Maharashtra Board 2026 Class 12 Education (A) (78) Question Paper with Solution

Concept:
Learning is a fundamental psychological process through which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours through experience and practice.


Definition of Learning:

Learning may be defined as:
\begin{quote
A relatively permanent change in behaviour or knowledge that occurs as a result of experience, practice, or training.
\end{quote


Thorndike’s Laws of Learning:

Edward L. Thorndike, an American psychologist, proposed three primary laws of learning based on his experiments with animals.


1. Law of Readiness:

Meaning:
Learning occurs best when a learner is mentally and physically prepared to learn.

Explanation:

When a person is ready to learn, learning becomes effective and satisfying.
If learning is forced without readiness, it causes frustration.
Readiness includes interest, motivation, maturity, and preparedness.


Educational Implication:

Teachers should consider students’ age, ability, and interest.
Learning activities should match the learner’s readiness level.



2. Law of Exercise:

Meaning:
Practice strengthens learning, while lack of practice weakens it.

Explanation:
This law has two parts:

Law of Use: Repeated practice strengthens stimulus-response connections.
Law of Disuse: Lack of practice weakens learned connections.


Educational Implication:

Regular revision improves retention.
Drill and practice help mastery of skills like mathematics or language.



3. Law of Effect:

Meaning:
Responses followed by satisfying outcomes are strengthened, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are weakened.

Explanation:

Positive experiences reinforce learning.
Rewards and success motivate learners.
Punishment or failure may discourage learning.


Educational Implication:

Use praise and rewards to reinforce correct responses.
Create a supportive and encouraging learning environment.



Conclusion:
Thorndike’s Laws of Learning highlight the importance of readiness, practice, and reinforcement in the learning process. These principles form the foundation of modern educational psychology and effective teaching strategies. Quick Tip: Thorndike’s 3 Laws: Readiness (Be prepared), Exercise (Practice), Effect (Reward strengthens learning).

Concept:
Growth and development are important aspects of human change over time.
Though related, they differ in meaning and scope.


Growth:

Growth refers to quantitative changes in the body such as increase in size, height, weight, or physical dimensions.

Features:

Physical and measurable change
Limited to bodily changes
Stops after maturity
Quantitative in nature


Example:
Increase in height or weight of a child as they age.


Development:

Development refers to qualitative changes in abilities, skills, behaviour, and overall functioning of an individual.

Features:

Holistic change (physical, mental, emotional, social)
Continuous throughout life
Qualitative in nature
Indicates improvement in functioning


Example:
A child learning to speak, think logically, or develop social skills.


Difference between Growth and Development:


\begin{tabular{|c|c|c|
\hline
Basis & Growth & Development

\hline
Nature & Quantitative & Qualitative

\hline
Scope & Physical changes only & Overall personality changes

\hline
Measurement & Measurable (height, weight) & Difficult to measure directly

\hline
Duration & Stops after maturity & Continues throughout life

\hline
Focus & Increase in size & Improvement in abilities

\hline
\end{tabular



Conclusion:
Growth refers to physical increase in size, while development involves overall improvement in physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. Quick Tip: Growth = Increase in size. Development = Overall improvement in abilities.

Concept:
Adolescence is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, generally occurring between the ages of 12 and 19 years.
It is marked by rapid physical growth and significant psychological and emotional changes.


1. Physical Characteristics of Adolescence:


Rapid increase in height and weight (growth spurt).
Development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Hormonal changes leading to puberty.
Changes in body shape and voice (especially in boys).
Increased energy levels and physical strength.
Onset of menstruation in girls and facial hair in boys.



2. Mental (Cognitive) Characteristics of Adolescence:


Development of logical and abstract thinking.
Curiosity and desire for knowledge.
Ability to reason and solve problems.
Formation of personal opinions and beliefs.
Increased interest in career choices and future planning.
Desire for independence in decision-making.



3. Emotional Characteristics of Adolescence:


Mood swings due to hormonal changes.
Heightened sensitivity and self-consciousness.
Desire for identity and self-expression.
Strong need for peer acceptance and friendship.
Tendency towards emotional conflicts and confusion.
Development of self-esteem and self-identity.



Conclusion:
Adolescence is a period of rapid physical growth, evolving mental abilities, and intense emotional experiences, shaping the foundation for adult personality and behaviour. Quick Tip: Adolescence = Rapid physical growth + Developing thinking + Emotional changes.

Concept:
Adolescence is a critical stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes.
These changes often lead to several adjustment problems that require guidance and support from adults.


Common Problems Faced by Adolescents:

1. Identity Crisis:
Confusion about self-identity and role in society.

2. Emotional Instability:
Frequent mood swings, anxiety, and sensitivity.

3. Peer Pressure:
Influence of friends leading to risky behaviours.

4. Academic Stress:
Pressure related to studies, exams, and career choices.

5. Family Conflicts:
Generation gap and misunderstanding with parents.

6. Body Image Issues:
Self-consciousness about physical appearance.

7. Risky Behaviour:
Tendency toward substance abuse, aggression, or rebellion.

8. Social Media Influence:
Addiction, comparison, and low self-esteem due to online exposure.


Role of Parents in Solving Adolescent Problems:

1. Emotional Support:
Provide love, understanding, and patience.

2. Open Communication:
Encourage honest discussions without fear or judgment.

3. Proper Guidance:
Help adolescents make informed decisions.

4. Positive Environment:
Maintain a healthy and supportive home atmosphere.

5. Monitoring Behaviour:
Supervise activities and peer groups carefully.

6. Role Modelling:
Set good examples through responsible behaviour.


Role of Teachers in Solving Adolescent Problems:

1. Friendly Approach:
Develop trust and rapport with students.

2. Counselling Support:
Provide guidance and refer to counsellors when needed.

3. Encouragement:
Motivate students and boost confidence.

4. Value Education:
Teach moral values and life skills.

5. Stress Management:
Help students cope with academic pressure.

6. Early Identification:
Recognise behavioural changes and intervene early.


Conclusion:
Adolescents face multiple physical and psychological challenges, and supportive guidance from parents and teachers plays a vital role in helping them develop into confident and responsible individuals. Quick Tip: Support + Communication + Guidance = Healthy adolescent development.

Concept:
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that affects how individuals think, feel, and behave in daily life.


Definition of Mental Health:

Mental health may be defined as:
\begin{quote
A state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being in which a person can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and maintain healthy relationships.
\end{quote


Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person:

1. Emotional Stability:
Maintains balanced emotions and handles stress effectively.

2. Positive Self-Concept:
Has confidence and a realistic understanding of strengths and weaknesses.

3. Ability to Adjust:
Adapts well to changes and challenging situations.

4. Good Relationships:
Maintains healthy and meaningful interpersonal relationships.

5. Self-Control:
Able to regulate emotions and behaviour appropriately.

6. Optimistic Outlook:
Possesses a positive attitude towards life and future.

7. Problem-Solving Ability:
Handles problems logically and calmly.

8. Sense of Responsibility:
Takes responsibility for actions and decisions.

9. Independence:
Able to make decisions independently while respecting others.

10. Balanced Lifestyle:
Maintains balance between work, rest, recreation, and social life.


Conclusion:
Mental health is vital for overall well-being, and a mentally healthy person demonstrates emotional balance, resilience, positive relationships, and the ability to cope effectively with life’s challenges. Quick Tip: Mental health = Emotional balance + Positive thinking + Healthy relationships.

Concept:
Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of education was based on the holistic development of individuals and the integration of intellectual, physical, and moral growth.
He proposed a practical system of education known as Basic Education or Nai Talim.


Gandhi’s Educational Philosophy:

1. Education for All-round Development:
Education should develop body, mind, and soul harmoniously.

2. Learning by Doing:
Emphasis on practical work rather than rote learning.

3. Self-reliance:
Education should make individuals economically independent.

4. Moral and Character Development:
Focus on truth, non-violence, honesty, and discipline.

5. Education through Mother Tongue:
Learning should be imparted in the child’s native language.

6. Dignity of Labour:
Manual work should be respected and integrated into education.


Basic Education (Nai Talim):

Nai Talim means “New Education” and was introduced by Gandhi in 1937.


Main Features of Nai Talim:

1. Craft-centred Education:
Teaching through productive crafts such as spinning, weaving, agriculture, or carpentry.

2. Correlation Method:
Academic subjects are taught in relation to crafts and real-life activities.

3. Self-supporting Education:
Schools should become partially self-reliant through productive work.

4. Free and Compulsory Education:
Education for children aged 7–14 years should be universal.

5. Social and Community Life:
Promotes cooperation, citizenship, and social responsibility.

6. Character Formation:
Emphasis on ethical values and simple living.

7. Education for Rural Development:
Designed especially to uplift rural India.


Aims of Nai Talim:


Develop self-reliant individuals
Promote dignity of labour
Build moral character
Foster national integration
Encourage social equality



Conclusion:
Mahatma Gandhi’s educational philosophy aimed at creating self-reliant, morally strong, and socially responsible individuals. Nai Talim emphasised practical learning, character building, and the integration of education with productive work. Quick Tip: Nai Talim = Learning by doing + Craft-based education + Character development.

Concept:
Dr. Zakir Hussain, a renowned educationist and former President of India, believed that education should develop responsible citizens with strong moral values and social commitment.
He emphasised character building, national integration, and practical learning.


Objectives of Education According to Dr. Zakir Hussain:

1. All-round Development:
Education should ensure balanced development of physical, intellectual, emotional, and moral aspects.

2. Character Formation:
Development of honesty, integrity, discipline, and ethical values.

3. Social Responsibility:
Education should prepare individuals to serve society and contribute to nation-building.

4. Self-reliance:
Encouraging dignity of labour and practical skills for independent living.

5. National Integration:
Promoting unity, secularism, and cultural harmony.

6. Democratic Values:
Developing respect for equality, freedom, and cooperation.

7. Education through Work:
Emphasis on productive work as a medium of learning.


Role of the Teacher According to Dr. Zakir Hussain:

1. Moral Guide:
Teacher should act as a role model with high moral standards.

2. Facilitator of Learning:
Encourage active participation rather than rote memorisation.

3. Character Builder:
Help students develop strong ethical and social values.

4. Nation Builder:
Instil patriotism and a sense of responsibility towards society.

5. Promoter of Self-discipline:
Encourage discipline through understanding rather than fear.

6. Encourager of Creativity:
Foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

7. Friend and Philosopher:
Maintain a supportive and understanding relationship with students.


Conclusion:
Dr. Zakir Hussain viewed education as a means for developing responsible, self-reliant, and morally upright citizens, with teachers playing a vital role as guides, role models, and nation builders. Quick Tip: Dr. Zakir Hussain: Education = Character + Work + Nation-building.

Concept:
Experimental schools are educational institutions established to test new teaching methods, curricula, and educational theories.
They serve as laboratories for innovation in education and play a crucial role in shaping modern educational practices.


Importance of Experimental Schools in Modern Education:

1. Innovation in Teaching Methods:
They introduce and test new pedagogical approaches such as activity-based learning, project methods, and experiential learning.

2. Curriculum Development:
Experimental schools help design and refine modern, child-centred curricula.

3. Child-centred Education:
Focus shifts from teacher-centred to learner-centred education, respecting individual differences and needs.

4. Testing Educational Theories:
Provide practical platforms to apply theories of educational thinkers like John Dewey, Montessori, and Gandhi.

5. Teacher Training:
Serve as training grounds for teachers to observe and practice innovative teaching strategies.

6. Development of New Evaluation Methods:
Encourage continuous and comprehensive evaluation instead of rote examinations.

7. Promotion of Creativity:
Foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking among learners.

8. Educational Reforms:
Successful experiments influence national and global education policies.

9. Integration of Practical Learning:
Emphasise learning by doing, social interaction, and real-life experiences.

10. Adaptability to Change:
Help education systems respond to societal and technological changes.


Examples of Experimental Schools:


John Dewey’s Laboratory School (USA)
Montessori Schools
Shantiniketan by Rabindranath Tagore



Conclusion:
Experimental schools have played a vital role in transforming traditional education into modern, dynamic, and learner-centred systems by promoting innovation, research, and practical application of educational theories. Quick Tip: Experimental schools = Educational laboratories for innovation and reform.

Concept:
Population education creates awareness about population-related issues and their impact on quality of life, resources, and sustainable development.


Definition of Population Education:

Population education may be defined as:
\begin{quote
An educational programme that helps individuals understand population dynamics, family size, resource utilisation, and their impact on society and the environment.
\end{quote


Need of Population Education in the 21st Century:

1. Rapid Population Growth:
Rising population levels require awareness about family planning and resource management.

2. Limited Natural Resources:
Overpopulation leads to pressure on food, water, and energy resources.

3. Environmental Concerns:
Population growth contributes to pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

4. Urbanisation:
Increasing migration to cities creates housing, sanitation, and employment challenges.

5. Health and Well-being:
Awareness about reproductive health and maternal care is essential.

6. Poverty Reduction:
Balanced population growth helps improve living standards.

7. Gender Equality:
Promotes equal status for women and informed decision-making.


Importance of Population Education:

1. Promotes Small Family Norm:
Encourages responsible parenthood and planned families.

2. Improves Quality of Life:
Better distribution of resources enhances living standards.

3. Sustainable Development:
Supports balanced development without exhausting resources.

4. Informed Decision-making:
Helps individuals make responsible choices about marriage and family.

5. Environmental Protection:
Reduces ecological imbalance through awareness.

6. Social Awareness:
Builds understanding of population-related social issues.

7. National Development:
Balanced population growth contributes to economic progress.


Conclusion:
Population education is essential in the 21st century to ensure sustainable development, improved quality of life, and responsible population management in a rapidly changing world. Quick Tip: Population education = Awareness for balanced population and sustainable future.

Concept:
Population explosion refers to the rapid and uncontrolled increase in population within a short period, leading to pressure on resources and infrastructure.


Main Causes of Population Explosion in India:

1. High Birth Rate:
Traditional beliefs favouring large families and preference for male children.

2. Decline in Death Rate:
Improved medical facilities, vaccination, and sanitation have reduced mortality.

3. Early Marriages:
Early age of marriage leads to longer reproductive span.

4. Illiteracy and Lack of Awareness:
Limited knowledge about family planning methods.

5. Poverty:
Children are viewed as economic assets in poor families.

6. Inadequate Family Planning:
Limited access to contraceptives and reproductive health services.

7. Cultural and Social Factors:
Religious beliefs and social customs supporting large families.


Effects of Population Explosion:

1. Pressure on Resources:
Increased demand for food, water, land, and energy.

2. Unemployment:
Insufficient job opportunities for the growing population.

3. Poverty and Low Living Standards:
Reduced per capita income and economic stress.

4. Environmental Degradation:
Deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

5. Housing Problems:
Growth of slums and overcrowded living conditions.

6. Strain on Infrastructure:
Overburdened healthcare, education, and transport systems.

7. Health Issues:
Malnutrition, poor sanitation, and spread of diseases.

8. Social Problems:
Increased crime, inequality, and social unrest.


Conclusion:
Population explosion poses serious challenges to economic development, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in India, highlighting the need for effective population control and awareness programmes. Quick Tip: Population explosion = High birth rate + Falling death rate → Pressure on resources.

Concept:
Environmental education aims to develop awareness, knowledge, and responsible attitudes towards the environment and sustainable living.


Importance of Environmental Education:

1. Environmental Awareness:
Helps students understand environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and deforestation.

2. Sustainable Living:
Promotes eco-friendly habits such as conservation of water, energy, and natural resources.

3. Protection of Biodiversity:
Creates awareness about preserving flora and fauna.

4. Responsible Citizenship:
Encourages active participation in environmental protection.

5. Health and Well-being:
Highlights the connection between environment and human health.

6. Problem-solving Skills:
Develops critical thinking to address environmental challenges.

7. Global Responsibility:
Fosters understanding of global environmental concerns.


Integration into School Curriculum:

1. Inclusion in Subjects:
Integrate environmental topics into science, geography, and social studies.

2. Project-based Learning:
Encourage projects on recycling, tree plantation, and conservation.

3. Practical Activities:
Nature walks, gardening, and eco-clubs for hands-on learning.

4. Environmental Campaigns:
Celebrate Earth Day, Environment Day, and awareness drives.

5. Field Trips:
Visits to forests, parks, and environmental centres.

6. Community Participation:
Involve students in local environmental initiatives.

7. Use of Multimedia:
Videos, documentaries, and digital tools to enhance learning.

8. Behavioural Training:
Encourage habits like waste segregation and energy conservation.


Conclusion:
Environmental education is essential for building environmentally responsible citizens, and its effective integration into school curricula ensures awareness, practical learning, and sustainable development. Quick Tip: Environmental education = Awareness + Action + Sustainable future.

Concept:
Co-curricular activities are activities conducted alongside the academic curriculum to enhance students’ overall personality and development.


Definition:

Co-curricular activities may be defined as:
\begin{quote
Activities that complement classroom learning and contribute to the holistic development of students beyond academics.
\end{quote


Examples of Co-curricular Activities:


Sports and games
Debates and quizzes
Music, dance, and drama
Art and craft
Scouts and guides
Eco-clubs and social service



Significance in All-round Development of Students:

1. Physical Development:
Sports and physical activities improve health, fitness, and stamina.

2. Mental Development:
Enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

3. Emotional Development:
Helps in emotional expression and stress relief.

4. Social Development:
Promotes teamwork, cooperation, and leadership qualities.

5. Moral Development:
Instils discipline, honesty, and responsibility.

6. Personality Development:
Builds confidence and communication skills.

7. Talent Discovery:
Provides opportunities to explore hidden talents and interests.

8. Time Management:
Teaches students to balance academics and extracurricular pursuits.

9. National and Cultural Awareness:
Encourages appreciation of culture and traditions.

10. Career Opportunities:
Helps identify future career interests in sports, arts, or public speaking.


Conclusion:
Co-curricular activities play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals by promoting physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth alongside academic learning. Quick Tip: Co-curricular activities = Beyond books → All-round personality development.