Have you ever wondered about the education system of India? Have you ever thought that there is a dire need to change some points of the Indian education system? I am sure you must have had a similar question in your mind. Fortunately, after 34 years, the HRD Ministry under the cabinet of PM Modi which is to be known as the Education Ministry has taken a bold step in forming a new National Education Policy after decades. According to the NEP, the current 10+2 system will be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8,8-11,11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. Let us now focus on the key takeaways from the NEP 2020.
1. Shift From Rote Learning to Practical Learning
Under the NEP, more emphasis will be given to practical assessments rather than simply testing the rote memory of students like the system which is running now. The transformational approach from a marks-based report card to a holistic evaluation is a future-ready shift. The shift from rote learning to conceptual and practical learning will set a child’s foundational skills to take up a course as per their aptitude and competencies.
2. Skill Based Learning in School
More emphasis will be given to skill-based learning in school under the newly designed NEP. An approach of skill-based learning from an early foundation of studies will help the learners identify their skill sets much earlier thereby empowering students to be future-ready. The introduction of vocational learning and coding from class 6th would help develop students the skill set required to grow in the modern world.
3. Organized Pre-school Education
The NEP lays special emphasis on Early Child Care Education (ECCE) and development by including a play-based multi-faceted all-round curriculum. The universalization of ECCE will lay the foundation for the development of every child. This will also help to honour the unique skillsets at an early age. The NEP has focused on developing a scientific acumen at such an early age.
4. Flexibility in Selection of Subjects
Under NEP, a student is free to choose any combination of subjects to study. Unlike the system of choosing a stream of only 3 streams, namely science, commerce and humanities, a student can choose a combination of any subject from any stream. This will cater to the interests and abilities of the students and will provide more holistic growth than before. What's better than following your profession and passion at the same time?
5. More Focus on Tech-Based Learning
NEP 2020 has focused a lot on tech-based learning making it a new normal. This is a great step keeping in mind the overview and working conditions of the world. It will help students to have a hand on tech from the beginning and will also provide them more global opportunities than before. Nowadays, it is very difficult to move ahead in life without having a good hand on technology, doesn’t matter the field from which an individual is.
6. Focus on Teacher’s Training
More emphasis has been laid on teacher’s training under NEP 2020. This is done keeping in mind the technology and other skills a teacher must know for efficient learning by the students. The increased focus on technology, digital empowerment of schools will encourage institutions to upgrade their technology infrastructure and offerings to more virtual and seamlessly integrated platforms.
7. Internships and Work experience
Under NEP, more focus has been provided to internships and work experience from class 6th onwards. Before this, students usually go for internships while pursuing graduation and post-graduation. Hence, it is a great step to provide the real-world experience to students from an early age to get an idea of practical working. Internships help an individual apply the knowledge he/she has learned over time and to learn new things like work ethics, etc as well.
These are the major takeaways focusing on skill-based learning of students. The step of the HRD Ministry has to be acknowledged as these steps were the need of the hour and are required for the holistic growth of our nation. But more than that, we should also hope that it gets implemented as well with a good response and pace. Because, this is more important rather than framing policies. But yes, it is certain that the change has started, and slowly, it will reach out to the required institutions and organizations the way it should.
Written By - Vaibhav Sharma
Edited By - Kashish Chadha
Social