Use more English words while teaching, Maharashtra govt tells schools

The practice will be introduced for Std I, as per the school education department note. Representation pic

After making Marathi language a mandatory subject for all English medium schools irrespective of the board they are affiliated to, the state education department has now asked all non-English medium schools to introduce functional English during classes, starting from Std I. As part of the move, teachers are to use more English words while teaching instead of using the vernacular, in a bid to help these students in adapting to English during higher studies as well as daily life. The idea is also to retain parents' interests in non-English medium schools by providing functional English knowledge at a young age.

At non-English medium schools, English language is a mandatory subject from Std I.

The Office of the State School Education Minister issued a note to this effect on Friday, which stated, "School education in Marathi medium is well-appreciated in the state. But at the same time, it is important that these students do not face issues with the English language as they move ahead in life. This is why some terminologies and words from English language should be introduced to these children at a young age. Use of bilingual operations including use of functional English in the class will ensure this change."

School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said, "This practice has already started as a pilot project in 488 schools from Std I. Next year, these schools will extend the practice to Std II as well while other schools will join in, starting from Std I, in phases."

A senior officer from the school education department said, "The use of functional English in regular operations will help increase children's vocabulary. Students from non-English medium schools are seen struggling with English after school, which is leading to a dip in enrollment rate at these schools. This initiative is aimed at retaining the interest in non-English medium schools by providing them with what is missing from there."

Constitution to be part of syllabus

The school education department has also decided to include topics from the Constitution of India so that the values can be instilled in the students from a young age.

Officials said the education commissioner and Balbharati - textbook bureau of the state - will work on creating a new format of syllabus to include Constitutional values.

488
No. of schools which already implemented this