New curriculum: Review of education systems in 16 countries underway, opinions of parties to be sought

Since 1972, seven changes have been made to the curriculum. In 2012, the biggest change in the curriculum was the creative method. An even bigger change is coming in 2021 by reducing memorization. Although that curriculum was called a good initiative, some believe that it was flawed in the socio-economic context of the country. At that time, there was a long movement to cancel the curriculum. After the fall of the Awami League government, the much-discussed creative curriculum of 2012 was brought back. However, the government is thinking of introducing a moral, humanistic and up-to-date curriculum from 2027. For this, discussions and reviews are underway on the curricula of 16 countries. For example, the learning and assessment methods in different regions of Australia are different. Students study mathematics, technology, ethics, creative thinking, humanities, sociology and culture. The country places more emphasis on continuous assessment in the classroom. In addition, in the United States and the United Kingdom, schools decide the learning assessment method. Teachers emphasize skill-based assessment in the classroom. As a result, students are motivated by inquiry-based learning. Meanwhile, in Finland, one of the happiest countries in the world, ethics, mathematics, science, art, social sciences, and foreign languages are given priority. The country’s learning method is inquiry-based and experiential. Teachers solve life-oriented problems in class. The first public examination is held in grade 12. On the other hand, in China, one of the world’s largest economies, language, technical education, mathematics, moral and political education are given priority in the curriculum. Critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and innovative learning are continuously assessed in class. Now the problem is that the country does not have the socio-economic context to introduce the curriculum of these countries. Moreover, there is a shortage of qualified teachers and trainers. National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) expert Dr. Muhammad Zair Al Farooqui said that there are challenges in our school environment and classroom practices. This requires professional preparation and dedication of teachers. Meanwhile, the ideological differences of political parties in the implementation of the curriculum are another obstacle. NCTB Acting Chairman Professor Rabiul Kabir Chowdhury said that a framework will be created by discussing the curriculum with political parties. This will be done based on the opinions of the parties. Later, the party that comes to power will implement it. On the other hand, educationists said that many countries change the curriculum almost every year to keep pace with the times. That is good for students. Professor Mohammad Mojibur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research of Dhaka University said that the curriculum must be changed first, the constitution must be fixed. If this cannot be done, an education policy must be created based on the current constitution or consensus. Because the previous education policy is very old. That policy has many inconsistencies and gaps. Therefore, a new curriculum cannot be created based on it. Education Advisor CR Abrar said that a fundamental change and development of the education system is not possible at once. However, he wants to pave the way. Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar said, “There have been several meetings at NCTB to take up the curriculum. Some plans have been taken. However, conscious parents do not want an education system that encourages the notebook and coaching trade.”