Diversity and Nuance

Context: CBSE’s move of dropping important themes from the curriculum can adversely affect pedagogical practices.

CBSE’s recent move

• Dropped themes: include chapters on the environment, evolution, reproduction, ecology, mathematical reasoning, federalism, popular movements, gender, caste, citizenship, and secularism among others.
• Dropped themes are optional from the point of view of evaluation.

Importance of Dropped Themes

• Develop a critical understanding and  scientific temper:

• Promote the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives.

• Enables learners to appreciate diversity and differences: which are crucial for developing a holistic understanding.

• Act as a benchmark for teachers/learners/parents/employers.
• Crucial for those in search of lasting resolutions through the pandemic and the post-pandemic world.

Negative Consequences of the Move: In terms of pedagogical practices where an enormous value is assigned to examinations and assessment, this would mean -

• Lost ability to understand some of the crucial issues: that impact everyday lives and have unpredictable long-term consequences.
• Reliance on Unofficial/Bogus sources: Use of so-called ‘Whatsapp University’ for easy and quick resolution of complex issues.
• The digital divide will restrict the least privileged /vulnerable learners: engagement with the optional topics  (from the point of view of evaluation).

Way Forward:

• Update and Revise the Syllabus: To take into account a dynamic world and equip learners to address it.
• This is a task that requires thought, dialogue, and patience, even if this proves time-consuming.
• Avoid Ad-hoc Measures:  The problem with ad hoc measures is that they often acquire a certain legitimacy and permanence.