Overview.
The much belated reform, namely, National Educational Policy 2020, was paved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, 29th July. finally promises to let the Indian education system to move away from retrograde, or so it seems. It intends to revise the long established pedagogy that practiced 10 + 2 system into an oversimplified 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 system, right from pre-school to the 12th grade, with exams only held in 3rd, 5th and 8th grade to lay off students from rote learning and dreadful competition of marks. The policy plans to encourage and reinforce holistic development of students through discovery-oriented, activity based learning and critical thinking.
Introduction of ed tech and better understanding of digital technology with familiarising coding as early as 6th grade. It proposed multidisciplinary approach to major and minor in, in an attempt to slash prejudices attached to different streams. Meaning students after their +4 could choose any subjects from the spectrum of arts, science and commerce. Establishing vocational as well as technical education from sixth grade. As per NEP 2020, vocational guidance would include carpentry. In technical education, schools would teach coding and introduce basics about Artificial Intelligence. The new National Educational Policy even wishes to offer substantial space to international universities to establish in the country. Though, these are some among the vast list of reforms that the policy seeks, at the core. The policy intents to shrink social and economic disparities and allow formal education to be accessible by everyone.
What would multidisciplinary approach in higher education might result in?
This would let students to develop an overall basic skillset of subjects they chose, along with decent interpersonal and communication skills. Even though, those who’d graduate would inculcate a diverse knowledge about things, educationists argue that they would hardly be any better than those graduated before the new National Educational Policy. Mostly because, multidisciplinary approach would produce intelligent beings but with only formative skillset as college would centre on total development than pressing solely on building a particular skill.
However, even with formative skillset, the person could possibly establish a small business, if not a full fledged start up.
Inclusion of vocational education at an early stage can have positive outcome
Indian education system hasn’t had a culture of vocational development in its curriculum, resulting in clueless and unskilled youngsters who couldn’t do much in the field they graduated in. Introduction of vocational education by virtue of the new National Educational Policy, enlighten kids about the idea of alternate career paths. With vocational guidance instituted since 6th grade, kids would grow up without the much prevalent prejudices and inhibitions about vocational career. From carpentry, pottery, construction, gardening, to farming, everything constitutes vocational career option.
Thus, introduction of vocational education will definitely have positive effect given that schools have essential equipment to practise it safely.
Responsible EdTech could result in individuals that are comfortably knowledgeable about digital technology
Exposing children to monitored, inclusive and a responsive environment for teaching digital technologies. It could lead to better grasping abilities among them. Inculcating technical knowledge about coding and artificial intelligence among kids. In 6th grade can have a better grasp on the language as well as have far-reaching effects. This would not only unravel your true potential but also, help you to release you are technologically ambitious. If nothing, an expensive technical development of so many years would give them an edge over others. Though, to achieve, these schools must invest more not only for equipment. Also, for learned professors who could effectively communicate with kids. This employment readiness could most definitely belt you that job.
Well, these are only our loosely calculated assumptions as to how reforms would work out after 10 to 15 years down the line. And how would the new National Educational Policy would pan out in employability of future? Working professionals after getting through the policy-related reforms.
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