Metamorphosis of School Education

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In today’s newsletter, we are going to have a look at how NEP is becoming inclusive of a child’s learning from the school education itself, what is GoI’s initiative and what can be improved.

Ongoing inter-ministerial consultation on revising the country's school curriculum has seen a push to incorporate "emerging topics" such as "catastrophic consequences of zoonotic diseases", Vedic mathematics, coding, and Swachh Bharat. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is in Bengaluru to hold discussions with the national steering committee leading the process.

Environment Ministry has shared 22 topics to be weaved into the curriculum till Class XII. Suggested topics include single-use plastics, microplastics found in personal care products, and zoonotic diseases. A section on the Swachh Bharat Mission, of the rural as well as urban aspects, would "reflect the current realities and priorities".?

The Environment Ministry, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) also have lists of proposed themes, according to records.?

School Education Secretary Mrs. Anita Karwal stated in her letter to the ministries that the consultation process is necessary since the National Education Policy 2020 must address problems relating to various ministries, their areas of activity, and the target populations they serve.

We cannot dispute that the government and organizations have been attempting to change the current educational system.

Nevertheless, there are still a few concerns that must be addressed.

• Rote Learning: We have evolved with time, but we have not yet been capable of breaking free from rote learning.? While we recognize that IB universities are transforming education by eradicating rote at the local level, we must equally recognize that the percentage of students who attend IB schools is quite small. Therefore, the government must take the initiative and eliminate active memorization from all levels of education.
• Outdated evaluation systems: Rather than relying on a three-hour test, the focus of assessment needs to be on a student's class involvement, projects, leadership and communication abilities, and extra-curricular pursuits.?
• Lack of teacher’s training: Teachers have been stuck in a rut teaching the same syllabi for years, and then we threw technology at them. But did we ensure they understood how technology can help them? Or did we ask them to help technology teach students??
• The meaning of and need for education: Students need to develop an approach where it is shown to them that education is not just a means of gaining employment and earning money, but it is a path to humanization and civilization.

Prominent Policy Developments in the NEP include:

• Practical and hands-on learning is emphasized.
• Internships and vocational training begin in Class 6 onwards.
• Blended Learning in the Classroom.
• Starting Class 6, focus on upcoming subjects such as AI - ML and coding.
• Breaking down educational silos and stimulating learning more flexibly at all levels.
• Degree programs have several entrance points.
• MOOCs, or massive open online courses, are being used aggressively to enhance educational access.

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References: The Indian Express, MoE Website Doc on NEP