Recent changes in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks have sparked a significant debate. The removal of the Preamble to the Constitution from some Class 3 and Class 6 textbooks has raised questions and concerns among parents, educators, and students. As an educational expert, it is crucial to analyze these changes, understand the rationale behind them, and provide a balanced perspective on their implications.
Overview of the Changes in NCERT The Removal Of The Preamble
The NCERT, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has revised several textbooks. This revision has led to the removal of the Preamble from certain textbooks while incorporating other Constitutional elements like fundamental rights, duties, and the National Anthem.
Specific Changes in Textbooks
- Class 3 Textbooks:
- The Preamble has been removed from new textbooks for Hindi, English, Mathematics, and “World Around Us” (which replaces Environmental Studies or EVS).
- Previously, the Preamble was included in the EVS book “Looking Around” and the Hindi book “Rimjhim 3.”
- Class 6 Textbooks:
- The Preamble is included in the new Science book “Curiosity” and the Hindi book “Malhar.”
- It is not present in the Social Science book “Exploring Society: India and Beyond,” which covers fundamental rights and duties instead.
- The new English textbook “Poorvi” includes the National Anthem, and the Sanskrit textbook “Deepakam” features both the National Anthem and the National Song, but not the Preamble.
Rationale Behind the Changes
The NCERT’s revisions are guided by the NEP 2020, which emphasizes a holistic approach to education. The council’s decision to distribute Constitutional values across various textbooks aims to provide a more integrated understanding of these principles.
NCERT’s Clarification
- Holistic Education:
- According to Professor Ranjana Arora, Head of the Department of Curriculum Studies and Development at NCERT, the removal of the Preamble should not be viewed in isolation.
- Constitutional values are also imparted through other elements such as fundamental rights, duties, and the National Anthem.
- This approach aligns with the vision of NEP 2020, which focuses on comprehensive child development.
- Diverse Sources of Constitutional Learning:
- NCERT emphasizes that relying solely on the Preamble to teach Constitutional values is a narrow approach.
- Fundamental duties, rights, and the National Anthem are equally important for imparting these values.
- This broader inclusion ensures that students receive a well-rounded education on Constitutional principles.
Implications for Students and Educators
The changes in the NCERT textbooks have several implications for students and educators, impacting how Constitutional values are taught and understood.
Benefits of the Revised Curriculum
- Integrated Learning:
- By incorporating Constitutional values across different subjects and textbooks, students gain a more comprehensive understanding.
- This approach ensures that these values are reinforced through multiple contexts, making them more relatable and easier to grasp.
- Focus on Fundamental Duties and Rights:
- Emphasizing fundamental duties and rights alongside the Preamble helps students understand their responsibilities as citizens.
- This focus encourages a balanced perspective on rights and duties, promoting civic responsibility.
Challenges and Concerns
- Public Perception:
- The removal of the Preamble has led to concerns and misconceptions among parents and the public.
- Clear communication and education about the rationale behind these changes are essential to address these concerns.
- Teacher Preparation:
- Educators need to be adequately prepared to teach the revised curriculum effectively.
- Professional development and training programs should be implemented to help teachers adapt to these changes.
Practical Insights and Examples
To illustrate the practical implications of these changes, consider the following examples and insights:
Example 1: Teaching Fundamental Duties in Science
- Contextual Learning:
- In the new Class 6 Science textbook “Curiosity,” lessons on environmental conservation can be linked to fundamental duties.
- Students learn about their duty to protect the environment through practical activities and experiments.
- Holistic Understanding:
- This approach helps students connect their scientific knowledge with their responsibilities as citizens, fostering a deeper understanding of both subjects.
Example 2: Integrating Rights and Duties in Social Science
- Comprehensive Coverage:
- The Social Science book “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” covers fundamental rights and duties, providing a detailed explanation of each.
- Activities and discussions encourage students to reflect on these principles and their relevance in daily life.
- Interactive Learning:
- Role-playing exercises and debates on fundamental rights help students engage with these concepts actively.
- This interactive approach makes learning more engaging and memorable.
Conclusion
The removal of the Preamble from certain NCERT textbooks is part of a broader strategy to align with the National Education Policy 2020. This policy aims to provide a holistic and integrated education, emphasizing various facets of the Constitution through multiple subjects. While the changes have sparked debate, they also present an opportunity to enhance students’ understanding of Constitutional values in a more comprehensive manner.
