Multidisciplinary Approach Leading To Flexible Curriculum

The education sector is on the path to revive the approach by incorporating NEP guidelines after 35 long years. The focus has shifted to building a modern education using a multidisciplinary approach compatible with the latest industry needs. 

Multi-disciplinarity starts from the beginning. There is a need to reflect on differentiating streams from an early age among students that might hamper their learning choices. Sudeep Mishra, Vice Chancellor, NIMS University, Jaipur, cited the example of Western countries, which is more focussed on learning a language than studying any other subjects. “Communication and logic are essential to learning in future,” he added.

The majority of companies are looking at different aptitudes for certain jobs irrespective of educational domain. This is where the requirement of multidisciplinary helps students excel at jobs. Commenting on the same lines, Joutishman Dutta, Trustee, ADT University (Guwahati), highlighted the importance of having a multidisciplinary approach. He described the need to have communication, digital and financial proficiency as the key ingredients irrespective of the programme. “Give them more choices while choosing what to do, to decide what works best for them,” he further added.

Learning has become dynamic in its approach. There are different means to learn from various online resources. The ability to read and comprehend and application of knowledge is equally important. University incorporating changes to meet the demands of industry will bring positive change in the lives of students. Credit-based courses are revolutionising the structure of education at universities.

New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is moving forward in this regard by making education outcome-based, relevant and affordable. Facets of NEP frameworks allow innovative changes and follow multidisciplinary. “We develop undergraduate courses in partnership with industries to embed required skills and learning,” says, Pravesh Dudani, Founder, Madhavi Skills University (Sikkim).

Indian universities can rise to their potential by having the mindset to develop the right technological infrastructure. There is a need to invest in modern technology and accept technology as a key norm to foster development. Maintaining the cost of technology and coping with the rapidly changing technology is also significant. The digital shift is a both change and challenge and must be embraced by all to reach greater possibilities in higher education. 

A multidisciplinary approach approach will encourage more development. There is a need for an open, flexible and technology-based curriculum to develop a student-centric ecosystem and benefit them in true terms.