Revolutionary changes in the Indian Education system and way ahead

Along with Right To Education, the new policies proposed by the government herald a new era for the underrepresented Indian child. If they have to adapt and succeed in global conditions and make our country a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation, the education policies need to change, keeping in mind the requirements of the 21st century. We as an education solution providers, welcome the below themes. This is a step in the right direction!

1. Ensuring learning outcomes in Elementary Education.

Several studies have shown that many school children who reach grade V do not have the age-appropriate skills in reading, writing and arithmetic. The reasons for these low learning achievement levels have to be understood and the system of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation needs to be reassessed. Also, there is a dire need to suggest better ways and methods to improve the learning outcomes of school children to enhance the quality of elementary education. Keeping this in mind, the Government should develop a complete comprehensive curriculum solution to ensure that students’ learning outcomes are enhanced.

2. Extending outreach of Secondary and Senior Secondary Education.

A tremendous growth in elementary education enrolments has been observed. Retention rates in schools have also improved, particularly among the more disadvantaged groups. This huge success has put significant pressure on secondary schools to admit more students. But with the enforcement of the Right to Education Act, there is an improved retention and transition rates in secondary education too. Putting great responsibilities on the shoulders, so, we have a responsibility to increase access to post-elementary education across the country to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to complete his or her studies.

3. Strengthening of Vocational Education.

In India, general education and vocational education have been operating as two different areas with very little relation between the two. This led students to believe that they cannot pursue higher studies in vocational courses. However, the radical shift on the renew focus on vocational education in secondary education is truly alluring. The National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) has been aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to make skill development an integral part of the curriculum at all stages.

4. Reforming School Examination Systems

There is a strong need to reform examination system that focuses on logical reasoning, problem-solving and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). In recent years, major changes in the CBSE examination system have been observed. The Class X Board examination has been made optional and a new grading system has been introduced which really works for the modern-day student. State Boards have also welcomed the measures and followed up with efforts to update their respective curricula and examination systems. These refinements not only improve the learning outcomes of the students, they also improve the quality of secondary education. Thus, new reforms are needed which can enhance innovation on the existing system

5. Revamping Teacher Education for Quality Teachers

A teacher plays the most important role in the overall development of a student. And competence of teachers is crucial for improving the quality of education in any school. Teaching teachers to adapt to the latest technologies will help in improving the overall quality of education in any school.

6. Promotion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in school and adult education

ICT can make a significant difference in the quality of education. Nowadays, schools are using several innovative methods to implement ICT in their curricula. However, an optimally use of leveraging technology can achieve quality and efficiency in education system. Introducing computer education at the primary level is a must to help students adapt to technical skills moving forward. ICT should be used as more than mere videos being played in the classroom.

7. New Knowledge, pedagogies and approaches for teaching of Science, Maths and Technology in School Education to improve learning outcomes of Students

It will certainly improve the student-teacher interaction which is vital for participatory learning. A change in teaching of STEM subjects is the need of the hour. One should put special focus on STEM subjects and developed innovative hands-on solutions in Maths, Science and Robotics for schools. Introduction of mobile labs and science centres by the government and the initiative to include parents in this change so that learning becomes a continuous, multi-generational process is a must.

8. School standards, School assessment and School Management systems

Better governance is what a school needs for better performance. In rural schools though, it is a far cry. It is generally believed that village schools will function effectively only when the local community is actively involved in the school management. Even though it is true, there is rarely any communication between them. There is nobody to assess the performance indicators for grading the schools to yield tangible results. So there should be a Quality Assessment and Accreditation system in place in schools. This would cover all the functional aspects including scholastic and co-scholastic domains, physical infrastructure, faculty management, school leadership, learning outcomes and satisfaction of pupils and their parents/guardians.

9. Promotion of Languages

We especially laud the suggestion of mother tongue-based education. Children should not be at a disadvantage just because of their cultural distance from English or Hindi. NCERT’s evaluation study found out that mother tongue-based education has shown increased attendance and retention in schools. It has also shown a positive impact on students’ achievement in language studies as well as mathematics. However, there should be basic English education for every student as this is a language which opens more doors.

10. Comprehensive Education – Ethics, Physical Education, Arts & Crafts, Life Skills

Anything less than a holistic, well-rounded education results is only half an education. Non-scholastic areas are as important as scholastic areas for the overall development of a child. This change in policy to provide special tools and toys to play with, and a well-maintained sports facility to play in, does wonders for the child. More importantly, what is growth without the appreciation of art and the ability to express ideas, emotions and thoughts freely? Inclusion of visual and performing arts in school life is as welcome as a breath of fresh air.

11. Focus on Child Health

We strongly believe that schools and teachers can be the beacons of health literacy in areas with special needs and ultimately break the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality. The mid-day meals were a step in the right direction and now with emphasis on pre-school education, schools can bring about a real change from the grassroots level.

Mr Beas Dev Ralhan, CEO & Co-founder, Next Education India Pvt. Ltd