This study investigates the pedagogical themes in 'Adisthana Padavali' the Malayalam foundation textbook prescribed for secondary school students in Kerala, focusing on their educational significance and instructional methods. Poetry, as a literary form, plays a vital role in nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, and cultural growth. The study examines how the themes within these poems align with the curriculum's objectives, including the promotion of moral development, cultural awareness, and linguistic competence. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study analyses the content of the poems, gathers insights from secondary school teachers, and incorporates student feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of poetry instruction. The analysis identifies prominent themes such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and personal reflection, showcasing their relevance to contemporary educational needs. The research also sheds light on challenges faced by educators, including varia-tions in students' language proficiency and a lack of innovative pedagogical resources. The findings reveal that while the poems in 'Adisthana Padavali' have significant potential to en-rich students' holistic development, their impact is often diminished by traditional teaching practices. The study emphasizes the importance of employing creative teaching techniques, such as role-playing, group activities, and technology-based tools, to make poetry more en-gaging and accessible to students. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of literature in education by highlighting the transformative potential of poetry when taught effectively. It provides practical recommendations for curriculum designers, teachers, and policymakers to enhance poetry pedagogy, ensuring it continues to be a meaningful and integral part of secondary education in Kerala.
Ismail et al. (Wed,) studied this question.