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It's time to rethink our education system sans school textbooks

Published : Monday, 17 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 519
Musharraf Tansen
The timely distribution of textbooks has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's education system. Each year, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) undertakes the massive task of printing and distributing millions of textbooks to students across the country. However, this year, delays in textbook distribution have left millions of students without access to essential learning materials, disrupting the academic calendar and raising concerns about the quality of education. While the delay is undoubtedly a significant challenge, it also presents an opportunity to rethink traditional teaching methods and explore effective alternatives to textbooks. This OpEd examines the issue of delayed textbook distribution in Bangladesh, its impact on students and teachers, and the potential alternatives that can be implemented to ensure effective learning during this period.

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in ensuring access to education, with near-universal enrollment at the primary level. A key factor in this success has been the government's policy of providing free textbooks to all students. This initiative has not only reduced the financial burden on families but also ensured that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to essential learning resources. However, the delay in textbook distribution this year has exposed vulnerabilities in the system. Reports indicate that logistical challenges, supply chain disruptions, and administrative inefficiencies have contributed to the delay, leaving schools and students in a state of uncertainty.

The impact of this delay is far-reaching. Without textbooks, teachers struggle to deliver lessons effectively, and students are left without the primary resource they rely on for learning. This disruption is particularly detrimental for students from low-income families, who may not have access to alternative learning materials. The delay also exacerbates existing inequalities, as students in remote and marginalized areas are often the last to receive textbooks. For these students, the absence of textbooks can mean the difference between staying in school and dropping out altogether.

“This year, delays in textbook distribution have left millions of students without access to essential learning materials, disrupting the academic calendar and raising concerns about the quality of education. While the delay is undoubtedly a significant challenge, it also presents an opportunity to rethink traditional teaching methods and explore effective alternatives to textbooks”

The Limitations of Textbook-Centric Education: While textbooks are an essential tool for learning, their delayed distribution highlights the limitations of a textbook-centric education system. Relying solely on textbooks can stifle creativity, critical thinking, and engagement in the classroom. Textbooks often follow a rigid structure, leaving little room for teachers to adapt lessons to the needs and interests of their students. Moreover, textbooks may not always reflect the diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts of students, making it difficult for them to connect with the material.

The current situation provides an opportunity to explore alternative teaching methods that can complement or even replace traditional textbooks. By embracing innovative approaches, teachers can create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the needs of all students. These alternatives not only address the immediate challenge of delayed textbook distribution but also pave the way for a more holistic and engaging education system.

The Role of Teachers and NCTB: Teachers and the NCTB play a critical role in implementing these alternatives effectively. Teachers need training and support to adopt alternative teaching methods, and workshops, online courses, and peer learning networks can help them develop the necessary skills and confidence. The NCTB should provide guidelines and resources to help teachers adapt the curriculum to alternative teaching methods, including developing lesson plans, activity guides, and assessment tools. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that alternative methods are effective and inclusive, and feedback from teachers, students, and parents can help identify areas for improvement.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The delayed distribution of textbooks in Bangladesh is undoubtedly a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity to rethink and reform the education system. By embracing alternative teaching methods, such as digital learning, project-based learning, storytelling, and community involvement, teachers can create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

The NCTB, teachers, and policymakers must work together to ensure that no student is left behind. By investing in teacher training, digital infrastructure, and community engagement, Bangladesh can transform this crisis into an opportunity to build a more resilient and innovative education system.The time to act is now. Let us seize this moment to reimagine education and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive-even in the absence of textbooks.

The writer is a development analyst and former Country Representative of Malala Fund



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