Recently, the Bangladesh government has finished an important task all over the country, which is the dissemination of the new curriculum scam under the Secondary Education Development Program. Most of the teachers countrywide took part in that training. That was subject-based training. From previous training, their participation was very earnest. At least, they could be able to see what types of changes have occurred in this new curriculum. And what is their duty? Its a great achievement in such a short time.
This change is revolutionary. For approximately 300 years, we used to have an exceptional education system. That was fully memorized. From those centuries, we got out in just one year. But we could not completely adopt the new curriculum. A large number of people could not receive it positively. They are thinking of these innovative changes, but more and more they are going back to the old-fashioned, memorized-based method. It is not only their problem, but when something is new, people also feel hesitant to receive it. Nevertheless, we were very successful.
One year later, we have a concrete message that the new curriculum is obviously helpful for our students. It is needed for them and the demand for time. But the government has to face some challenges. If they are successful, the nation will enjoy its benefits. During one year, experiences gave us some hopping tidings. Just one year ago, there were many rumors. But one year later, we have to hear just a few ill sounds. This is the result of the hard work of the higher authorities and the front fighters of the new curriculum teacher community.
As a teacher trainer, I have some experience. To achieve this curriculums benefits, teachers have to fulfill their own responsibilities. In this new curriculum, teachers role-play as perfect advisers. And they also have to spend a lot of time with students. Actually, how much time will they spend with their students? They have many valid demands; they need more financial support and social status. At first, the government must ensure their logical demands.
If a teacher isn able to memorize this curriculum, he will never be able to deliver it to students smoothly. There are many teachers who have not yet fully memorized this new system. But they don try to understand. Until now, those who are not well-trained have had the opportunity to be trained. So it would be an ongoing process.
We know that this curriculum disheartens the coaching business. After all, some teachers are used to holding this old tradition. At first, the government has to consider their financial crisis and ensure a handsome salary. Then, the government has to force itself to stop these bad practices. So financial security by increasing their salary and other facilities is the most important step. Otherwise, they never come back to their duties.
We notice some inconsistencies in various subjects. One of them is a religious subject (Islam). In this subject, there are many topics that are close to life. Religious (Islam) is an exceptional subject. It is related to the next life (the life after death). There are many verses and holy speeches of Prophet Muhammad (s.m.). Every Muslim child should have memorized some of them. But there is no chance to memorize.
In this new curriculum, the government should employ meritorious job seekers. Then, they can give their best services to the nation. For a bright future for our children, the government should assign the best product to build the best nation.
The writer is a teacher and researcher
