Dr Ashok K. Pandey, An Eminent Educationist
The National Curriculum Framework for the Foundation and Secondary stages underscores the urgency of the policy, emphasizing India’s multilingual society and the need to refocus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), bridging a critical gap from ages 3 to 6
In the annals of India’s educational history, a transformative chapter was penned with the release of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). At the helm of this visionary agenda was Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who not only introduced NEP-2020 but also breathed life into it through his unwavering commitment. From addressing the annual Shikshak Parv to championing the essential enablers, he led from the front. On the third anniversary of this groundbreaking policy, he stood before the nation at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam, surrounded by seven thousand educators, caregivers, and education providers. This gathering marked a pivotal moment as it aligned with unveiling of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), introducing revolutionary changes.
NCF for Foundation and Secondary stages underscores the urgency of the policy, emphasizing India’s multilingual society and the need to refocus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), bridging a critical gap from ages 3 to 6. NCF recognizes that students need a strong foundation in FLN to avoid insurmountable barriers to higher-level mathematics and learning. Achieving foundational literacy and numeracy for every child has become an immediate national mission, a central tenet of the Foundational Stage curriculum.
The most remarkable aspect of the NCF is its unwavering commitment to clarity. For the first time, it meticulously defines the aims of education, curricular goals, competencies, and learning outcomes at each educational stage. The Foundation stage alone encompasses five curricular domains, thirteen competencies, and sixty-seven learning outcomes, with similar precision applied to the preparatory, middle, and secondary stages. This newfound clarity is a guiding beacon, ensuring the education system aligns seamlessly to nurture well-rounded individuals.
The release of NCF 2023 coinciding with India hosting the G20 heads of State is no coincidence. The G20 has long recognized the pivotal role of education in advancing Sustainable Development Goals. Education has been a Sherpa track since 2018, and the education working group (EdWG) has recently honed in on four priority areas in close alignment with NEP 2020:
- Ensuring Foundational Literacy & Numeracy in the context of Blended Learning.
- Making Tech-Enabled Learning more Inclusive, Qualitative, & Collaborative at every level.
- Building Capacities and Promoting Lifelong Learning in the context of the Future of Work.
- Strengthening Research and Promoting Innovation through Enhanced Collaboration.
These priorities parallel the experiences of nations like the US, UK, South Korea, Australia, and the EU, all of whom have reformed their education systems to drive economic change through the classrooms.
NCF’s groundbreaking recommendations encompass multiple dimensions. First and foremost, it aligns with the vision outlined in NEP 2020 by developing a new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and State Curriculum Frameworks (SCFs). These frameworks are the foundation for transforming school education, granting states significant autonomy to align with India’s federal structure. NCF seeks to foster harmony and consistency across curricula nationwide.
Furthermore, NCF envisions education as preparing future generations for rational thinking, good health, democratic participation, cultural sensitivity, economic competence, and community awareness. It recognizes that new mathematical concepts are best absorbed when connected to students’ home experiences and languages, emphasizing the importance of a relatable curriculum.
Lastly, NCF emphasizes flexibility in educational delivery, introducing elements like art, physical education, vocational training, interdisciplinary subjects, and the Indian Knowledge System. These enhancements democratize opportunities and foster inclusivity. Crucially, the NCF advocates for a shift in board examinations, placing a higher premium on assessing genuine learning rather than rote memorization. It emphasizes testing core capacities and competencies across subjects, promoting a deeper understanding of concepts.
At its core, NCF aims to transform India’s school education system holistically, not only in terms of educational ideas but also through tangible shifts in educational practices. These practices encompass curricular content, pedagogy, school environment, and culture. This is where NCF stands as a catalyst for genuine transformation.
The journey towards competency-based learning in India has set sail with the wind of change at its back. As the nation embraces the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020, the future of education in India promises to be one of enlightenment, inclusivity, and adaptability. With Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering leadership and the collective dedication of educators, caregivers, and education providers, India is poised to nurture a generation of learners who are well-equipped academically and prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The beacon of competency-based learning is lighting the path toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all of India’s children and the nation itself.
(The author is a former Principal and Director of Ahlcon International School. Author acknowledges inputs from McKinsey & McKinsey (@McKinsey), ChatGPT, and research available on the subject.)
The G20 has long recognized the pivotal role of education in advancing Sustainable Development Goals. Education has been a Sherpa track since 2018, and the education working group (EdWG) has recently honed in on four priority areas in close alignment with NEP 2020