The Indian Central Board of Secondary Education or CBSE has revolutionised their syllabus to fit modern education systems and students. These changes are beneficial and are among the measures that have been undertaken to improve the student’s learning experience, encouraging them to think critically and pass out READY to face any next-level challenges. Based on the findings gathered from research and analysis of different resources, this article explains the primary changes in the CBSE syllabi in the last five years.
Emphasis on competency-based education
Another great change mirrored in the CBSE syllabus is the transition to competency-based education or CBE. This approach differs from most, that it is competency-based as opposed to memorization-based. The curriculum nowadays is focused on the practical use of knowledge, so the student is encouraged to use his mind, think, analyse, and solve problems.
Key changes:
- Integration of project-based learning and related exercises.
- There have been some reforms in the context of assessment modes of which question formats have transformed to incorporate more practical and real-life oriented problems.
- The adoption of interdisciplinary in the subjects which are taught in school for enabling students to relate between them.
Integration of technology and digital learning
Technology has continued to seep into the teaching-learning process as evident through the enhancement of online learning in light of the current COVID-19 outbreak. CBSE for quite a long time has launched many policies to make digital resources and tools part of the learning process.
Key changes:
- The advancements in technology have brought about the implementation of online platforms and E-learning resources like DIKSHA which is an open-source platform containing large numbers of digital content for students as well as for the teachers.
- Promoting the use of virtual lab classrooms with cases and simulations to give students the feel of concepts in sciences and mathematics.
- Adopting and incorporating AI in frameworks and assets for modifying content to meet the student’s needs while monitoring their performance.
Revised assessment and examination patterns
CBSE has taken a step further to lessen this stress and bring improvement in the student’s understanding of subjects by revising the assessment as well as examination systems. In place of terminal and formal tests, there is an elimination of constant and composite tests (CCE).
Key changes:
- Higher numbers of internal tests and assessments and tracing tests can enable checking out the understanding of students periodically.
- Change in weightage of final exams where the overall percentage has been decreased and shift to the use of other forms of assessments such as projects, oral tests, practical examinations, etc.
- Other departures from the traditional board examinations include the integration of competency-based questions and questions that check the understanding and applicability of concepts learnt.
Focus on skill development
To address these needs of global awareness and skills for life, in the recent past, CBSE has included the concept of skill-based subjects in its curriculum. This step was undertaken to provide the students with a broad base of learning and prepare them for any career they may wish to pursue, as well as instill in them the virtues of life.
Key changes:
- Some of the features include the incorporation of technical subjects like artificial intelligence, coding, financial fluency, and others.
- Inclusive of; favourable communication education skills, favourable team building and problem solving education.
- Membership and collaboration with concerns of practice to ensure the aspirations of securing necessary exposure and training.
Inclusivity and flexibility in learning
CBSE has tried to remove the rigidity of the curriculum by modifying it from time to time reflecting the need for the diverse student community. This is because; we also offer choices for disabled students as well as incorporating new subjects of interest to the students.
Key changes:
- Incorporation of non-academic subjects such as music, dancing, and drama to address the creativity aspect of the learners.
- Shelter and other forms of facilities for disabled students and proposing and implementing other forms of assessment for disabled students.
- The school subjects: The list of subjects offered to the students and the way they combine them are flexible which allows choosing subjects from different streams.
Enhanced focus on mental health and well-being
Regarding students’ mental health, CBSE began to pay much attention to what can be seen in the new staking of several programs.
Key changes:
- Evidently, students need education about stress and anxiety which is why mental health classes in schools should be included.
- Scheduled activities such as seminars and counseling sessions depending on the issue ailing the society.
- Reasonable implementation of physical education activities as well as yoga classes as a compulsory subject for all students.
Promotion of environmental education and sustainable practices
Due to the increased global concerns about the environment, CBSE has ensured that the syllabi contain components of environmental education to ensure that the students develop a good environmental ethic.
Key changes:
- Popularisation of climate change, issues of preserving the diversity of flora and fauna, and the concept of sustainable development in the subjects of natural and social studies.
- Support of environmental clubs, and projects with educational institutions.
- The awareness campaigns include tree planting activities, cleaning exercises, and material recycling exercises among others.
Strengthening teacher training and professional development
To ensure that the proposed changes are well embraced, several programs and activities have been initiated in CBSE regarding teachers’ professional development. Teacher preparation is a critical success factor in the implementation of the new curriculum meaning that teachers must be in a position to effectively deliver it.
Key changes:
- In-service programmes to educate the teachers on the new syllabi and methods of teaching that will be employed.
- Other measures include going for distance learning or online courses and other resources that can enhance the provision of continuous professional development.
- Promotion of teachers’ peer learning and teamwork to share ideas, and the best practice as well as disseminating best practices in use of teaching innovations.
Since the year 2015, Delhi Public School Warangal recognized as the top best day and residential school in Warangal, has witnessed a lot of changes in CBSE syllabus that shows that the education system is changing to become more integrated, inclusive, and focused on competencies. CBSE has defined the goals of offering technology integration, skill development, mental health, and the environment in connection with the century challenge. These alterations can help in the increased learning capability and outstanding performances with increased exposure to various skills that are useful in the ever-evolving society.
Thus, learners, parents, and teachers need to be informed and prepared as long as the reforms progressively develop. Implementation of such a call for improved quality and innovativeness in teaching-learning by the CBSE boards well for a brighter education scenario in India.