In government schools, there is now a restriction on the use of passbooks or guidebooks. This measure has been implemented with the aim of fostering a culture of learning among a particular group of students, namely the 33% of children across various classes who are considered academically weaker. To cater to their specific needs, workbooks have been introduced.

The education department has taken this step due to its belief that traditional rote learning methods, which heavily rely on textbooks, have not been effective in adequately preparing these students for their academic journey. By embracing workbooks and other innovative teaching materials, the government hopes to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for these students, offering them a more engaging and interactive learning process.

Furthermore, educational institutions have been instructed to rigorously enforce this ban, with a specific mandate that no student, regardless of their class, should be permitted to use passbooks. Navin Jain, the Secretary of Education, has underscored the importance of surprise inspections in schools to verify compliance with this policy. Schools found in possession of textbooks during these inspections may face consequences, which could extend to teachers and school administrators.

The department's perspective is that students across all grade levels can be classified into three distinct categories. The first group, consisting of the top 33%, are diligent and primarily depend on textbooks as their primary study resource. These students may use guidebooks solely for reference when needed. The second group, comprising the middle 33%, follow a balanced approach by studying from both textbooks and guidebooks to supplement their learning. 

In contrast, the remaining approximately 33% are considered as academically weaker students. These students heavily rely on memorization and rote learning techniques, predominantly utilizing guidebooks as their primary resource when preparing for examinations. This segmentation reflects the department's attempt to address the diverse learning needs and habits of students in an effective manner.

The department's primary focus is on academically weaker students. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the new system. Specifically, the issue lies in the fact that the majority of students continue to have textbooks in their possession. Even though there are regulations in place within the school, students might still turn to using textbooks at home. To address this challenge, officials propose a solution that involves motivating parents as well. They will be encouraged to understand the advantages of traditional textbook-based learning and recognize its benefits, thereby highlighting this approach's strengths.

According to experts, textbooks are deemed more advantageous and effective for children when compared to workbooks. One key reason is that textbooks are crafted by subject specialists and feature questions that necessitate children to actively seek answers within the text. This practice not only aids memory but also encourages regular revisitation of the material. Furthermore, textbooks often incorporate illustrative examples that enhance comprehension of the subject matter.

In contrast, workbooks tend to provide answers immediately after posing questions, which doesn't stimulate children's cognitive faculties since they can readily transcribe answers with minimal effort. Consequently, the information might not be retained as effectively without the necessity for active engagement and effort.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar