotomy of creative and multiple-choice questions at the secondary level, the new approach embraces mixed-type questions. This shift aligns with the broader changes in student assessment, emphasizing both continuous learning activities throughout the year and examinations.
The nature of questions will be tailored to the subject, qualification requirements, and experiential context, with a strong focus on problem-solving. Teachers will wield the freedom to craft questions of diverse types, fostering a blended approach to assessment.
A pivotal aspect of this curriculum is the reduction in the frequency of public examinations, coupled with an increase in continuous assessment within the classroom environment.
Ultimately, as Bangladesh strides towards becoming a middle-income country, the envisioned curriculum for 2023 aligns with the spirit of the Liberation War and information technology. By cultivating humane individuals equipped to confront global challenges in an information technology-dependent landscape, the curriculum aims to shape a new generation capable of leading Bangladesh into 2041. The integrated curriculum of 2023 is anticipated to play a crucial role in enhancing the overall capabilities of students.
The recently implemented integrated curriculum is enshrined in the Education Act.
A seasoned educator with practical experience emphasized, "Positive change can only be materialized if the state establishes the financial and social standing of teachers."
Expressing uncertainty, another teacher pondered, "Can we ever liberate our nation from the bureaucratic legacy of the British era and bestow upon it the gift of a country founded on education?"
Nevertheless, there remains a steadfast belief that, with the earnest efforts of all, our beloved motherland will progress towards self-glory.
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