Pros and Cons of New Education Policy 2020
In this article, I am discussing the New Education Policy 2020 approved by the Union Cabinet of India. This policy aims to enlighten young minds with knowledge so they can build a successful nation tomorrow. But is it really beneficial to the students and can it be implemented successfully?
The Union Cabinet of India 2020 approved a new system of education on July 29, 2020, and it is implemented from this academic year onward. The old system of education proposed in 1986 is outdated. Academic stages are broadly categorized into four parts, namely 5 + 3+ 3+ 4, replacing the 10 + 2 system. The first stage of academic life is known as the foundational stage, and students from ages 3 to 8 would study for the foundational period for 5 years. The next stage is called the preparatory stage for students from ages 8 to 11. It includes classes from 3 to 5 years old for 3 years. Then the students are promoted to the higher classes, and the next stage is known as the middle stage. The students studying in classes 6 to 8 should study for 3 years. The last stage is known as the secondary stage, and it includes students from ages 14 to 18.Advantages of New Education Policy
Reduction of syllabus
During the foundational stage, the students are simply learning the basics of literacy and numeracy. They are learning through activity-based programs. Examinations are not conducted for the exams up to the 2nd grade. So, the students are not pressurized to study numerous subjects in 1st and 2nd grade, such as science, social studies, and general knowledge, as they studied earlier. Then, in the foundational stage, the students are studying the basics of science, social science, mathematics, etc. In the middle stage, abstract concepts are introduced in subjects such as mathematics, science, and social science, and they are learned through experiential ways. In higher classes, or when they reach the secondary stage, they can choose subjects to study.Studying meaningfully
At every stage, the students are learning through experience. During the foundational stage, the students are learning through activity-based programs and exploration. They are not taught to blindly memorize letters or numbers. The students of nursery and kindergarten are engaged in different plays and are also taught games. During the preparatory stage, the students are learning through experiential ways and an element of discovery. When the students reach 6th grade, they should undergo internship programs for vocational subjects so they can understand the true meaning of professionalism. When they reach the ninth grade or secondary stage, the students are taught subjects in depth and hence can develop critical thinking skills. Develop practical skills
The students are not simply taught to memorize facts or figures but are taught in such a way that they understand the concepts and their applications in real life. The books are designed with attractive pictures and are explained in a clear manner, citing several examples. The students are studying something that is essential and useful in day-to-day life. The students are simply not studying several difficult concepts, simply memorizing them and forgetting them after exams. The questions asked at the end of the chapter are tricky and are in the form of case studies. The students should actually understand the concept and then answer.Holistic 360-degree marks card
The progress card of a student is not marked as 'pass' or 'fail'. But it shows the overall progress of a student in various areas. It is an assessment card that considers different factors such as problem-solving skills, cognition, numeracy skills, critical thinking, etc. Parents can assess the overall personality of a child and lead him or her down the path of success. It is qualitative feedback that is given, not in the form of grades. Cons of New Education Policy 2020
School authorities should adapt to the new curriculum
Due to the drastic shift in curriculum and assessment patterns, teachers should be able to successfully implement it. Teachers should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a student thoroughly and provide proper feedback. The curriculum should be successfully implemented, and the teachers should be able to instill the necessary skills in students so they become competent in the future. Every teacher is not so well qualified or intelligent to provide such fruitful training to the students. Infrastructural changes
To instill essential skills in students, schools should use the best technologies and devices. For example, the students can study subjects such as mathematics, science, etc. through presentations on the LCD. Every school does not have such a rich infrastructure.Conclusion
The school's authorities should understand the overall aim of the New Education Policy 2020 and improve the quality of education in schools. Even if they are not able to improve their mathematical skills or scientific temper via LCD presentations, they can simply conduct interactive sessions. They can explain some important concepts clearly and ensure every student has understood the concept.