This article digs into some crucial takeaways from National Education Policy 2020 and analyses the future of its implementation in Indian context.
Education is not solely about earning a great living. It means living a great life
-Brad Henry
The quote truly reflects the importance of Education in our life. To live merely a luxurious life shouldn’t be our optimal outlook towards pertaining Education. And to achieve that goal, interminable reformation is required from time to time.
When the whole world including India was undergoing a sea-change in the digital arena, lifestyle, and livelihood, there was an urgency of educational reform. For this we had to wait for three decades still, it’s better late than never. The new National Education Policy 2020 offers a paradigm shift of the Education System aiming at making ‘India a global knowledge superpower’.
Let’s interpret some of its recommendations with its validity.
Attention on Pre-schooling Kids and their Education
The policy comes with a replacement in the schooling structure- 5+3+3+4. The foremost stage of 5 years namely the Foundation Stage (3 years of pre-primary and class 1 and 2) is very crucial for kids. The government stresses on Early Childhood Care and Education in a pedagogical method aiming at achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
In India, except some conscious guardians, many remain ignorant about the basic education of their child. This approach is highly appreciated as this will ensure the cognitive and sensory motor development of the pre-schooling kids and prepare them for the next level.
But in reality, Anganwadi workers, who play a vital role in this field, lack the skill and proper training. So, the Government must pay special attention to it.
Reformation in Assessment and Evaluation System Leading to Conceptual Learning
Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of mind to think
-Albert Einstein
To reduce the tendency of rote learning, the emphasis lies on competency based learning. A marksheet can’t be a true bearer of knowledge. The major change comes here regarding a whole reformation of the Evaluation system. Even the Board exams will bear low paramount as the assessment will be holistic aiming at the all-round development of students.
Revolutionary Initiative for Teaching of Coding at School Level
It is a historic recommendation that students of 6th grade onward will be taught coding, to be in tune with 21st century digitization. As a developing country, India should ponder on digital literacy along with academic education. But to ensure this, the Government has to assure the infrastructure which is in miserable condition in most of the rural institutions.
Opportunity of Internship, Landing the Students on Reality Ground
The policy accentuates on vocational education aiming at the students’ ability to choose it as a career option. Moreover, the policy suggests 10 bag-less school days in an academic calendar. The purpose here is to ensure the acquisition of the experience of internship. This opportunity will land the students on the real world outside the school campus that will help them to gain practical knowledge from society.
Building up a Dedicated Unit for Online Content and Digital Teaching
This pandemic has pointed out clearly that teaching is not bound within the classroom. In this age of digitization, it is necessary to get access to the digital content. Keeping this in mind, the policy recommends the development of e-content in a multilingual way and it also stresses on digital learning.
Age old Controversy on the Medium of Instruction
Suitable medium of instruction for students’ learning has always been a hot topic for ages. Most of the educationists emphasize that comprehension can be best with mother tongue or regional language. But English as a globally recognised language should be included as a compulsory subject. Otherwise, the students of govt. schools will be lagged behind as compared to the students of private schools.
Increase of GDP in Education: Myth or Reality?
It signs well as the policy promises to increase GDP from 1.7% to 6%. But at present, when India is on the verge of a huge economic crisis, it seems sceptical whether it will remain only in letters.
Priority on Teachers’ Training Leads to Effective Learning Outcome
NEP 2020 puts much emphasis on teachers’ training to make it more productive and effective. Even the in-service teachers will have to undergo 50 hour online training for up-gradation of teaching experience. This is really a commendable step.
To achieve the goal, as proposed in the policy, the government must look after the recommendations with substantial willpower. Otherwise, it will be like making a castle in the air.