KARACHI:
A monotonous curriculum poses a significant challenge in the national education landscape exacerbating issues related to critical thinking and the learning process. It also reinforces the dominance of foreign languages such as English. Therefore, the current curriculum needs to be reformed to meet the demands of the 21st century. The new government, with a visionary approach, attempted to address the challenges at the forefront of the education sector. However, despite ambitious efforts, it fell short of making an impact. This prompts the question: where is the persistent leak and what is the source of this shocking failure? The answer lies in the lacklustre curricula within this struggling sector.
Embracing native languages can establish an environment conducive to achieving educational goals. Had textbooks been written in indigenous languages, Pakistan might not be grappling with its current state of educational distress. This approach not only facilitates comprehension but also fosters critical thinking liberating individuals from dependence on foreign languages.
While international languages should be taught, the emphasis should be on preserving and promoting native languages rather than eradicating them. Nations achieved educational superiority not solely due to international languages but by leveraging their languages in education. Adapting textbooks to native languages has the potential to revolutionise the education sector. This visionary approach can disrupt conventional methods and bring positive change.
Mehboob Ali
Panjgur
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2023.
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