From Class I to XII: Punjab puts AI on the curriculum

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has approved a major overhaul of the school curriculum, promising to reduce the volume of textbooks by 25 per cent, introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education from Class I to XII and attach QR codes to books to give students access to video lessons.

The government has also proposed new measures to address corporal punishment and student mental health.

The decisions were taken in a meeting on education reforms chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday amid what authorities termed an attempt by the government to shift classroom teaching away from rote memorisation towards concept-based and technology-assisted learning.

As per details presented at the meeting, the new curriculum will cover subjects including English, mathematics, Urdu, social studies and early childhood education. The Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) gave a briefing on the proposed changes. The authority describes its curriculum mandate as promoting deeper learning, higher order thinking and innovation rather than merely revising textbook content.

One of the most visible changes will be an attempt to reduce the amount of material students have to carry and study. The government says textbook volume will be cut by 25% with the objective of discouraging rote learning and allowing greater emphasis on understanding concepts.

However, the implementation will be crucial. A smaller textbook does not automatically mean lighter academic workload if examination requirements, homework and classroom assessments continue to demand the same volume of preparation.

An educationist said the government would face the challenge of ensuring that the curriculum reduction was reflected in teaching and assessment practices rather than size of books

According to an education ministry official, the new textbooks will also contain quick-response (QR) codes that students can scan to access video lessons related to the relevant topic.

The move could provide children an additional learning resource outside conventional classroom teaching, particularly where teachers have limited time to explain difficult concepts. The effectiveness of the system, however, will depend on access to smartphones or other devices, internet connectivity and the availability of quality digital material in schools and homes.

Regarding introduction of AI education from Class I, the chief minister directed officials to prepare a curriculum and stressed the need for laboratories for the new subject.

The proposal represents a substantial expansion of technology education because it envisages exposing children to AI concepts from the earliest years of schooling. The relevant officials will have to determine how AI content is differentiated according to age, teachers will be trained and infrastructure will be required before the programme can operate effectively across Punjab's government schools.

The government has set the deadline to complete printing of the new textbooks before March, putting pressure on the education authorities to complete curriculum development, review, production and distribution within a tight schedule.

The reform package also moves beyond academic content as for the first time in Punjab, the government has decided to initiate mental health training for teachers.

A proposal to place visiting faculty psychologists in every district was also considered while the chief minister directed authorities to develop online counselling facilities for students.

The measures indicate an attempt to address behavioural and emotional issues within schools through counselling and trained personnel rather than punishment. The model will require sufficient professional staff, referral mechanisms and confidentiality safeguards.

It was agreed in principle to initiate legislation aimed at eliminating corporal punishment in schools. A proposal was discussed to establish "discipline corners" in classrooms as an alternative to physical punishment.

The chief minister said physical violence against children could leave lasting effects on their lives.