Government schools in Kerala embraces new gender-neutral curriculum
- In Reports
- 11:25 AM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
The newly revised textbooks for government and aided schools in Kerala have received a positive reception from both teachers and students. They are being praised for promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms within the curriculum.
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has revised the Class 3 Malayalam textbook, incorporating an insightful lesson on household chores. One particular image featured in the lesson depicts a scene inside a kitchen, where a man is shown grating coconut while a woman stands beside the stove. The image subtly aims to challenge patriarchal norms where women are typically expected to manage kitchen duties.
In the Class 3 English textbook, another example includes an image depicting a father preparing snacks for his daughter in the kitchen and encouraging her to take some to school.
Christy Prakasia, who teaches Malayalam to primary class students at a government school in Binanipuram, Ernakulam district, commented, "It represents a refreshing change. When we present such lessons in class, students themselves observe that both parents share kitchen duties equally. They are recognising this as a positive development."
SCERT director RK Jayaprakash stated that the decision to undertake a comprehensive revision of textbooks was made last year, prompted by the need for updates after more than a decade without changes.
Jayaprakash explained, "During the revision process, we conducted numerous focus groups covering various subjects, including gender education. Recognising the need for a gender audit of existing textbooks, we developed a framework to address societal changes over the years. Our goal was to present concepts that transcend traditional gender distinctions."
He emphasised, "We found that images play a crucial role in textbook lessons, as students derive significant learning from them. This led us to incorporate gender neutrality through visual representations."
Last year, the state government revised textbooks for classes 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, with plans to revise those for classes 2, 4, 6, and 8 this year.
According to Jayaprakash, the Class 9 social science textbook, scheduled for distribution to students by October this year, will feature a dedicated lesson on gender justice, incorporating rulings from the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court.
“Gender education is now a core part of the curriculum objective. Overall, we are pleased with the positive reception from the public. We will spend the remainder of the year gathering feedback from teachers as well,” he stated.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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