How Education Policy Has Recognized Parents And Teachers As Equal For The First Time In The Education System?
The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Government in July this year, outlines the vision for India’s new education system. It replaces the previous policy that was prepared in 1986 and is the first education policy of the 21st century. An underlying principle that appears to govern the framing of the NEP is the understanding that the goal of education should not be limited to only developing cognitive skills, but also social and emotional skills.
The blueprint to achieve this is drawn by adopting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to education, with ‘flexibility’ as a cornerstone and the involvement of all key stakeholders as equal partners in the process of education. With the focus no longer limited to high-quality pedagogical experiences alone that influence the learning outcomes among students, but also on promoting student wellness - fitness, good health, psycho-social well being and sound ethical grounding - it is only fair that the parents, who are closely involved in most of these aspects of their child’s life, are recognized as equal partners in their child’s education. Below are some specific ways in which the National Education Policy 2020 seeks to make it possible for parents to become more actively involved in the education system:
A ready framework for parents to actively participate in early education years of their child: The curricular and pedagogical framework for early childhood education (Years 0-8) to be developed by NCERT will rely heavily on local traditions developed over hundreds of years. This will serve as a common shared resource for both parents and formal early childhood education institutions, thereby making it easier for parents to participate more meaningfully in their child’s formative years through storytelling, poetry, songs etc.
A bilingual approach in teaching the concepts in Maths & Science making it easy for parents to get involved: With the medium of instruction, at least till Grade 5 (and preferably till Grade 8) to be the mother tongue /home language, and with textbooks in Science and Maths to be made available in the home language, the government has made it easier for parents to participate in their child’s learning.
Tracking of school progress to be an ongoing exercise throughout the entire school years and not just at Grades 10 and 12: Students will take State examinations in grades 3,5, 8, 10 and 12 and these examinations will test core concepts, relevant higher-order skills and application to real-life situations, rather than rote memorization. This will make it easier for parents and teachers to appropriately plan timely interventions.
Opportunities for increased collaboration between parents and teachers by leveraging technology and online learning communities: With the growing penetration of the internet and easy availability of smartphones and other devices in the homes, parents will be able to participate/ supervise their child’s learning through various online apps, quizzes, competitions and other online learning communities with shared interests.
Focus on Counsellors to keep the key stakeholders in a student’s education namely - parents, schools and teachers connected: Many times, particularly among disadvantaged urban poor areas, the active involvement of all stakeholders can have a visible impact on favourable learning outcomes and attendance.
Ultimately, the National Education Policy 2020 envisages the creation of a learning environment for students that is a vibrant, caring and inclusive community of teachers, students, parents and other support staff. To that extent, it is important that there is a complete synergy, understanding and alignment towards the common goal - to ensure that students learn happily and develop into well-rounded personalities.
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