Controversy Arises Over Content of New Free Textbooks in Mexico
With the return to classes, there has been controversy over the content of the new Free Textbooks, which are integrated with learning materials starting from preschool and primary school levels.
The projects are organized by area: classroom, school, and community. However, the interior is not separated or organized by sequences.
The Center for Innovation and Education Training (CIFE) has shared the free textbooks of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) on its official website, along with books for teachers of different phases.
This is material from the New Mexican School that includes the analytical program, didactic planning, and evaluation. All textbooks can be consulted at the Center for Innovation and Education Training.
Primary Level Topics in Free Textbooks
There are at least six documents that make up the free textbooks for primary school and are updated according to the school year. These include:
– Multiple languages.
– Our knowledge.
– Community projects.
– Classroom projects.
– School projects.
– A recipe-free book for second-grade teachers.
– Teacher’s book, recipe-free Phase 3.
– Teacher’s book, recipe-free Phase 4.
– Teacher’s book, recipe-free Phase 5.
– Teacher’s book, recipe-free Phase 6.
Secondary Level Topics in Textbooks
For the three grades of secondary school, there are three study materials as part of the free textbooks. These include: “From Human to Community,” “Ethics, Nature, and Societies,” and “Languages.”
“From Human to Community” includes contributions to innovation, communication and culture, technical language, evolution of technology in healthcare, energy function, among others.
“Ethics, Nature, and Societies” is divided into subjects such as Geography, History, Civic and Ethical Formation.
“Languages” includes topics such as reading comprehension, literary creations from the community, linguistic change and its evaluation, comment and exposition as communicative resources, and other language characteristics.
The SEP’s free textbooks are also integrated with drawings, illustrations, activities to be carried out inside and outside the classroom, concept maps, and QR codes to complement online information.
What concerns have been raised by CIDE about the content and organization of the new Free Textbooks in Mexico?
Nvestigation and Educational Development (CIDE), a Mexican research institution, has raised concerns about the content of the new Free Textbooks in Mexico. These textbooks, which are provided to students from preschool to primary school levels, have faced criticism for their lack of organization and sequencing.
The Free Textbooks initiative aims to integrate learning materials into the classroom, school, and community, but the interior structure of the textbooks has come under scrutiny. The Center for Investigation and Educational Development (CIDE) has expressed worries about the absence of clear separation and organization within the textbooks.
According to CIDE, the lack of proper sequencing and organization hinders students’ learning process and educators’ ability to effectively teach. The organization argues that the current format does not provide a logical progression of concepts and topics, making it difficult for both teachers and students to navigate the material.
Critics of the new textbooks also note that the content fails to address certain important subjects adequately. CIDE contends that certain disciplines, such as mathematics and science, lack depth in the textbooks, potentially compromising students’ understanding and grasp of these subjects.
The controversy surrounding the Free Textbooks program has sparked a heated debate among educators, parents, and policymakers in Mexico. Proponents argue that the initiative provides affordable learning materials to students who may not have access to traditional textbooks. They also highlight the program’s focus on community integration, which fosters a holistic approach to education.
However, opponents believe that the current content and organization of the textbooks hinder the quality of education in Mexico. They argue for a revision of the materials to ensure that students receive a comprehensive and structured education.
As the debate continues, the Mexican government and educational authorities are facing pressure to address the concerns raised by CIDE and other critics. The aim is to improve the content and organization of the Free Textbooks to ensure an effective and comprehensive learning experience for students in Mexico.
