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| Beyond the numbers: Why India’s Education Reform must focus on Learning, Not just Access | | | Vijay Garg
India’s education reform, primarily driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, significantly emphasizes a shift from merely providing access to education to ensuring quality learning outcomes. The policy aims to transform the education system by focusing on a holistic, learner-centric, and multidisciplinary approach.
Key aspects of this focus on learning include:
* Holistic and Learner-Centric Education: The NEP 2020 seeks to redefine education by prioritizing access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. Its vision is to build a system that is learner-centric and multidisciplinary, moving away from rigid structures.
* Beyond Rote Learning: A core principle of the reform is to move away from rote memorization. Instead, it promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for 21st-century needs.
* Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Early childhood care and education (ECCE) and FLN are central to the school reforms. Initiatives like the NIPUN Bharat Mission aim to ensure that all children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.
* Curriculum and Pedagogical Innovations: The policy encourages competency-based and multidisciplinary education. It introduces new textbooks that reflect cultural diversity and foster deeper engagement. Vocational education is integrated into the curriculum starting from Grade 6.
* Outcome-Based Assessments: The reform aims to transform assessment methods, focusing on evaluating students’ understanding and application of knowledge rather than just their ability to memorize facts. Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is a key framework for this.
* Flexibility and Inclusivity: The NEP introduces flexible undergraduate programs with multiple entry and exit options, providing students with more control over their learning pathways. It also emphasizes inclusive education, offering support for children with disabilities and promoting Indian Sign Language.
* Teacher Development: Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, the policy stresses the importance of high-quality teachers and invests in their professional development.
* Leveraging Digital Technology: The reform integrates technology into learning through platforms like DIKSHA and PM e -VIDYA, expanding access to quality digital educational content.
* Addressing Learning Gaps: The NEP 2020 actively addresses existing disparities and low learning outcomes, with a commitment to continuously improve the quality of education across all stages.
These reforms aim to cultivate a learning environment that is engaging, relevant, and effective, ensuring that students not only have access to education but also acquire meaningful and applicable knowledge and skills.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab |
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