Published by: Sukanya Nandy
Last updated: Oct 27, 2023 5:04 PM IST
This new framework is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundation Phase (NCF-FS) (Representative image)
The updated curriculum places a significant emphasis on interactive activities and discovery-based learning, with the aim of ensuring that children can read and write effectively by the time they reach Grade 3.
The state government of Maharashtra has introduced a new curriculum framework for the foundational level of education, which emphasizes the use of the child’s mother tongue as the primary medium of education. This basic level includes three years of nursery education and includes classes 1 and 2, aimed at children aged three to eight.
The updated curriculum places a significant emphasis on interactive activities and discovery-based learning, with the aim of ensuring that children can read and write effectively by the time they reach Year 3. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about the use of multiple languages and the need for a more independent curriculum structure. Additionally, the framework places a strong emphasis on student nutrition and health.
This new framework is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundation Phase (NCF-FS). Also called the State Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (SCF-FS), this framework emphasizes the use of a child’s native language or mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction in early education.
“The curriculum for the first five years of education will be based on interactive activities, games and exploration. By the time students move to Class 3, they are expected to have the ability to read and write clearly,” said an official of the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), quoted by Hindustan Times. The official was part of a team appointed by the state government to decide the curriculum for the foundation phase, reports added.
To implement this programme, a special committee has reportedly been formed to focus on the fundamental level, covering three years of Anganwadi (preschool) and classes 1 and 2. At the foundation stage, the child’s mother tongue should ideally be used as the medium of education. , according to the SCF-FS model. It promotes the use of mother tongue as a bridge to introduce students to other languages, such as English, while using them in teaching and learning activities.
Additionally, the draft, which was approximately 342 pages, addressed student health and nutrition. The state administration has come under fire for failing to create a more autonomous curriculum framework that would have taken into account the requirements and peculiarities of the SCF-FS even though it was a revolutionary program, reports said. Before final approval, the proposed design was made public to solicit comments from stakeholders.
In addition to teaching fundamental language and math skills, the SCF-FS places a strong emphasis on the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children and sets guidelines for this.