Curriculum Alignment of the Grade 7 Geography Textbook (Punjab Textbook Board, 2022) with Pakistan’s Single National Curriculum: A Qualitative Document Analysis

Abstract

This study find out the alignment of the Grade 7 Geography (Punjab Textbook Board, 2022 edition) with Pakistan’s Single National Curriculum. The target of the research was to evaluate the extent to which the textbook matches SNC content standards, supports competency-based learning, and focuses the prescribed Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). A qualitative document analysis design was done, using the SNC Geography document and the Grade 7 textbook as primary source. Chapter wise and SLO based analyses were conducted to check the level of alignment. The findings reveal that the textbook demonstrates strong alignment with SNC content requirements, especially in areas of physical and economic geography. However, partial alignment was seen in content related to settlement patterns and climate change, especially in terms of skill enhancement, inquiry based learning, and higher order cognitive thinking. On the whole, while the textbook covers main geographic concepts, it places greater emphasis on factual knowledge than on the development of geographic aspects. The study suggests to implement inquiry relevant activities, skill focused tasks and content, real world examples, and enhanced assessment practices to strengthen alignment with the SNC and promote fruitful learning.

Keywords: Curriculum Alignment, Single National Curriculum, Geography, Textbook Evaluation, Inquiry-Based Learning, Student Learning Outcomes