January 17, 2010, 12:00 am
Std IX and XI to get upgraded math, science syllabi next academic year, comparable to CBSE, ICSE boards
PUNE: In order to bring elements of competitive exams in the syllabus, the state board is introducing revamped math and science textbooks of std IX and XI from the next academic year. With this, the syllabi of these two subjects, crucial for entrance tests, will be compatible with those of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Council of Secondary Education (ICSE).
In a meeting with top education officials, school education minister Balasaheb Thorat gave his consent to introduce the updated syllabus from June 2010. Updated textbooks for Std X and Std XII will be introduced in June 2011. This was confirmed by Board chairperson Vijaysheela Sardesai. Syllabus of National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, is the benchmark for revision of the syllabus.
Upgradation of the syllabi was necessary for two reasons. Integration of NCF spirit in education is binding on the state. The state board has been under fire for not having competitive edge in its curricula. Changes in math and science books will address both these concerns. The state board has already provided option of general math in Std IX for students who don’t want to opt for science after SSC. For the students who want to pursue science stream and probably go for entrance tests, math will be a tougher subject.
Jayashri Atre, member of Board of Studies of Math, told Sakaal Times that Std IX math subject will include Higher Order Thinking problems. She said, �Std IX will have more application problems. These are questions that assess students� understanding of the concept. These problems will prepare students for competitive examinations. We may have Multiple Choice Questions in syllabus.�
For science, theory of constructivism - to generate knowledge from experiences will be the bottomline. Every chapter of science textbook will have activities for Std IX and Std XI. �Students will conduct classroom experiments, ask questions and derive answers from classmates. They need not mug up answers once the concept is understood. This will help them face Multiple Choice Questions in entrance tests,� said Dr Sulabha Vidhate, member of the Board of Studies.
RACE AGAINST TIMEMembers of Board of Studies of Math and Science subjects will be racing against time to bring out revised textbooks in the coming academic year. MR Kadam, director of Balbharati, which prints textbooks, wants the final drafts by end of March. This gives BoS two months to prepare the drafts.
source:http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20100116/4978008329406758247.htm
