A new curriculum introduced in Bangladesh heralds a departure from traditional exam-based learning. The announcement of the curriculum, which will be implemented in phases from 2023, has sparked widespread interest and speculation about its impact on educational settings.
The new textbooks are designed with a focus on practical education and aim to equip students with real-world skills. The major difference from the previous version is that there are no exams up to class 3. However, as students progress to higher grades, they are assessed with a multifaceted approach that includes activities such as acting, debate, storytelling, presentations, and collaborative projects, alongside traditional exams. .
Hasina Momtaz, Bengali subject teacher at Vikarunnisa Noon School and College, highlighted the key changes while discussing the intricacies of the new curriculum. She emphasized on eliminating traditional question patterns, postponing exams until the end of class 3 and moving towards continuous assessment during the learning process.
In the revamped system, primary education will consist of 8 textbooks and secondary level will be supported by 10 textbooks. The start of public examinations will be postponed until students reach the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) level, where subjects are not divided into science, arts and commerce streams.
Addressing concerns about assessment methods, Momtaz revealed that student progress will be assessed through a combination of class assignments, presentations, projects and group activities. The depiction of the subject starts from class 11 and a consistent approach is maintained till class 10.
Feedback on the new curriculum has been largely positive, with Momtaz noting increased student engagement and confidence. She revealed plans to expand the curriculum to include fourth and fifth grade classes next school year, following a successful implementation in grades two, three, eight and nine.
Teachers underwent seven days of comprehensive training to familiarize themselves with the new curriculum. It is also equipped with a smart mobile application “New Naipunya” for efficient data management and reporting on student evaluations.
Looking ahead, Momtaz expressed optimism about the curriculum's potential to better prepare students for higher education.
While debates about integration into university entrance exams have emerged, reactions from parents have been mixed, reflecting different perspectives on the effectiveness of traditional testing methods and the innovative approaches new curricula take. ing.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “My daughter is in 8th grade this year. There are no more exams. Instead, she is exposed to different activities through different routines. There is no pressure on either the student or my daughter to study, so there are no exams. I don’t understand what they would do without it.”
Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: This is a very new curriculum for students. I hope that it will help students grow and achieve positive results. ”
