বিদ্যালয় শিক্ষায় বাংলা লোকসংস্কৃতির অন্তর্ভুক্তি : শিক্ষামূল্য, সম্ভাবনা এবং চ্যালেঞ্জ/ Inclusion of Bengali Folk Culture in School Education : Educational Values, Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Education is not only about gaining knowledge from textbooks; it also helps students develop creativity, values, social awareness, cultural identity, and an understanding of their surroundings. In this context, counting local culture and indigenous knowledge in school education can make learning more significant, interesting, and connected to students’ real-life practices. Bengali folk culture includes various elements such as folktales, folk songs, Baul and Bhatiali songs, folk dances, proverbs, rhymes, riddles, Patachitra, folk festivals, traditional practices, and other cultural expressions. These elements replicate the life, values, history, and experiences of the people of Bengal. The present study aimed to explore the views and experiences of students and teachers including the inclusion of Bengali folk culture in school education and to understand its educational value, possibilities, challenges, and ways of effective inclusion. The study followed a qualitative research approach with a qualitative descriptive research design. It was conducted in two schools under the Kalna Sub-Division of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. Students and teachers at the secondary level were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using predetermined and probing questions. The collected data were analysed through thematic analysis, which resulted in five major themes: understanding and experiences of Bengali folk culture, its educational value, possibilities in teaching-learning, challenges of inclusion, and suggestions for effective implementation. The findings show that students mainly learn about Bengali folk culture through their families, communities, and everyday experiences, while teachers consider it a form of local knowledge, cultural heritage, and a useful teaching resource. Participants identified several educational benefits, including the development of values, language and literary skills, creativity, cultural identity, social awareness, and local knowledge. Bengali folk culture can also be used in different subjects through storytelling, drama, role-play, folk songs, drawing, project work, and community-based activities. Finaly, the study suggests that Bengali folk culture can be a meaningful and locally relevant educational resource that can enrich school education and connect students’ learning with their cultural and social experiences.