Education

A not-so-fun tug-of-war: Government or Private School?

Anshu Pande compares government and private schools.

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2018

Mitali came running to me with her report card one afternoon. She had scored 89 per cent in class 12th boards. “I did it didi!” she said and placed the mark sheet in my hand. Mitali was the eldest of two sisters. After her father passed away in 2005, her mother became the sole breadwinner of the family. Their financial conditions only worsened with time and her mother couldn’t afford to send any of the kids to a private school. One would lose hope in such a situation, but Mitali did not let her problems become a barrier. She was rather motivated and gave her best in her exams, making everyone proud. But what caught my attention were her marks, particularly in English. She had scored 85, highest amongst the five subjects. When she saw me surprised, she said, “No one would believe at first that a government school student could score and score this well in English, but I, and all the other students of my school proved them wrong.”

This reminded me of a Bollywood film that released in May 2017 – Irfan Khan and Saba Qamar starrer Hindi Medium. A satire directed by Saket Chaudhary, it talked about the obsession with English language, the immense pressure on Indian parents of sending their children to private schools and to what extent they would go for their child’s education. To give you a summary, Raj (Irfan Khan) and his wife Mita (Saba Qamar), a nouveau riche couple, are determined to get their young daughter Pia (Dishita) accepted into one of Delhi’s most prestigious schools. In their attempt, they even attend coaching classes that prepare both, the students and the parents, for the school interview. But all of this goes in vain when their daughter doesn’t get admission. Later, they find out that Pia could get into the school through RTE (Right to Education) quota on one condition – they have to act poor. So they do. Leaving behind a sprawling bungalow in south Delhi, they move to Bharat Nagar, a slum. While the ending is cringe worthy, Hindi Medium comments on the private school system and how it has become so important in our lives.

Not so long ago, government schools were held in high regard, with many luminaries from all walks of life emerging from them. Currently, government schools are the last choice of every parent. This has caused as much as a loss of 6 million children in just the two years. In the year 2010-11 and 2015-16, student enrolment in government schools across 20 Indian states fell by 13 million, while private schools acquired 17.5 million new students, according to a new study on India’s public-school education crisis by Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, professor of education and international development at the Institute of Education, London.

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The reason for this shift could be innocent explanations such as the parents’ desire to make their children learn English, their belief that the schools offer better value for money, has better teachers, to match the social expectations or the growing opulence in the country. Tiny (with 20 or fewer students) and small (with 50 or fewer students) government schools are being abandoned, according to the study Gandhi. If the past six years are taken into consideration, the number of tiny government schools rose 52 percent and small ones by 33.7 percent. As many as 5,044 government schools had no students in 2015-16, up 14 percent from 4,435 in 2010-11. West Bengal witnessed a 280 percent rise in tiny schools–more than any other state–followed by Madhya Pradesh (225 percent) and Jharkhand (131 percent). However, Bihar bucked the national trend by reporting a 98 percent decrease in tiny schools.

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Why are students opting out of India’s government schools, which educate the poorest and most vulnerable students until the age of 14 for free, and migrating to fee-charging private institutions in such large numbers?

Radha Shashidharan, a mother to two, from Patna says “Infrastructure in the government schools are a nightmare. The schools offer unusable toilets, non-functional fans and lights, some of them even without electricity, how would you expect a parent to send their child to such a poorly equipped school?” I couldn’t disagree with that.

After 16 years of implementation of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, that aims to provide the provision of infrastructure facilities in government schools, children still sit on mats or the bare floor. Thanks to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, many schools in India are getting a toilet. But the problem lies in the maintenance.

In the case of Telangana, according to the annual status of education report, 2016, about 15.2% of government schools in Telangana do not have a separate toilet for girls. Though the numbers are small, the real problem lies in the maintenance of existing toilets. A newspaper report says that none of the government schools in Telangana received the funds for maintenance of toilets and the prescribed salary of toilet/workers is as low as rupees 2000 to 3500 per month.

In the age of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), nearly 97,000 primary and middle schools are without power in Madhya Pradesh if we go by the data presented by the school education department on electricity connections for the year 2017-18.

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Ramandeep Kaur, a parent, wrote a blog post on the conditions of government school in India. “Quality of teachers at Government schools is another major concern. Most of the teachers do not themselves know what they are teaching. A few days back I saw a video of a school teacher teaching students in a rural Government school. Every single spelling of the days of the week, the twelve months that she was teaching was wrong. Sunday was being taught as ‘Sundie’. When asked about the number of days in a year her answer was 300. It was so shocking.” Read her post.

A report released by ASSOCHAM has revealed that Indian schools suffer from acute shortage of teachers. The shortage is a problem pervasive at all levels of government schools in India. At present, there are about 50 per cent vacancies in schools across the country, with 30,000 vacancies for teachers in Haryana alone where more than 800 schools are being run without principals. Shortage of teachers obliges the government to recruit contract teachers who are often not well trained. Several states have exempted candidates from Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) as only 20 per cent of the aspirants clear it. This wrong move, in an attempt to quickly fix the issue of dearth of teachers, has deteriorated the quality of education in the states even further.

However, there has been a remarkable progress in the past three years in terms of the performance. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) results have shown that the students of government schools have outshone the private school students. This year’s result was also the first time in last 20 years that the passing percentage of government school students crossed the benchmark of 90 percent.

Among the best performing government schools, state government's Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (RPVVs) outperformed central government's Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs). RPVVs' pass percentage, standing at 99.7 per cent is five per cent ahead of KVs' 94.6 per cent. As many as 33 students have scored as much as 100per cent in one or more subjects. The number of schools which have a pass percentage of more than 90per cent has gone up from 547 to 554 this year.

Not just this, in 2016, according to Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), performance of government schools better than the private schools. The percentage of children enrolled in grade III in government schools in the state who can read Grade II level text is 41.2 per cent and the percentage of children enrolled in Grade III in private schools who can read Grade II level text is 38.8 per cent. The performance of Grade-III children in government schools who can read Grade-II level text is better than performance of Grade III children in private schools, the report stated. It shows that reading levels in higher grades have also increased. In 2014, the percentage of children enrolled in Grade V who can read a Grade II level text was 53.5 per cent, it has increased to 62.5 per cent in 2016, the report said.

In Delhi, the increase in budgetary allocation should be given credit. The Education Minister, Manish Sisodia made education a priority by proposing to spend Rs 13,997 crore this year as compared to the year 2017-18, where the investment stood at Rs 11,300 crore. Improved infrastructure also helped the teachers to manage students better. "The benefit of increased rooms is that now the teachers can teach the students without any hassles. If you are conducting classes in the open, the noise of the students prevents teachers from teaching them. Much of their energy got lost in managing them," said a teacher from a Delhi government school.

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So, what does this detailed article conclude? First, let us acknowledge the faults in our education system because there is some serious damage control that needs to be done. The children in schools today will be entering the workforce in the 2030s. Schools are preparing them for their lives 20, 30, 40, 50 years from now. We have to divert all our attention to our future. Secondly, now more than ever, the future of our country lies in the hands of the educators. So the teachers need to be trained immediately, especially those serving in in the poorest of urban and rural areas. They need to be viewed as professionals who require multiple skills to do their job, and accordingly professional standards need to be built into all teacher education programmes. Such programmes must focus on both, building an essential knowledge base, as well as skill sets required for making a difference in the classroom. Importantly, they must locate the professional development of teachers within the larger socio-cultural, economic and political context of contemporary India. Today, with the success of SSA and the RTE, classrooms are often diverse and many students are first generation learners who may not have any academic support system at home. Teachers need to factor in the socio- economic backgrounds of children, for instance a hungry or an abused child will not be able to learn effectively. Programmes must guide teachers on how to nurture and develop this set of children. The more a teacher knows about a student, the better they will be able to support their learning and progress.

The government is where I should’ve begun, but nevertheless, here’s the third advice – a lot of what’s happening can happen in a different direction. Why don’t we use our funds on schools for better infrastructure instead of constructing statues? I don’t mean to come out rude, but I think classrooms equipped with basic resources like non-wobbly bench and chair, is more important than building a temple. Also, why don’t we introduce new rules in the system instead of re-naming cities? Lastly, can we agree on this together that the future of our country is, slightly important than the cows of our country?

Delhi set a great example for the rest of the country with the expansion in the yearly budget.

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Lack of clean water supply, unmaintained buildings, cramped classrooms, poor electricity and many such complaints have become a major reason why there is a downfall of student enrollment in government schools. The budget needs to be drafted in such a way that it is able to cover these aspects of education too. It is no surprise that, even in 2018, outdated syllabus is being followed in schools. Like software and app updates improve the quality, an update is needed in the curriculum and books for the improvement in the quality of skills and knowledge. Another step could be to introduce the schools to digital world. Digital facilities like computers, projectors and other accessories that support digital education, should be made available to all schools, not just the private schools. A targeted literacy program could also be introduced for focusing on polishing skills in areas like vocabulary, comprehension, writing, phonemic awareness, phonic instructions, and many others. Such programs could be beneficial for those who are unable to afford long-term regular education, for adults who haven’t had a chance to go to school and for those who’ve studied but need to polish their skills again. They could be conducted as individual workshops, weekly classes, night training for the working populations – the possibilities are endless.

Nelson Mandela said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe in this, do you?

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Education

Nipah Virus: Is Indian Education System Ready to Face Another Virus Outbreak?

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2023

Mamta Shekhawat

With the news of deaths in the southern state of India, Kerala, due to the new virus outbreak, people around the globe are quite alarmed. This news has shocked many because the world is still recovering from the post-Covid effects. The most impacted sector in every country because of this outbreak is the Education sector. Now, it becomes a challenge for everyone to ensure there is little to no impact on this yet again due to the virus. Mamta Shekhawat, Founder of Gradding.com explains it for everyone.

What Is Nipah Virus? Nipah Virus, popularly known as NiV, is zoonotic. This is a type that is commonly spread between humans due to coming in contact with infected animals. The mediums can be contaminated food, exchange of body fluids or direct contact with the infected animal or human beings. It is a fast-spreading virus that gives people shivers down their spine.

What Are the Causes of Nipah Virus? Studies show that this virus’s primary causes can be narrowed down to “Transmission from animals to Humans.” There can be a few possible factors behind this, such as:

Deforestation
Climate Change
Habitat Destruction
Nature Cycle Disturbance
Polluting Natural Resources

While these can be the narrowed-down causes of this Virus outbreak, the major concern remains “The interference of Humans in Wildlife.” Nature, which is said to be the mother of life, is believed to take things in her control, and here’s an example of how it is impacting human lifestyle – especially in the education system where we do learn about conserving nature, but we hardly put it into practice.

How can the Nipah Virus Impact the Indian Education System?

India is one of the densely populated countries and the first to be infected with the virus; there is a high risk of spreading this across the nation. To prevent this, the state Government is calling for lockdown, again, in certain infected areas. If the precautionary actions are not taken properly, it can lead to a complete country lockdown. It means the education curriculum is getting disturbed, and students need to take online classes again. But, the main problem here is:

Lack of Facilities: There are not all the necessary facilities available for students across the nation. This can deprive less privileged students of the opportunity to attend school online and continue their education. Schools also are not well-equipped with the required facilities to aid the teaching staff with the required training to take online classes so that the students’ academic year isn’t disturbed.
Uncertain Environment: As scientists continue to research the virus and remain unaware of its symptoms and effects, we cannot conclude whether to move online, continue offline, or follow a hybrid approach, which, in turn, creates chaos.
Break in Routine: With so much confusion and irregularity, students often fall for the trap of not taking things seriously. This breaks them from the routine study schedule, and they are distracted from focusing on their career to do something other than study to engage themselves.
Mental Health Issues: Lockdown, again, means not going out and socializing. Again, this would bring back the days when young kids were glued to televisions and mobile phones. Lack of sunlight, outdoor activity, and proper engagement often cause mental health issues in students.
Loss of Opportunities: Students planning to study abroad or pursue any course out of the country to explore their interests and widen their knowledge can also face many challenges. The virus outbreak can hold their chances of moving abroad due to fear of spreading the virus, which might hinder their prospects of studying abroad.

This is how adversely the virus outbreak can impact students willing to study in India and abroad. Though this can adversely disturb the students’ plans for the future, if the education system and the Government plan to consider things and work on them, this can be controlled.

Humans have always been the ruling species on Earth, but through the ages, they started evolving and interrupting other species’ habitats, leading to their extinction. This is a serious concern that we learn about through multiple courses in our education curriculum, but we never actually put it into practice. Virus outbreaks like these bring us to question that curriculum and fall into the flow of nature while it heals itself. However, this healing process of mother nature can be smoothed while we also keep our development going hand-in-hand if we adapt to the new challenges and make the necessary changes in our education system.

Team ScooNews also reached out to industry leaders, and here is what they said:

“Schools play a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Nipah virus, among students, teachers, staff, and the community. To be prepared for any potential outbreak or increased risk, schools should stay informed of the latest updates and guidance from local health authorities and follow their recommendations. They should also develop and implement an emergency response plan that covers how to identify, report, isolate, and communicate with potential cases and contacts. Furthermore, schools should promote good hygiene practices among students, teachers, and staff, such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping the school environment clean and disinfected. Schools should also encourage vaccination against preventable diseases among eligible groups, as this can reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system and minimize the risk of outbreaks. Additionally, schools should consider social distancing measures when necessary, such as reducing class sizes, rearranging seating, staggering break times, or even temporarily closing the school if advised by local health authorities. Lastly, schools should communicate and engage with parents or guardians regularly to provide them with information on preventive measures, school policies, and any concerns or questions they may have.” said Farzana Dohadwalla, Executive Chairperson, Crimson Education

Ms. Surabhi Joshi, Vice Principal, Manav Rachna International School Charmwood said, “Virus may break the body but never the spirit of resilient teachers. Our breakout rooms are ready for any outbreak and we can face it head on with complete spirit!”

Education

UOW Australia & NSE Academy unveil book on Corporate Finance; Adam Gilchrist rings the ceremonial bell

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2023

Team ScooNews

The University of Wollongong (UOW) Australia, in collaboration with the NSE Academy launched their new book titled “Introduction to Corporate Finance (sixth edition)” at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai. The book, authored by first year lecturers at UOW campuses in Hong Kong and Dubai, is poised to become a seminal work in understanding the complexities and nuances of the corporate finance landscape.

The book was launched by MD & CEO, NSE Ashishkumar Chauhan, UOW’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Alex Frino, and Global Brand Ambassador Adam Gilchrist. The book includes a chapter which details how shares are traded on the National Stock Exchange.

The book launch took place on the heels of UOW unveiling its India identity at GIFT City, Gujarat, on September 18 (Monday). The University is on track to being one of the first foreign universities to have a teaching base in India, and to hand out Australian degrees to Indian students.

The event at NSE featured a discussion by Chauhan and Frino on the intriguing subject of the ‘Future of Equities Markets in India’. The highly anticipated talk provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving trends, the formidable challenges, and the abundant opportunities that shape India’s dynamic equities markets landscape.

“India has made significant strides in maintaining a regulatory environment that is investor-friendly, a key factor in attracting more foreign investment into our vibrant markets. The ongoing reforms and initiatives, including the establishment of the GIFT City as a financial hub and IFSCA (GIFT City regulator), exemplify our commitment to nurturing global partnerships and welcoming foreign institutions, such as the University of Wollongong, to have a physical presence in India. It is an exciting time for India, and we are dedicated to embracing innovation, facilitating market integration with the global arena, and ensuring a prosperous future for both our domestic and international stakeholders,” said Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE.

“India’s remarkable rise in fintech and technological advancements in recent years, coupled with the surge in digital consumption, presents an ideal environment for international businesses to thrive. UOW’s physical presence in India signifies more than just a strategic move; it represents our commitment to fostering deeper research engagements with our Indian partners, resulting in impactful global outcomes. Our presence in India allows us to provide world-class education, nurturing India’s young population and contributing to their holistic development. It also aligns with our vision to expand our international footprint, strengthening our global network and creating a bridge for knowledge exchange,” added Professor Frino from UOW.

On the occasion of the book launch, UOW Global Brand Ambassador and cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist interacted with the delegation from NSE and key Australian government officials and rang the ceremonial bell, signifying stronger Australia – India relations in trade, research and education partnerships.

The University, which has a strong global presence, has been successfully operating campuses in Australia, Dubai, Malaysia and Hong Kong. It will commence its India operations in 2024 with a Graduate Certificate in Computing and a Masters in Computing (Data Analytics), followed by other undergraduate programs. UOW already has close ties with over 30 Indian universities for research and educational collaborations in the areas of software development, advanced medicine solutions, molecular and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and mining technologies.

Education

CLAT To Be Conducted In Regional Languages- NTA To Delhi High Court

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2023

Team ScooNews

New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made a significant announcement, stating its readiness to conduct the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in a variety of regional languages, potentially as early as 2024. This move aims to make CLAT, a crucial examination for law aspirants, more accessible to students across India. However, the final decision rests with the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), the current organizers of CLAT.

In response to a petition presented before the Delhi High Court, NTA revealed its willingness to conduct CLAT in languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This initiative could revolutionize the accessibility of legal education by breaking down language barriers.

The NTA further stated its readiness to administer CLAT in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, similar to other major entrance exams such as JEE and CUET. If approved, the CLAT (UG)-2024 could potentially be held in the third or fourth week of January 2024, taking into consideration the necessary preparations.

This move has garnered widespread support from students and educationists who believe it will foster inclusivity and democratize access to legal education. Advocates argue that conducting CLAT in regional languages aligns with India’s emphasis on mother tongue-based education, as recommended by the 2020 Education Policy and the 2009 Right to Education Act.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this decision, there are valid concerns regarding the feasibility and cost implications. Ensuring accurate translation and equal access to exam materials for all students will be paramount. Additionally, coordinating the logistics of conducting CLAT in multiple languages will be a complex endeavor.

CLAT, which is presently conducted solely in English, has faced criticism for allegedly discriminating against students with regional language backgrounds, potentially violating constitutional articles 14 and 29(2). This development holds the potential to bring about a transformative change in the way aspiring lawyers across India prepare for their legal careers.

As the legal fraternity awaits the final decision by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the prospect of CLAT being conducted in regional languages has ignited hope for a more inclusive legal education landscape while also presenting a set of logistical and financial challenges that must be thoughtfully addressed.

Education

UK-Gujarat Higher Education Conference: Gujarat’s education system to be strengthened

Published

4 days ago

September 21, 2023

Team ScooNews

A high-level academic consultation was held in Gujarat on Wednesday to explore the potential of Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships between the UK and Gujarat higher education institutions (HEIs). The event was organised by the Department of Higher and Technical Education Government of Gujarat and UK in India, which hosted a senior-level higher education delegation from September 18-22. The delegation visited Ahmedabad and met with Gujarat’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Rushikesh Patel.

The consultation aimed to promote internationalisation and support institutions on both sides to develop shared understanding and collaboration opportunities. The delegation included vice chancellors of various UK universities and bodies, who discussed the latest trends and opportunities in the field of education, such as the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the scope of joint venture with new technology.

Minister Rushikesh Patel welcomed the delegation and briefed them about the research and innovation opportunities in Gujarat, the work being done in Gujarat in terms of Student Startup Innovation Policy (SSIP) and start-ups, and the recent Gujarat Public Universities Act passed by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. He also congratulated Alison Barrett MBE, Director of British Council India, for the trust and collaboration that exists between the UK and Gujarat higher education systems.

Barrett said, “We are delighted to be in Gujarat with a large delegation of UK universities and bodies to discuss partnership opportunities institutions in the State and those in the UK, showcasing the trust and collaboration that exists between our higher education systems. Institutions from the state and the UK are already working together, and we are confident that our discussions will pave the way for even more mutually beneficial initiatives. This is a moment to celebrate the deep and extensive links that exist between our universities and the numerous opportunities for collaboration and internationalisation.”

The meeting also focused on how to make Gujarat’s universities world class with the implementation of the Gujarat Public Universities Act, to strengthen the education system of Gujarat in the field of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) through SSIP, and to mark Gujarat on the international stage through various provisions of NEP. The Minister said that Indo-UK relations will continue to be important in capacity building of the state’s higher education system. (ANI)

Education

Maharashtra Launches ‘Adopt a School’ Scheme to Boost Education Quality

Published

4 days ago

September 20, 2023

Team ScooNews

The Maharashtra government has announced a new scheme on September 19 that will allow private entities with a SEBI registered CSR certificate to adopt government schools in the state. The scheme, called Adopt a School, aims to improve the quality of education and infrastructure in these schools, irrespective of their medium of instruction.

The scheme will be implemented in phases across the state and the period of adoption will be either five or ten years. The private entities can also choose to add their name to the existing name of the school for the duration of the adoption.

The government has fixed the adoption fee at Rs 2 crore for five years and Rs 3 crore for ten years for schools located in A and B category municipal corporations, such as Mumbai and Pune. The fee will be used for enhancing the facilities, curriculum, teaching methods, and learning outcomes of the students. The private entities will also have to provide regular feedback and reports to the government on the progress of the schools.

The scheme is part of the government’s efforts to achieve the goals set by the National Education Policy 2020, which envisages a holistic and multidisciplinary education system in India. The scheme will also create a platform for collaboration and innovation between the public and private sectors in the field of education.

Education

Gurukul The School Addresses New Education Policy and Curriculum Framework-2020

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2023

Team ScooNews

Gurukul The School of Ghaziabad hosted a thought-provoking event, the inaugural session of the ‘Think Series,’ on September 18th, 2023. The event aimed to delve into the intricacies of the New Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework 2020 and explore their relevance in contemporary times. Distinguished guests, education experts, students, and educators gathered to engage in insightful discussions.

Among the esteemed guests were Ms. Anita Karwal, former Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy at the Ministry of Education, Government of India; Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, Director of Capacity Building and Finance at the National e-Governance Division, Digital India Corporation; Ms. Rashi Sharma, Director of Samagra Shiksha, Nipun Bharat, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Shri Ratnesh Kumar Jha, CEO – Asia Pacific, The Burlington Group of Companies; Sachin Vats, Director of Gurukul The School; and Principal Gaurav Bedi. Over 50 students from various reputed schools and more than 100 principals, parents, teachers, and students also participated.

The primary objective of the ‘Think Series’ was to provide a common platform for policymakers, principals, teachers, parents, and students to engage in a comprehensive dialogue about how the new education policy can contribute to the holistic development of the younger generation.

During the event, a noteworthy book titled ‘Power of Curiosity’ was unveiled. This book, a collaborative effort by eminent educationists Anita Karwal, Rajneesh Kumar, and Rashi Sharma, delves into innovative and non-traditional methods to make the learning process engaging and effective. It emphasizes that education should extend beyond the confines of the classroom.

The panel discussion addressed queries and concerns from parents, teachers, and students, with education experts providing valuable insights. Ms. Anita Karwal, a keynote speaker, underscored the significance of the New Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework-2020, commending the enthusiasm of Gurukul The School’s Director and Principal for organizing the ‘Think Series.’

The event at Gurukul The School served as a crucial platform for fostering meaningful conversations about the future of education, with a focus on the holistic growth of the next generation in India.

Education

CBSE Director Academics, Joseph Emmanuel, delivers a national session on NEP implementation and way forward

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2023

Team ScooNews

Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director Academics of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), delivered an insightful online session on the National Education Policy 2020, its impact, its implementation and the way forward on Friday, September 15, 2023.

A strong proponent of NEP and competency-focused education, Dr. Emmanuel addressed over a thousand educators from schools across India in a highly informative session facilitated by Saamarthya Teachers Training Academy of Research (STTAR).

Laying out the vision of NEP at the outset, he said, “Basically, the NEP focusses on four major areas: Equity, Excellence, Inclusivity and Access. After the launch of NEP, the Indian education system has seen two NCFs – the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education. These two curricula are aimed at taking ahead the implementation of NEP in a synchronized manner and it should be the aim of all institutions to provide quality education to all children.”

Dr. Emmanuel highlighted the major areas of focus for NEP and emphasized the need for a shift to competency-focused teaching and learning, transforming assessments, tracking student progress across school years, holistic development of each child, and standard setting and accreditation.

“Competency focused education is a major area in which CBSE has been working. It involves curricular interventions, pedagogical interventions, assessment reforms, student enrichment activities and development of resource material and capacity building of teachers,” Dr. Emmanuel said.

As teachers were the predominant audience of the session, Dr. Emmanuel shared a good number of references to resource material for teachers of all grades and domains to empower their teaching skills. These included samples of pedagogical processes, blueprints and assessment items and rubrics. He strongly advocated the implementation of experiential learning pedagogies like art and sports integrated learning, storytelling, toy-based learning. “Education has to be child-centric and inclusive to ensure individual development. An enabling environment for competency-focussed education can be created through transformation in content, pedagogy, assessments and capacity building,” he said. He spoke of SAFAL as an upcoming platform to assess key competencies in students. He stressed upon need to strengthen School Quality Assessment and Assurance (SQAA), as envisioned in NEP, through a framework comprising seven key domains.

Dr. Emmanuel has an experience of 30 years in the field of education. He is leading the implementation of NEP in CBSE schools across India.

The session was managed by STTAR which is a premier teachers training academy with expertise in professional development of educators, curriculum development, research, and school enrichment.

Sushma Raturi, member secretary of STTAR, who hosted the session, said the address by Dr. Joseph Emmanuel is an attempt to educate and create widespread awareness about the implementation of NEP 2020. In fact, some of STTAR’s upcoming programmes are deeply aligned with the vision of NEP, including a three-day programme on ‘Early Childhood Education As Envisioned in NEP’ in September and a National Teachers’ Olympiad to provide teachers a country-wide platform to test their competence and have a roadmap for professional development. The Olympiad will be held in December, 2023.

Education

France to Host Education Fairs Across India to Attract Students

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2023

Team ScooNews

New Delhi, India– In a bid to entice Indian students to pursue higher education opportunities in France, the French Institute in India, in collaboration with Campus France India, is set to organize the ‘Choose France Tour 2023’ education fairs. The fairs are scheduled to take place from October 8 to 15, 2023, in four prominent Indian cities: Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

These events will offer a unique chance for Indian students to interact directly with top French institutes and universities. Campus France India’s website highlighted the significance of these individual meetings, where attendees can present their CVs and receive valuable guidance on the application process for the upcoming academic year.

‘Choose France Tour 2023’ Schedule:

October 8: Hyatt Regency, Chennai, from 2 PM to 6 PM
October 11: ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, from 2 PM to 7 PM
October 13: Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, from 2 PM to 6 PM
October 15: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, from 11 AM to 4 PM

More than 40 leading universities are expected to participate in these fairs, providing students with insights into various prospects, including scholarships and beyond. The participating institutions encompass a diverse range, including management and engineering schools, public universities, and specialized institutions focusing on hospitality and the arts.

The French Embassy expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming fairs, stating, “It will provide an excellent opportunity for Indian students and their parents to interact with the representatives of more than 40 French higher education institutions present at the fair, and explore a wide range of study options,” as reported by PTI.

Notably, France has set a target to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, an announcement made by President Emmanuel Macron shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris as the chief guest of France’s National Day. This endeavor aims to bolster academic excellence, strengthen cultural ties, and enhance the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Additionally, France will introduce “international classes,” a specialized program offering comprehensive training in the French language and other academic disciplines for the benefit of students.

During PM Modi’s visit to France in July, it was also revealed that Indian alumni with a French Master’s degree will be eligible for a five-year Schengen circulation visa, providing opportunities for work and professional exploration in France during their two-year post-study work visa period, according to a press release from the French Embassy.

Education

AICTE Accredits Bhartiya Shiksha Board as Pan-India Education Authority

Published

6 days ago

September 19, 2023

Team ScooNews

New Delhi, India – In a groundbreaking move, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has officially granted accreditation to the Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB) as a nationwide school education authority. This accreditation, endorsed by the Union Education Ministry’s higher education department, signifies a significant milestone for the BSB, which was founded in 2019.

The Bhartiya Shiksha Board’s primary mission is to provide students with a well-rounded education that blends traditional Indian knowledge systems with contemporary science and technology. AICTE has issued a directive to all engineering and technical colleges under its purview to recognize BSB as equivalent to other national school boards, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Council of Secondary Education (ICSE).

It’s been said in a notice that the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has given the same value to Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB) as other school boards in India. They’ve confirmed this in a letter dated August 3, 2022, which means BSB’s Grade 10 and Grade 12 exams are equal to those of other Indian school boards. So, people should think of Bhartiya Shiksha Board as a national school board in India.

Reviving Traditional Indian Knowledge Systems

The Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB), co-founded by yoga teacher Ramdev and Patanjali’s Balkrishna, has a lofty goal of reviving India’s traditional knowledge systems by replacing the education policy developed by Thomas Babington Macaulay. The BSB seeks to instill the Bhartiya Gyan Parampara (Indian knowledge tradition) and the Gurukul system, believing that the Macaulay education system, introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th century, is incongruent with Indian culture and values.

BSB’s Innovative Curriculum

The curriculum offered by the Bhartiya Shiksha Board is an innovative fusion of ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary scientific knowledge and technology. Highlights of the curriculum include:

Promoting respect for India’s diverse multicultural identity through pan-Indian textbooks that integrate regional literature from all states of the nation.
A strong emphasis on developing STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Arts, and Mathematics) competencies in students.
Inclusion of subjects such as Computer Programming, Vocational Education and Training, Yoga, Sports, and Fine and Performing Arts Training.
A focus on skill development in all subjects through the Four-Block learning approach, which includes shared, guided, and independent practice.
Creation of hybrid textbooks that incorporate integrated digital content accessible via QR codes.

The accreditation of Bhartiya Shiksha Board by AICTE marks a significant step toward reshaping India’s education landscape and reaffirms the commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Indian knowledge systems alongside modern education.

Education

PM Modi to Inaugurate Atal Residential Schools on September 23rd

Published

6 days ago

September 18, 2023

Team ScooNews

New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate all 18 Atal Residential Schools on September 23, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the Yogi Adityanath government’s pro-rural and pro-poor educational initiative.

The official inauguration ceremony will commence from Varanasi, where Prime Minister Modi will formally open the Atal Residential Schools located in all 18 divisional headquarters across the state. This auspicious occasion will include interactive sessions between Prime Minister Modi and students, beginning in Varanasi and extending to other regional headquarters through online connections.

In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), it was revealed, “As part of the Yogi government’s initiative, children embarking on their educational journey in the free government boarding schools, known as Atal Residential Schools, will have the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” The event will also feature a virtual interaction with students from Atal Residential School in Gorakhpur.

Purpose Behind Atal Residential Schools

The establishment of Atal Residential Schools in all the divisional headquarters of the state is a pioneering initiative by the Yogi government. It aims to provide high-quality residential facilities and free, top-tier education to the children of laborers and destitute families who were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

“The establishment of Atal Residential Schools in all the divisional headquarters of the state by the Yogi government is an innovative initiative to provide excellent residential facilities and quality education free of cost to the children of laborers and destitute children due to COVID-19 in the state,” the statement explained.

The schools offer students not only outstanding accommodations and meals but also a plethora of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities. The wholehearted and dedicated participation of students in these activities has been noteworthy.

Ajit Kumar Singh, the Principal of Atal Residential School, emphasized the creation of a welcoming atmosphere for students, extending from the hostel facilities to the school premises.

The inauguration of the Atal Residential Schools is a significant step towards promoting education in rural areas and empowering underprivileged students with access to quality education and holistic development.