IT gets big focus in draft of new school syllabus

The 10-member curriculum framework committee, headed by former Anna University Vice-Chancellor M Anandakrishnan, was present along with Pradeep Yadav (Principal Secretary of School Education Department) and T Udhayachandran (Additional Secretary) during the release of the draft. 

The Minister in his address pointed out that the syllabus was drafted in four months. It contained the position paper on the different subjects, evaluation details, curriculum, pedagogy, content and transaction methodology related to every subject. It also identified the core issues faced by the state education system today and talks about approaches to tackle them. 

“When it comes to science, whatever is being taught in the class can be implemented in the day-to-day lives,” explained Anandakrishnan. 

The position paper also discusses the evaluation method for which TN was often criticised. “Evaluation is very critical, and we are looking at it separately, where the focus is to nurture critical thinking,” said Anandakrishnan. Information and Communication Technology will play a key role in the new scheme of things. ICT apart from being a science subject will be woven into other subjects. 

The department is also coming up with teachers’ guide and handbook for every subject. 

“We will expose the students to contemporary Tamil literature and collaborative content. Starting with understanding regional languages to the technology in Tamil - the canvas will be vast,” said another school education official. Importance is also given to the new textbook designs.