Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s school classrooms are poised for a major shift from the next academic year, as the state rolls out student-friendly reforms aimed at making learning more engaging and stress-free. The new measures will eliminate backbench seating and reduce the burden of heavy schoolbags, marking a decisive move away from traditional classroom practices.
Under the revamped system, conventional row seating will give way to horseshoe-shaped or circular classroom arrangements, ensuring that every student has equal visibility and access to the teacher. By doing away with backbenches, the initiative seeks to boost interaction, attentiveness, and participation among students. Several schools across Kerala have already adopted this model on a pilot basis, reporting encouraging results.
Alongside seating reforms, the education department is focusing on lighter schoolbags through smarter timetabling, fewer textbooks per day, and increased use of digital resources and activity-based learning. The goal is to ease physical strain on students while promoting curiosity and creativity.
Officials say the changes reflect Kerala’s commitment to child-centric education, prioritising students’ mental well-being and holistic development over rote learning. The reforms will be implemented in phases across government and aided schools, signalling a fresh chapter in Kerala’s school education system.
