Kerala mulling credits, semester system for higher secondary classes
A conclave held in the State capital on Friday to hold discussions with stakeholders and garner public opinion on the higher secondary curriculum revision that is set to begin soon underlined the need to consider the recent changes in the higher education sector, particularly the implementation of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) in the State, when deciding on the direction of the higher secondary curriculum reforms.
Even though the credit system has not been fully realised nationally, the State is pondering if students can earn credits not only through project and assignments but also National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme activities.
Language subjects optional
Reducing the academic burden on students is also under consideration. Making language subjects optional is one way being explored. Higher secondary students can study Indian or foreign languages online and earn credits.
This will also allow students to focus more on core subjects. For instance, Humanities students currently unable to pursue Economics and Mathematics together can do so if they choose to study one language through SCOLE-Kerala.
Decisions though will have to be taken on aspects such as the number of credits that students can earn and if schools have the wherewithal to implement such proposals – such as faculty and infrastructure.
National, State levels
Presenting the concept note for the higher secondary curriculum revision, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Jayaprakash R.K. pointed out that curriculum revision at the national level was guided by the National Education Policy under which the National Credit Framework provided for 1,200 hours of learning and 160 credits for classes XI and XII. The FYUGP provided more choice to students in pursuing courses and gave importance to skill education. 'When thinking about higher secondary curriculum reforms, the transformations in higher education in the State have to be taken into account.'
21st century skills
He also pointed out that importance of skill courses and competency development. The reforms also raised the question of how the 21st century skills could be passed on to students in the classroom, especially at a time when technology was making huge leaps and artificial intelligence had found its way into classrooms, he said.
Dr. Jayaprakash explained the schedule for the revision process. Public discussions would be held at the district-levels from August 1 to 15. Workshops on conceptualising ideas, textbook writing, and editing will follow. Expert committee meetings will be held in December. Scrutiny and curriculum subcommittee meetings will follow. The curriculum steering committee will meet in February and the textbooks will be ready for printing by March 10.
Minister for Finance K.N. Balagopal who inaugurated the conclave said the achievements in the public education sector could be carried forward only through constant improvements. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty presided.
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