Introduction to the NEP System
The NEP system aims to offer essential value to all levels of education, from school to higher education levels. It follows an academic reformation model that will take hold of the existing education system and raise it to higher levels.
The system is developed and published with the view that all elements of education and academic branches should receive value and the brightest prospects when it comes to dealing with core features. These include quality, affordability, equity, access and accountability.
Aim of NEP System
The primary aim of the NEP system is to raise the standards of efficient teacher training, reforms in the existing examination process, childhood care at an early stage and remodeling of the regulatory framework policies in the education system.
NEP also intends to create value for factors like public investment in education, setting up of National Education Commission (NEC), strengthened use of technology and vocational/adult education provision schemes.
Salient Features of the NEP System
The value addition of the NEP system can be detailed using some of its vital features that guide the overall policy. These include early childhood care, curriculum framework, the Right to Education Act provisions, various exams and tests and education governance.
Other features are the national research foundation, higher educational institutions, financing education, three language formula and vocational/adult courses.
Vision of NEP
The vision statement of NEP covers a mindful learning process for the learners in developing a spiritual, intellectual and actionable model of absorbing skills, knowledge, values and responsible commitments. It tests the student’s engaging role in delivering value to human rights, sustainable development and living and improved educational standards.
NEP 2020 also covers the figurative vision of improving GER levels to 100% and 50% in primary schooling and higher education levels, respectively by 2030.
Encouraging 21st-Century Skills in the Classroom
One of the attractive aspects of NEP 2020 is the empowerment of students using new classroom skills that matches 21st-century lives and careers. Listed below are the main skills you should learn for effective personal and career development as per the NEP system guidelines.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is a top-priority skill for the modern age, where you must learn and know how to seek, communicate and grasp data and information on everything through active digital platforms and portals.
Problem-Solving
Problem-solving skills have always been part of the top talents that an individual must possess to advance in their respective fields. Nothing has changed yet, as solving different types of problems along with critical thinking is an essential part of analytical reasoning and observations.
Communication
Another skill that NEP actively promotes is communication skill. It works like a charm if you are fluent in sharing ideas and concepts with man and the environment without any barriers. Add communication skills to your interpersonal skills, and you will become unstoppable in your activities.
Critical Thinking
As we mentioned earlier, critical thinking is a crucial aspect of analytical reasoning skills. If you are a critical thinker, you will learn stuff related to gathering information, asking questions, thinking through solutions and conclusions, alternative thought processes and effective communication.
Creativity
Perhaps the most beautiful of skills or talents to possess, creativity is an absolute treasure that helps you imagine, build and accomplish several components of life. The NEP system supports and promotes the growth of creativity in learners that matches their specific skills and talents.
Health Fitness
Health, wellness and fitness segments don’t just cover physical aspects, but mental, emotional and spiritual categories too. You should balance your ecosystem and environment with your life and work by promoting an active channel for health and wellness practices.
Social Responsibility
Being responsible towards social causes is a key aspect of surviving in the modern world. Even businesses are vigorously promoting features like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of their business models.
Ethics
Showing moral values in life is one thing, but learning ethics as a subject is a game-changer. It helps you interact better in social situations and offer dynamic and practical solutions to self and society in times of necessity.
Scientific Temper
Scientific temper is an underrated skill that takes care of essential aspects of logical, rational and scientific thinking. Possession of a scientific temper helps an individual in following factual data and information processing before reaching conclusions and arriving at inferences.
Collaboration
Collaboration skill of a person works well when combined with communication and interpersonal skills. It helps you actively coordinate as part of a team and ensures work and growth together.
Impact of NEP on Teachers
Now we come to the major talking point of this article – the impact of NEP on teachers. It is great pleasure to observe the impact that teachers have on the academic systems, curriculums and student lives/careers. National Educational Policy ensures the best of teachers and their contributions to the education system.
The impact point starts directly from the offering of training to teachers and is followed up with the provision of imparting said training through the education system.
Teachers and Teacher Education NEP
Teachers are one of the most significant parts of the NEP system devised in 2020. Background conditions that led to the inclusion of teacher education in NEP are dismal conditions arising and existing in areas of teacher segmentation.
The various problems include a lack of education, training, proper recruitment, teaching quality, motivation, active service conditions and inadequate systemic reforms.
What are National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST)?
NPST (National Professional Standards for Teachers is associated with teaching career and professionalism. It works in determining the features related to the teacher’s career management, professional development, salary hikes, professional appraisals, teaching audit reports, etc.
NCERT takes charge of the NEP teacher training program and works as a catalyst for continuous expansion in the teaching profession development. NEP 2020 includes specific sections of continuous professional development (CPD) yearly.
