Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director of Academics at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), emphasized the crucial need for bridging the divide between school-level education and institutions of higher learning. This effort is essential in effectively addressing the challenges posed by the multidisciplinary education approach outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director of Academics at CBSE, highlighted a significant gap in our educational system – the lack of alignment between school education and higher education institutions. CBSE provides a wide array of approximately 200 courses at the 10th and 12th-grade levels. However, students often face limitations when it comes to fully capitalizing on these subjects due to restrictions in gaining admission to higher education institutions.
This misalignment poses a particular challenge for students who have pursued unconventional subject combinations, as they struggle to find suitable courses at the higher education level.
The Director of Academics at CBSE recently attended the G20 state-level summit on life skills, mental health, safety, and well-being at Daly College in Indore. During the event, he stressed the importance of aligning CBSE offerings with the principles of equity, excellence, accessibility, and inclusivity outlined in NEP 2020.
Emphasizing that the implementation of NEP 2020 will be gradual, the initial focus will be on four key areas: reforming teaching and learning practices, introducing assessment reforms, enhancing teacher capacity, and implementing systemic reforms for evaluating both students and schools. This includes the introduction of a holistic progress card, which emphasizes the involvement of learners, parents, and teachers in a 360-degree evaluation aimed at providing comprehensive learning support.
Furthermore, CBSE plans to introduce robotics and drone technology courses to keep pace with technological advancements. These courses will be officially introduced in the coming years, supplementing the existing coverage of robotics under the ATAL mission.
To expose students to cutting-edge skills, CBSE has also forged partnerships with organizations like the National Stock Exchange and various tech giants, including initiatives in augmented reality and virtual reality.
The government's focus on skill education at the middle school level is gaining momentum. CBSE has taken proactive steps by introducing 33 skill modules, covering diverse areas such as gardening, tourism, and khadi. The goal is to empower students with valuable skills during their middle to senior classes. Students who opt for these skill courses will also be able to earn transferable credits under the National Credit Framework when they pursue higher education," explained Saha.
