Reshma Ravishanker 

The Draft National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 was released by the Union education ministry on April 7 for public feedback. The voluminous 628-page Draft NCFSE, prepared by a National Steering Committee headed by former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan, proposes wide ranging reforms in K-12 curriculum, subjects content and choice, pedagogy, and assessment.

In this story we focus on Classroom Practices. 

Classroom Practices

The NCFSE 2023 recommends the following classroom practices.

Seating arrangement

The draft recommends schools to follow circular, semi-circular and group seating in classrooms as against the conventional seating with children facing a backboard in front of which is the teacher. It also says separate seating for boys and girls; students sitting on floor mats and teachers on the chair are ways that establish differences and hierarchies rather than breaking them.

“If all children always sit facing the board, such an arrangement conveys a perception that the primary sources of learning are the blackboard and the Teacher. While a circular, semi-circle or group seating arrangement allows students different learning experiences as they can interact with their peers and work collaboratively.

“If there is a practice of presumably smarter students occupying front seats and those who are lagging sit at the back, then this practice itself will reinforce who learns and who doesn’t. Separate seating for boys and girls; students sitting on floor mats and teachers on the chair are ways that establish differences and hierarchies rather than breaking them,” says the NCFSE 2023.

Reading corner 

Libraries shouldn’t be the only resource centre for students. NCFSE suggests school classrooms to be designed in a manner to allow easy access to learning material for students.

“A classroom can be full of learning material – on walls, in the open racks and almirah or without it. Accessibility and usage are other issues. When there is sufficient and relevant material and students can make use it, then students can be engaged at different levels, and it brings more vibrancy in the learning process.”

The draft asks schools to inculcate the reading habit among students. “Having a ‘reading corner’ with a collection of books that are suitable for the learning levels and age-groups of the students would encourage a culture of reading,” says the draft.

Additionally, to give students a sense of ownership and responsibility, their involvement is a must in leading peer sessions, designing learning materials for classroom display etc.

Clean your own class

Entrust students with the responsibility of cleaning their own classrooms. Under the head Swachchata, it is recommended that students tidy up their classroom at the end of each day and also prepare it for the next day.

Classroom rituals

Teachers are encouraged to follow everyday rituals to introduce a sense of informality and allow students to feel more relaxed and keep the atmosphere less intimidating. This could include a brief informal chat or allowing students to share something before the class commences.

Also read Draft NCF 2023: Board exams twice a year & subjects selection flexibility