Tuesday, Aug 01, 2023 09:00 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Aug 01, 2023 03:18 [IST]
PART-II
School Education
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 brings significant changes to the school education system in the state of Sikkim. These changes focus on enhancing the quality of education, promoting experimental learning, and fostering critical thinking among students.
NEP 2020 introduces a new 5+3+3+4 structure for school education, replacing the previous 10+2 structure. This restructuring aims to provide a strong foundation for students and ensure a seamless progression of education. The early childhood stage (ages 3-8), foundational stage (ages 8-11), preparatory stage (ages 11-14), and secondary stage (ages 14-18) create a well-rounded educational experience.
The policy places a strong emphasis on experimental learning, encouraging schools in Sikkim to adopt innovative teaching methods. The focus shifts from rote memorization to practical application, hands-on activities, and project-based learning. This approach enables students to actively engage with concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
NEP 2020 also promotes critical thinking among students in Sikkim. It encourages them to question, analyse, and evaluate information. The policy aims to develop student's analytical abilities, enabling them to think independently, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems. By fostering critical thinking, NEP 2020 prepares students to face challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of society.
Furthermore, NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to education. It encourages schools in Sikkim to offer a wide range of subjects, enabling students to explore diverse disciplines and develop a holistic understanding of various fields. This approach fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective among students.
Higher Education
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces significant reforms in higher education, including those applicable to the state of Sikkim. These reforms focus on structural changes, the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach, changes in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) education, promoting research and innovation, and the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
NEP 2020 envisions structural changes in higher education, aiming to establish a more flexible and integrated system. It proposes the creation of large, multidisciplinary universities and colleges, with affiliated degree-granting autonomous colleges. This promotes collaboration, resource sharing, and a diverse range of academic opportunities for students in Sikkim.=
The policy emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach in higher education, encouraging students to pursue courses from various disciplines. It allows them to choose subjects of interest across arts, sciences, humanities, and professional domains. This approach enables students to develop a well-rounded understanding and skills across different fields, fostering creativity and innovation.
NEP 2020 introduces changes in UG and PG education, promoting a more holistic and comprehensive learning experience. It encourages multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to receive certifications based on the completion of specific years of study. This flexibility accommodates the diverse aspirations and career paths of students in Sikkim.
The policy also prioritises research and innovation in higher education. It aims to create an ecosystem that promotes research culture, facilitates collaborations, and provides support for quality research. NEP 2020 envisages the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to fund and catalyse research in various disciplines. This initiative encourages research institutions and universities in Sikkim to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to knowledge creation.
Furthermore, NEP 2020 emphasizes the integration of technology in higher education. It promotes the use of online platforms, digital resources, and virtual labs to enhance teaching, learning, and research. This integration enables students and faculty in Sikkim to access a wide range of educational resources and collaborate with experts from around the world.
Overall, NEP 2020's reforms in higher education for the state of Sikkim aim to create a flexible, multidisciplinary, and research-oriented environment. These reforms foster innovation, creativity, and a holistic learning experience, empowering students to pursue their academic interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society.
Vocational Education and Skill Development
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces significant reforms in vocational education and skill development, which are applicable to the state of Sikkim. These reforms focus on integrating vocational education into the mainstream curriculum, promoting skill-based learning and certification, collaboration with industry, entrepreneurship education, and internship and apprenticeship programs.
NEP 2020 recognizes the importance of vocational education and skill development in preparing students for the workforce. It aims to integrate vocational education into the mainstream curriculum, enabling students in Sikkim to develop practical skills alongside academic knowledge. This integration ensures that vocational subjects are given equal importance and are available as viable career options for students.
The policy promotes skill-based learning and certification, encouraging students in Sikkim to acquire industry-relevant skills. It emphasizes a competency-based approach, where students gain specific skills and competencies that are recognized and valued by employers. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market and have the required skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
NEP 2020 emphasizes collaboration with the industry to bridge the gap between education and employment. It encourages partnerships between educational institutions and industries in Sikkim to develop industry-specific curricula, provide hands-on training, and facilitate internships. This collaboration enables students to gain real-world experience, understand industry requirements, and enhance their employability.
The policy also highlights entrepreneurship education and the promotion of startups. NEP 2020 aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students in Sikkim, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their ventures. It encourages the establishment of entrepreneurship cells, incubation centres, and support networks to nurture and guide aspiring entrepreneurs.
TO BE CONCLUDED
(Prof. Mahesh Chandra Govil is Director, NIT Sikkim & Dr. Dhananjay Tripathi is Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIT Sikkim. Emails: director@nitsikkim.ac.in dhananjaystripathi9@nitsikkim.ac.in)
