Pedagogy in Schools: Holistic, Integrated, Enjoyable, and Engaging
The National Education
Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to revamp the school education system in India. The
policy focuses on making the curriculum and pedagogy more holistic, integrated,
enjoyable, and engaging for students. This article will elaborate on the key points
highlighted in the NEP 2020 regarding curriculum and pedagogy in schools.
Restructuring the Curricular and Pedagogical
Structure: The NEP 2020 has proposed a new 5+3+3+4 design for school
education, which will cater to the developmental needs of students at different
stages of their growth. The ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years have been
defined as the different stages, and the curricular and pedagogical structure
will be aligned accordingly.
Holistic Development of Learners: The
NEP 2020 aims to move away from the culture of rote learning that is prevalent
today. The policy stresses on providing a more inquiry-based, discovery-based,
discussion-based, and analysis-based learning approach that promotes critical
thinking and understanding.
Cross-Curricular Pedagogical Approaches: Art-integration
and sports-integration are two cross-curricular pedagogical approaches that the
NEP 2020 is promoting. These approaches will provide a more holistic and
engaging learning experience for students.
Flexibility in Course Choices: The
NEP 2020 gives students increased flexibility and choice of subjects to study,
especially in secondary school. This will allow students to pursue their
interests and passions and develop their skills accordingly.
Emphasis on Language Learning: The
three-language formula will continue to be implemented, and the teaching of all
languages will be enhanced through innovative and experiential methods. Indian
Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized across the country.
Essential Subjects, Skills, and Capacities: The
NEP 2020 stresses on the integration of essential subjects, skills, and
capacities in the school curriculum. Contemporary subjects such as Artificial
Intelligence, Design Thinking, Holistic Health, Organic Living, Environmental
Education, and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) have been introduced to cater
to the changing needs of society.
Knowledge of India: The
NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of knowledge of ancient India and its rich
cultural heritage. Students will be taught the importance of ethical decisions
and given a logical framework to make such decisions.
National Curriculum Framework: The
NEP 2020 proposes the formulation of a new National Curricular Framework for
School Education (NCFSE) 2020-21, which will provide a comprehensive curriculum
for schools across the country.
National Textbooks with Local Content and
Flavour: The NEP 2020 aims to reduce the weight of school bags and
textbooks by providing quality textbooks at the lowest possible cost. Efforts
will be made to make textbooks more engaging and relevant to students.
Transforming Assessment for Student
Development: The NEP 2020 aims to shift the focus of assessment from
rote memorization to true learning. The policy proposes greater flexibility and
student choice in assessment methods and an end to the coaching culture prevalent
in secondary schools.
Support for Gifted Students/Students with
Special Talents: The NEP 2020 recognizes the innate talents in every
student and aims to provide opportunities for their discovery, nurturing,
fostering, and development. Olympiads and competitions in various subjects will
be conducted to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents.
In conclusion, the NEP 2020
is a major step forward in transforming the school education system in India.
The focus on a more holistic, integrated, enjoyable, and engaging learning
experience will go a long way in promoting critical thinking and understanding
among students
