The transition from the state board to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus has brought forth significant challenges for both students and teachers in government schools across Puducherry district. Introduced for all classes this academic year, the CBSE syllabus has posed hurdles that many are grappling to overcome.
The sudden shift to the new syllabus, implemented last year for Classes VII, VIII, IX, and XI, has presented a steep learning curve for students preparing for their first CBSE board examinations. Notably, the new syllabus emphasizes understanding concepts and applying them while answering questions, a departure from the previous approach.
However, this transition has not been without its setbacks. Many high-school students faced difficulties in the Class IX and XI examinations conducted by the School Education Department (SED) during this academic year, leading to several failing to meet promotion criteria and being detained.
The challenges are multifaceted. The rigorous CBSE syllabus, particularly its open-ended questions and English medium instruction, has proven daunting for Tamil medium students and those with average or below-average academic performances. Teachers, especially those who completed their post-graduation years ago, are also struggling to adapt to the advanced textbook language and prepare comprehensive lesson plans.
Furthermore, recent mandates requiring instructors to upload videos of projects and practical examinations with GPS tags on the CBSE web portal have added to the workload, creating an additional burden.
While ongoing teacher training programs aim to address these challenges, stakeholders emphasize the need for a more gradual shift and comprehensive support mechanisms. A senior teacher from a rural school highlighted the need for a nuanced approach, given the diverse learning backgrounds and capacities of students and teachers.
In response to these issues, the SED officials have planned a three-day training session focusing on teaching methodologies and practical execution. However, stakeholders stress the importance of sustained support and resources to facilitate a smoother transition and ensure students' academic success under the new syllabus.
As government schools navigate these challenges, the spotlight remains on implementing strategies that promote inclusive learning environments and empower educators to effectively navigate the evolving educational landscape.