Gujarat Board to introduce two separate Class 10 Maths textbooks
The state government is mulling introducing two separate textbooks for mathematics for the Class X board exam.
AHMEDABAD: For students who fear mathematics and do not want to pursue the science stream in higher secondary, an easier, simplified textbook may be back in the syllabus for Class X in the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).
The state government is mulling introducing two separate textbooks for mathematics for the Class X board exam. If this happens, it will be a re-introduction of the formula the Gujarat Board used to practice three decades ago, when students who not intent on opting for the science stream had only elementary maths in their syllabus. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) follows the same formula, as it offers two different mathematics books for separate sets of students.
The reason to return to the old system is the poor performance of students in mathematics. Many fail this subject and get dejected and it results in a higher drop out rate. This year too, of some 7.92 lakh regular students, only 4.81 lakh managed to pass the board exams, merely 60.76%.
To arrest this, the education committee of the board discussed the issue last year and passed a resolution to introduce two sets of books for mathematics – a higher level for those wishing to pursue science in the higher secondary and a lower level for those who want to opt for general streams. Being a policy matter, the proposal has been sent to the state government for approval.
The state education secretary, Vinod Rao, told TOI, “We have received the proposal and the government is seriously thinking it over. The poor performance in mathematics leads to an increased drop-out rate, which is more problematic.”
Officer on special duty in the board, M M Pathan, said that the resolution was passed for introduction of two separate textbooks in mathematics after due consultation with experts, educationists, principals and representatives of parents’ associations. “Basically, this is a proposal to re-introduce the old system. It is also in line with the pattern that the CBSE follows,” he said.
Kalpesh Akhani, who teaches maths, believes that students in Gujarat have a very poor foundation in this subject. “Moreover, we have adopted a no-detention policy. This means a student reaches Class X without facing any real hurdles. When he encounters a real test in the board exams, he finds it really difficult,” he said.
The performance of Gujarat students has never been very dazzling in the mathematics board exam. In 2015, only 55.05% of students could pass the subject. This increased in 2019 to 69.65%, but again dipped this year to 60.76%.
The state government is mulling introducing two separate textbooks for mathematics for the Class X board exam. If this happens, it will be a re-introduction of the formula the Gujarat Board used to practice three decades ago, when students who not intent on opting for the science stream had only elementary maths in their syllabus. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) follows the same formula, as it offers two different mathematics books for separate sets of students.
The reason to return to the old system is the poor performance of students in mathematics. Many fail this subject and get dejected and it results in a higher drop out rate. This year too, of some 7.92 lakh regular students, only 4.81 lakh managed to pass the board exams, merely 60.76%.
To arrest this, the education committee of the board discussed the issue last year and passed a resolution to introduce two sets of books for mathematics – a higher level for those wishing to pursue science in the higher secondary and a lower level for those who want to opt for general streams. Being a policy matter, the proposal has been sent to the state government for approval.
The state education secretary, Vinod Rao, told TOI, “We have received the proposal and the government is seriously thinking it over. The poor performance in mathematics leads to an increased drop-out rate, which is more problematic.”
Officer on special duty in the board, M M Pathan, said that the resolution was passed for introduction of two separate textbooks in mathematics after due consultation with experts, educationists, principals and representatives of parents’ associations. “Basically, this is a proposal to re-introduce the old system. It is also in line with the pattern that the CBSE follows,” he said.
Kalpesh Akhani, who teaches maths, believes that students in Gujarat have a very poor foundation in this subject. “Moreover, we have adopted a no-detention policy. This means a student reaches Class X without facing any real hurdles. When he encounters a real test in the board exams, he finds it really difficult,” he said.
The performance of Gujarat students has never been very dazzling in the mathematics board exam. In 2015, only 55.05% of students could pass the subject. This increased in 2019 to 69.65%, but again dipped this year to 60.76%.
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