Why do you think 'the new education policy 2019' is promising for students?
Author: Roshan Salim Post Date: 13 Apr 2023 The NEP 2019 is a comprehensive policy that aims to transform the Indian education system. Some of the promising features of the policy are:
1. Flexibility in education:
The NEP 2019 aims to promote flexibility in education, allowing students to choose subjects of their interest, change their course or institution, and take up vocational courses alongside academic courses. For example, the policy proposes the following:
a) Students can take up a combination of vocational and academic courses from Class 6 onwards. This will help them develop practical skills that align with their career goals.
b) Students can choose subjects of their interest and take up courses across different streams, including science, arts, and commerce. This will help them pursue their passions and develop a well-rounded education.
c) Students can move across different institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, without any academic loss. This will enable them to access a broader range of courses and institutions and get exposure to different teaching styles and environments.
2. Holistic development:
The NEP 2019 emphasizes the promotion of holistic development of students by focusing on their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The policy recommends integrating sports, arts, and other co-curricular activities into the curriculum to promote overall development. For example, the policy proposes the following:
a) Schools will have a sports period in the timetable, and students will have access to sports facilities and training. This will help students develop physical fitness and sportsmanship.
b) Schools will have dedicated periods for art, music, dance, and theatre, and students can choose these as elective subjects. This will help students develop their creativity and artistic skills.
c) Co-curricular activities such as debates, quizzes, and science exhibitions will be promoted, and students will have the opportunity to participate in national and international competitions. This will help students develop their social and intellectual skills.
3. Technology integration:
The NEP 2019 emphasizes the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. The policy recommends the use of online resources, digital platforms, and other tools to make learning more engaging and interactive. For example, the policy proposes the following:
a) Schools will have access to digital resources such as e-books, online courses, and educational apps. This will help students access quality learning material from anywhere and at any time.
b) Teachers will be trained in digital pedagogy and will use technology tools such as smart boards, learning management systems, and educational software to enhance teaching and learning. This will help teachers deliver personalized and interactive learning experiences.
c) Students will have access to online assessments and feedback, which will help them track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
4. Multilingualism: The NEP 2019 recognizes the importance of multilingualism and aims to promote it by offering students the choice of learning at least two languages, one of which will be a regional language. For example, the policy proposes the following:
a) Students will be encouraged to learn at least two languages from among the 22 Indian languages recognized by the Constitution. This will help them develop a broader perspective and appreciate the diversity of Indian languages and cultures.
b) Regional languages will be promoted in schools, and teachers will be trained in teaching them. This will help preserve and promote regional languages and cultures.
c) Foreign languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean will be introduced as elective subjects to help students develop global communication skills.
5. Higher education reforms: The NEP 2019 recommends reforms in higher education to promote research and innovation. The policy proposes setting up research-intensive universities, encouraging industry-academia collaborations, and promoting multidisciplinary education. For example, the policy proposes the following:
a) Research-intensive universities will be set up to promote cutting-edge research and innovation. These universities will offer research-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate courses and will have state-of-the-art research facilities.
b) Industry-academia collaborations will be encouraged to promote applied research and innovation. Universities will be encouraged to collaborate with industries to offer internships, joint research projects, and training programs.
c) Multidisciplinary education will be promoted to offer students a broad-based education that combines different disciplines. Universities will be encouraged to offer courses that combine arts, sciences, and humanities, and promote interdisciplinary research.
d) The NEP 2019 proposes setting up a National Research Foundation (NRF) to promote research and innovation across all disciplines. The NRF will fund and oversee research projects and promote collaboration between researchers and institutions.
In conclusion, the New Education Policy 2019 has the potential to transform the Indian education system by promoting student-centered education, enhancing employability skills, and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. The policy's focus on flexibility, holistic development, technology integration, multilingualism, and higher education reforms will equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
I have gone through the NEP and participated in some discussions organised by some schools and NGOs to highlight the important points of this system. In my opinion, this system is a step forward for the purpose-oriented education of the student. The skill development concept is emphasized. Once this system is fully implemented one can see a positive development in the mindset of the student and chances for employment will improve, I believe. Some of the important points are discussed below.
1. Importance to Mother Tongue: In a process of giving more importance to the English language, the importance of the mother tongue and Indian languages is forgotten. The Sanskrit language is not known to many students.
In this NEP, emphasis is given to local languages. The medium of instruction up to the 5th class is mandatory. It will make the student understand the mother tongue in a better way.
Three language system is recommended. English can be one of these subjects. The candidate is free to select his own language. No language is forced on any student. Two of the three languages should be Indian native languages. Whether to implement this or not is the discretion of the states, schools and institutions.
This system may improve the communication skills of the student as they will have the capacity to read, write and understand three languages. Some states are already implementing this system for a long time.
2. Focus on fundamentals: The foundation should be strong enough. The basics should be known well and once the students understand the basics, developing further subjects will be easy for the student.
3. Flexibility in subjects: As per this new system, there is no fixed combination of core subjects. The students are free to select the subjects as per their interests. The scorecards will offer details about the skills of the student.
4. Multiple entry and exit opportunities: The present education system fixes the duration of the course and in between somebody discontinues, no degree or diploma will be awarded.
But in this new policy, the student can exist after completion of 1st year or 2nd year of a 3-year degree course. The student can rejoin the course at the point where he discontinued.
A student who exits after completing the first year will be awarded a certificate if the student gets the required credits. A student who discontinues after 2nd year will be awarded a diploma.
Students can even opt for a 4-year multidisciplinary course which will allow them to become better skilled.
5. Importance to Skill development: The student has to undergo a minimum time in an internship which will give a hands-on experience to the student. Curriculum load will be reduced and emphasis will be given to making the student "inter-disciplinary" and "multi-lingual".
6. Technology usage: This system will give more importance to technology in learning as well as teaching. New digital models and aids will be used in teaching. More emphasis on e-learning will be given . With the above observation, I feel we will see a different skill set in the students with enhanced chances of employability.
Author: Phagu Mahato Post Date: 14 Apr 2023 The new education policy of 2019 aims to revolutionize the education system in India by focusing on the holistic development of students, offering greater flexibility and choice, and promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Some of the potential benefits for students under this policy include:
Emphasis on skill development:
The policy recognizes the importance of developing skills among students and aims to provide them with the necessary training and education to excel in various fields.
Reduction in curriculum load:
The policy emphasizes reducing the curriculum load and providing greater flexibility and choice to students in terms of choosing their subjects and courses.
Digital education:
The policy aims to leverage technology to provide quality education to students, regardless of their location, and to enhance the learning experience through interactive and multimedia tools.
Multidisciplinary approach:
The policy encourages a multidisciplinary approach to learning, which will help students to explore various fields and disciplines and make informed choices about their careers.
Focus on teacher training:
The policy recognizes the critical role of teachers in the education system and aims to provide them with the necessary training and support to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Overall, the new education policy of 2019 has the potential to provide a more holistic and student center approach to education and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world.