Based on the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, NCERT, in association with CBSE, is coming out with textbooks in social science, maths, science and languages at primary and senior secondary levels which attempt to emphasize the cognitive abilities of students and make the learning process one that is not burdensome.The Central Advisory Board on Education (CABE) approved the syllabus on September 7.A monitoring committee — appointed by the Human Resources Development Ministry and co-chaired by Professor Mrinal Miri and Professor G P Deshpande — has also given the nod for the new syllabi, which will be released in three phases.The textbooks for classes I, III, VI, VIII, IX and XI will be out by April 2006. In the second phase, in April 2007, textbooks for classes II, IV, VII, X and XII will be released. In the third phase, in April 2008, texts for classes V and VIII will be out.An attempt has also been made to create inter-disciplinary linkages between the primary and upper-primary levels in seven core subjects — food, materials, living beings, the working of moving things, natural phenomenon and natural resources.In primary mathematics, the emphasis is on conceptual grasp with a greater stress on hands-on learning.In history and geography, the focus in primary level will be on activities and projects.
