CONTENT ANALYSIS OF HISTORY TEXTBOOK OF WEST BENGAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Abstract

The present study focuses on the history textbook of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education with an aim to identify the loopholes and provide suggestions on areas that need improvement. The findings of the study revealed the presence of extensive regional culture throughout textbook adding to the keenness of the students in knowing their regional culture and the importance of preserving it.The pictorial representations used in the text lackedcolour and clarity and this may prove to be a major disadvantage as it helps readers connect to the text and adds to its appeal.Thelanguage used in the text was majorly lucid, except for the technical jargons which were found left unaddressed, could hinder the continuity of the learning process.The portrayal of women, although present in the text, was comparatively lesserthan theirmale counterparts clearly reflecting the patriarchal roots of the society.The text could incorporatemore of women - centric topics as the modern society progresses towards a gender – equity society. It was deduced that the textbook needs further updation, additions and improvements in certain areas, and therecommendationsmade by the study could prove to be instrumental in aligning the textbook in line with the suggestions made by National Education Policy (NEP, 2020).