Parents often hear about NCERT books when choosing a school or helping their children study. But what is NCERT? What does it do, and why do many schools use its books?
Let us understand NCERT and its role in school education in simple words.
What Is NCERT?
NCERT stands for the National Council of Educational Research and Training. It was set up by the Government of India in 1961 to improve school education.
NCERT prepares textbooks, creates learning materials, and helps teachers improve their teaching methods.
In simple terms, NCERT helps schools and teachers make learning easier for children.
What Does NCERT Do?
NCERT has several important roles in school education.
- Prepares Textbooks
NCERT prepares textbooks for subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies.
These books explain topics step by step and help students understand what they learn in class.
- Helps Improve Teaching
NCERT studies how children learn and how teaching can be improved. It also creates learning materials to help students understand different topics.
- Supports Teachers
NCERT provides training and resources to help teachers improve their teaching methods and support students in their learning.
- Creates Learning Materials
Apart from textbooks, NCERT provides digital books, activities, and other learning resources. These give students more ways to learn and practise.
What Are NCERT Books?
NCERT books are textbooks prepared by NCERT for different classes and subjects.
They explain lessons in a clear and organised way. Students can use them to understand topics, revise lessons, and prepare for examinations.
For example, an NCERT Science book may use pictures, examples, and activities to explain how something works.
Why Are NCERT Books Important?
NCERT books are widely used in Indian schools. Here are some reasons why they are helpful.
Easy to understand: The books explain many topics in a clear and organised way.
Step-by-step learning: Students learn topics in an order that helps them build their understanding.
Useful for exam preparation: NCERT books are important for many CBSE subjects. Students should check which books are prescribed for their class and subjects.
Helpful for revision: Students can use the books to revise lessons at home.
Available online: Students and parents can access many NCERT books and learning materials through the official NCERT website.
However, the books required will depend on the school board and curriculum.
What Is the Difference Between NCERT and CBSE?
NCERT and CBSE are different, although people often mention them together.
NCERT prepares textbooks and learning materials and helps improve teaching.
CBSE is an education board that sets the curriculum requirements for its schools and conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations.
For example, a CBSE school may use NCERT textbooks for Science and Mathematics. However, NCERT does not conduct the CBSE board examinations.
Do All Schools Use NCERT Books?
No. Not all schools use NCERT books for every subject.
Many CBSE schools use NCERT textbooks, while schools following state boards or other curricula may use different books.
Before buying textbooks, parents should check the book list provided by their child’s school.
How Can Parents Use NCERT Books to Help Their Children?
Parents can support their children’s learning with a few simple steps.
Check their lessons: Find out what your child is learning at school.
Encourage revision: Help your child make time to revise lessons regularly.
Ask questions: Ask your child to explain what they have learnt in their own words.
Use everyday examples: Connect lessons to things children see and do in daily life.
Talk to teachers: Ask for help if your child finds a topic difficult.
The aim is to help children understand their lessons rather than simply memorise answers.
Conclusion
NCERT plays an important role in school education in India. It prepares textbooks, creates learning materials, and helps teachers improve their teaching.
NCERT books help students understand their subjects and revise lessons. However, the books they need depend on their school’s curriculum.
Parents can support their children’s learning by checking their lessons, encouraging regular revision, and helping them understand difficult topics.
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