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Viewing Effective Governance and Accountability Through the Lens of SDG 4

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is guiding global development efforts to develop sustainable societies. efforts to achieve the SDGs must involve the widest possible range of stakeholders and countries to work together in reaching the pinnacle of human endeavour.

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As a bold international framework of unprecedented scale, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is guiding global development efforts to develop sustainable societies. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets cover wide-ranging themes encapsulating the development challenges of the 21st century. Beginning with eradicating poverty, and moving to achieve gender equality, providing quality education, combating climate change, and creating peaceful and inclusive societies among others, the SDGs work for a sustainable future that ‘leaves no one behind’. Therefore, efforts to achieve the SDGs must involve the widest possible range of stakeholders and countries to work together in reaching the pinnacle of human endeavour.

With regard to education, SDG 4 was formed with the specific aim of ensuring ‘inclusive, equitable and quality education for all’. As a means of promoting critical thinking, and converting potential into capacity, education is one of the greatest equalizers of our time. Thus, ensuring ‘inclusive and equitable quality education’ and promoting ‘lifelong opportunities for all’ (Goal 4) are among the most critical steps we must take in our journey to achieve the SDGs. Globally, the development discourse tends to focus on lifting people out of poverty. But as our work at UNESCO has convinced us, the challenge of lifting people out of illiteracy is just as great, and the rewards of doing so are as enduring.

As one of the signatories of the 2030 Agenda, India committed itself to achieve the 17 SDGs set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Realising the importance of education for national development, in 2010, India joined a group of 135 countries to make education a fundamental right for every child. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 which came into effect on April 2010, guarantees free and compulsory education to children between the age of 6 to 14 years. Along with the RTE Act, government schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme have helped increase access to education in rural and urban India.

The SSA scheme aims to universalise elementary education across states, while the MDM programme helps to achieve increased enrolment in primary schools by also providing improved nutritional status to the enrolled students. As has been corroborated by researchers, the MDM scheme has significantly improved school enrolment rates, created employment opportunities and helped with combating malnutrition (Jayaraman and Simroth 2015). In the field of adult education, India’s national Saakshar Bharat Mission – the largest adult education programme in the world – is steadily working towards its goal of helping 80 million Indian adults achieve literacy.

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Since access to quality education spurs innovation, boosts employment and helps alleviate poverty, it becomes imperative to address the gaps and challenges hindering the effectiveness of education policy and implementation in India. While India has successfully achieved increased enrolment rates over the past decade as published in the Educational Statistics at a Glance 2018 report (Government of India 2018), providing equitable access to quality education for students from different economic and social backgrounds remains a challenge. Furthermore, how these statistics translate into quality education has come under the scanner because of the slow progress of students in performing on reading, writing and arithmetic tests (Annual Status of Education Report 2018).

Apart from inter-state disparities in educational achievement, discriminations on the basis of gender, caste and class continue to exist, highlighting the overlapping social and cultural inequalities present across Indian states. The UNESCO 2019 State of the Education Report for India further documented the outstanding progress made in various states, detailed the persisting challenges, and suggested a set of ten recommendations to address them. Therefore, these mutually reinforcing inequalities hinder the cognitive development of children and go against the theme of the SDG 2030 Agenda of ‘Leaving no one behind’.

To successfully achieve SDG 4 along with other related SDGs, there is a need to build an education system which addresses these inequalities by ensuring access to quality education regardless of a child’s economic status, social identity or any other vulnerability which might restrict access to quality schooling. The role of effective governance and accountability becomes crucial in order to do so. Here, it is worth mentioning the 11 key principles of effective governance endorsed by the UN Economic and Social committee and set by the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and UN DESA (Boukaert et al. 2018). These 11 principles highlight three broad pillars for good governance: effectiveness, accountability and inclusiveness. These principles have been developed to assist countries which volunteer to use these principles in order to help build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. These principles apply to all public institutions including the administrative, executive and legislative organs, the security and justice sectors, independent constitutional bodies and State corporations (Economic and Social Council 2018).

With regard to providing equitable access to quality education for all in India and realizing other important SDG 4 targets, integrating effective governance and increased accountability into the education system helps in encouraging dialogue between the government and its citizens, which strengthens institutional effectiveness and inclusivity (SDG 16). For example, the rights-based approach undertaken by the Indian government towards education through the Right to Education Act 2009, mandates each state to abide by the set of rules mentioned within the Act. This stipulates certain norms and regulations that are protected within the Constitution of the country, making it easy to monitor the learning conditions and hold school authorities accountable in case of any discrepancies. As a result, this process simultaneously increases the accountability of the government system and empowers citizens to hold their state accountable in case their rights get violated.

Integrating effective governance into SDG 4 includes the promotion of sound policy making, monitoring and evaluation systems and regulatory impact analysis (Economic and Social Council 2018). Multi-stakeholder partnerships are equally important in achieving SDG 4, that is, for all ministries, institutions, multilateral and civil society organisations to collaborate and address problems of common interest. Thus, it becomes imperative to integrate effective governance and accountability into the education system in order to move in the right direction and achieve the SDG 4 targets.

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References:

•           ASER Centre (2019), Annual Status of Education Report 2018, available at http://img.asercentre.org/docs/ASER%202018/Release%20Material/aserreport2018.pdf last accessed 1 November 2019.

•           Boukaert et al. (2018), Effective Governance for Sustainable Development: 11 Principles to Put in Practice, available at https://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/effective-governance-for-sustainable-development-11-principles-to-put-in-practice/ last accessed on 31/10/2019

•           Economic and Social Council (2018), Principles of effective governance for sustainable development, available at http://workspace.unpan.org/sites/Internet/Documents/Principles%20of%20effective%20governance_to%20upload.docx.pdf last accessed on 31/10/2019

•           Government of India (2018), ‘Educational Statistics at a Glance 2018’ https://mhrd.gov.in/educational-statistics-glance-2018 last accessed on 31/10/2019

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•           Jayaraman and Simroth (2015), The Impact of School Lunches on Primary School Enrollment: Evidence from India's Midday Meal Scheme, The Scandinavian Journal of Economics, access at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sjoe.12116 last accessed 1 November 2019.

About The Author :

Eric Falt is the Director and UNESCO Representative for the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office.

 

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What Does the Future Look Like for World Education?

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As political changes loom over the US education system, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, questions arise about the ripple effects such reforms could have on global education, including in India and other parts of Asia. Historically, American education policies and practices have served as benchmarks for many countries, influencing curriculums, teaching methodologies, and educational reforms. This article explores how these proposed changes might shape the future of education worldwide.

Historical Impact of American Educational Practices

The influence of the United States on global education is well-documented. For instance, in the mid-20th century, the US pushed for science and mathematics education reforms after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. This emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) was mirrored in several nations, including India, which began integrating more technical education in schools. Similarly, the US-led push for standardised testing during the No Child Left Behind era inspired similar measures in Asia, where countries like China and India adopted rigorous assessment frameworks.

The idea of universal education access and inclusivity, championed in the US, has also resonated globally. The implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975 influenced India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and similar policies across Asia. Therefore, if the US dismantles its Department of Education, transferring responsibilities to states, the resulting decentralised model may have implications for nations seeking inspiration from American education.

Comparing Trump’s Proposals with NEP 2020

Trump’s Agenda47 proposes greater parental control, cutting funding for initiatives deemed ideologically inappropriate, and emphasising local governance of education. While these ideas are specific to American politics, some parallels can be drawn with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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NEP 2020 focuses on empowering schools and teachers to create tailored curriculums that meet local needs. Like Trump’s proposal to return control to states, NEP advocates for decentralisation, urging state boards and local authorities to implement flexible frameworks. However, the alignment ends here. NEP promotes inclusivity and modernisation, championing universal access to quality education and focusing on critical areas such as digital learning, skills-based education, and early childhood care.

In contrast, Trump’s proposals seem to focus more on limiting federal oversight and reducing regulations, which could result in inequitable access to resources—a stark difference from NEP’s vision of equity and inclusion. If the US adopts a more state-driven approach, India and other nations might evaluate its outcomes, particularly in balancing local autonomy with national educational standards.

A Roadmap for Global Education

The future of global education hinges on addressing universal challenges, including accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. Nations worldwide, including the US and India, are grappling with how best to integrate technology, emphasise STEM education, and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.

A decentralised system, as envisioned by Trump, may encourage innovation and localised solutions but risks widening disparities. Conversely, global education roadmaps like UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) advocate for inclusive, equitable, and quality education as a shared responsibility. In this regard, NEP 2020 aligns more closely with global goals than Trump’s vision, which focuses on reducing federal intervention.

If the US moves forward with dismantling the Department of Education, it will be crucial to observe whether this decentralisation fosters innovation or exacerbates inequalities. For countries like India, which are already navigating local governance in education, the American experience could serve as both a cautionary tale and a potential source of inspiration.

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Hence, the relationship between American education policy and global education is undeniable. As the US contemplates radical changes, the impact on its own students and the broader world remains uncertain. For countries like India, which have often looked to the US as an educational blueprint, these developments offer lessons in balancing local autonomy with equitable access to quality education.

This unfolding story raises essential questions about the shared vision for education in 2025 and beyond. The world will be watching to see whether the US remains a pioneer or takes a step back from its global leadership in education.

 

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ICAI and CBSE Join Hands to Promote Commerce-Based Skill Courses in Schools

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MoU between ICAI and CBSE

In a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem in education, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 November 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This collaboration aims to introduce and promote commerce-focused skill courses, particularly in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, to boost students’ employability and career readiness.

The ICAI, through its Committee on Career Counselling, will contribute its expertise in curriculum design, syllabus development, study materials, and training modules. Additionally, the organisation will play an active role in career guidance initiatives, participating in workshops and training programmes organised by CBSE.

Addressing the importance of the partnership, ICAI President CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal stated, “The signing of this MoU with the CBSE is a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem for students across the country. Through this collaboration, ICAI aims to promote commerce-based skill courses and ensure that students are equipped with relevant, industry-aligned competencies. This partnership reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements, and we are confident that it will open new avenues for students to pursue rewarding careers in accountancy and finance.”

The collaboration will also focus on raising awareness about career opportunities in accountancy and related fields, aligning educational frameworks with the evolving demands of the job market. CBSE and ICAI plan to conduct awareness programmes for principals, teachers, and school management teams in CBSE-affiliated schools across India. These programmes will highlight the importance of BFSI-related skill courses and their potential to enhance students’ career trajectories.

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As part of this initiative, CBSE will organise capacity-building initiatives to upskill teachers in commerce-related subjects, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver specialised courses effectively.

ICAI has already established similar collaborations with 85 universities, colleges, and educational institutions to promote academic excellence, research, and knowledge exchange. According to The Indian Express, these initiatives aim to create a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a modern, dynamic economy.

This partnership underscores a growing commitment to aligning education with industry needs, preparing students for thriving careers in commerce and finance.

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When Education Suffocates: A Reflection on Pollution and Hypocrisy

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The image is generated using AI

Winter in North India no longer carries the gentle chill of nostalgia. Instead, it drifts in cloaked in smog, acrid pollution, and despair. Each year, as the air quality index (AQI) hits catastrophic levels, the nation seems trapped in a vicious cycle of reactive measures and inadequate solutions. Schools close their doors, children are forced into online classes, and life is put on pause—all while the question looms: are these measures too little, too late?

This week, Delhi and its neighbouring states plunged into yet another public health emergency. The AQI in the capital breached the “severe plus” category, with readings of over 500 in certain areas—levels that are equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes in a single day. For context, smoking in Bangalore’s air, while not healthy, is currently considered healthier than simply breathing in Delhi.

{Image- Jammu, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (PTI)}

Amid this crisis, schools and universities have been forced to shift to online classes yet again. The Supreme Court has intervened, universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University have issued notifications, and government schools have suspended physical classes. These decisions, though necessary, feel more like desperate attempts to contain the damage rather than addressing the root cause of the crisis.

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As educators, policymakers, and parents, aren’t we hypocritical? We preach yoga, mindfulness, and physical wellness to our children while they breathe in air laden with PM2.5 and PM10 particles—air that clogs their lungs and hinders their growth. We promote “wellness periods” in schools and discuss the importance of holistic development, yet we do nothing to ensure that the very environment they live in supports their health and well-being.

Every child has the right to a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow, but what are we truly offering them? Masks, air purifiers, and lessons on resilience—tools to survive rather than thrive. What kind of childhood is this, where outdoor play becomes a luxury and clean air a distant dream?

The scientific community has repeatedly warned about the devastating impacts of prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly on children. Their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage from particulate matter, which can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions later in life. A study by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health estimates that pollution caused nine million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, with air pollution being the primary culprit.

In India, the numbers are staggering. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from asthma, cognitive impairments, and even stunted growth. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological impact is equally alarming. Living in a constant state of environmental crisis breeds anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of safety—all of which are detrimental to their overall development.

The Return to Online Classes: A Missed Opportunity

If air pollution is to be the “new normal” in North India’s winters, then why have we abandoned online education so completely? The pandemic forced us into virtual classrooms, but as soon as the immediate threat subsided, the system was discarded without much thought to its long-term utility. Teachers, untrained and unprepared, are now expected to conduct meaningful lessons online, while students struggle to adapt to an environment that they haven’t engaged with meaningfully since 2022.

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This raises an important question: should online education remain a part of our academic framework, even when circumstances don’t demand it? Incorporating regular online classes—perhaps one day a month—could help students and teachers stay familiar with the format. It could also serve as a contingency plan for emergencies like the current pollution crisis, ensuring continuity in learning without the chaos of sudden shifts.

Moreover, training teachers to connect with students effectively in virtual environments is crucial. Simply moving the classroom to a screen is not enough. Teachers need tools, strategies, and support to create engaging and impactful lessons. Without this, online education remains a hollow exercise, benefiting no one.

Every winter, the same questions resurface: why do we wait until the AQI crosses hazardous levels to act? Why do policies remain reactive rather than preventive? And most critically, why do we continue to normalise this situation for our children?

The blame lies not just with governments or industries but with society as a whole. From unchecked stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana to vehicular emissions in urban centres, the web of responsibility is vast and interconnected. Yet, year after year, the measures taken are temporary, insufficient, and often misplaced. We treat the symptoms, not the disease.

What kind of message are we sending to our children? That their health and future are expendable? That the environment they inherit will always be an afterthought? As the smog thickens and the world debates solutions, the reality for millions of children in North India is bleak. They will grow up breathing poison, and the long-term consequences are unimaginable.

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As I watch this crisis unfold, I am filled with a deep sense of worry for the children of today and tomorrow. What kind of world are we leaving for them to suffer in? If we don’t act now—boldly, decisively, and with genuine commitment—we risk condemning them to a lifetime of struggle in an environment that is hostile to their very existence.

The time for half-measures is over. We owe it to our children to build a future where they can breathe freely, dream fearlessly, and live fully. The question is, are we ready to rise to the challenge?

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Khan Academy Launches Khanmigo AI Tool for Teachers in India

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Khan Academy, the global nonprofit dedicated to providing free, world-class education, has launched its AI-powered tool, Khanmigo, free for all teachers in India. Starting this Children’s Day, educators can access this innovative teaching assistant at no cost, in both English and Hindi, through Khan Academy’s platform.

Khanmigo, designed to enhance both teacher productivity and student engagement, functions as an AI-powered teaching assistant and student tutor. By streamlining tasks like lesson preparation, generating curriculum-aligned assessments, and creating concise chapter summaries, Khanmigo allows teachers to focus on personalised learning experiences for their students.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Swati Vasudevan, Managing Director of Khan Academy India, shared:
“On this special occasion of Children’s Day, we’re thrilled to make Khanmigo available to all teachers across India at no cost. At Khan Academy, we believe teachers are the key to unlocking each child’s potential. By providing Khanmigo, we’re empowering educators to create impactful and tailored learning experiences. Our aim is to break down barriers to technology access, enabling teachers to inspire and support India’s children in achieving their full potential.”

Supported by Microsoft’s investment, Khanmigo is part of Khan Academy’s global rollout, now available in over 40 countries. Indian teachers can create an account on the Khan Academy platform to access this resource and benefit from its features, including interactive student tutoring and classroom management tools.

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Khan Academy also emphasises that the implementation of Khanmigo remains a work in progress. Teachers and students are encouraged to engage with the tool thoughtfully, fostering digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible AI use.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Khan Academy’s mission to expand educational opportunities through technology, making quality resources accessible to educators and students across India.

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Guthli Ad Fest Day 1: A Grand Start at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

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The Guthli Ad Fest 2024 launched in spectacular fashion at the iconic St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Day 1 was filled with high-energy sessions, insightful discussions, and inspiring interactions. Kicking off the day, Pratish Nair introduced the vision behind Miles and Miles SoBA (School of Branding & Advertising), explaining how their collaborative approach blends creativity with empathy. Nair emphasised that their unique curriculum, which includes scuba diving and Himalayan trekking, aims to equip students with life skills that go beyond the traditional classroom, fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness.

The event began with a warm welcome and inauguration, followed by a captivating tribute and a fireside chat featuring advertising legends Piyush Pandey, KV Sridhar, and Prasoon Pandey, moderated by Devaiah Bopanna. Their discussion shed light on their journeys, offering a rare glimpse into the minds behind India’s most iconic campaigns.

The day continued with Cyrus Broacha, the 90’s poster child of Indian advertising, delivering a light-hearted yet insightful session, followed by Tanya Nambiar’s presentation on how emotional bonds can be forged using the power of voice.

The afternoon saw Shirsha Thakurta delve into the art of visual storytelling, followed by a hands-on workshop led by Dr Prateesh R Nair, who demonstrated how advertising can be used as an engaging tool in classrooms. A panel discussion with Miles SoBA students and a thought-provoking session by Josy Paul on creativity in classrooms wrapped up the day.

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Day 2 promises even more excitement, with an Ad Acapella, fashion shows, excellence awards, and a lot of fun activities to look forward to. Stay tuned for more!

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Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): A Synergistic Approach to Education

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CLIL or Content and Language Integrated Learning is a relatively new and underutilised pedagogical approach to language learning. It is a generic term referring to the teaching of a curricular subject through a foreign language. The basis of CLIL is that the teaching-learning is carried out in a language that is not the mother tongue of the students. The end objective remains to learn the second language while the content is extracted through other subjects which the students already study as part of their curriculum. It is a dual-focused approach in which both the content and the language are learnt simultaneously.

The CLIL Methodology

The successful implementation of a CLIL programme relies on the collaboration between language teachers and content teachers. Each is an expert in his or her field, so they need to share both their respective ideologies and materials.

A content teacher is someone who teaches a subject — for example, biology, history, or art. This does not mean just teaching the subject in the English medium. These content teachers are not experts in language acquisition or pedagogy as they are experts only in their respective subjects. Content teachers also depend on the support of the language teacher to diffuse the elements of the language into their subject matter. Thus, both types of teachers have to work in close conjunction with one another to make CLIL successful.

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A language teacher is principally responsible for teaching English (or another language), but in the CLIL programme, he or she also supports the content teacher by introducing relevant vocabulary and functional language related to a given subject. This is a more powerful approach to learning a new language as it focuses on the authentic use of language rather than learning it through decontextualized content fragments, memorising grammar rules, or the cramming of curricular subjects.

Let us take the example of a history lesson. The content teacher explains the Civil Disobedience Movement through pictures, demonstrations, and using the textbook in English, and if necessary, the students’ first language. In parallel, the English language teacher might teach students the grammatical structures used for explaining the past tense (simple past, past progressive, and past perfect), the language to describe cause and effect (because of, due to, results in), and word forms (empire, emperor). In summation, the student has learnt both the concept of the Civil Disobedience Movement and can articulate or explain it using appropriate grammar and terminology.

The CLIL Framework

The framework of CLIL is based on the 4Cs i.e., Content (or the subject matter), Cognition (the process of learning and thinking), Communication (the process of interacting and using the language), and Culture (developing an understanding of the language). So, CLIL teaching is not only a matter of learning how to teach both content and language, but also how to integrate them. In this aspect, it is very different from immersion or content-based instruction techniques of language acquisition as it emphasises the need to harmonise language and content-based learning rather than prioritising one over the other.

According to Marsh et al. (2001), students cannot improve their content knowledge and skills without learning the language, because the subjects are discussed, constructed, evaluated and embedded in the language. The basic aspect of learning any language or developing fluency in it is to acquire as much vocabulary as you can. Vocabulary can be divided into three parts: Basic vocabulary, academic vocabulary, and discipline-specific vocabulary. CLIL involves learning to use language appropriately while using language to learn the subject adequately.

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In every CLIL lesson plan given by the University of Cambridge, ESOL examinations it is repeatedly insisted that “Every subject has its content obligatory language which means a subject-specific vocabulary, grammatical structures, and functional expressions”. For instance, a chapter on ‘Plants’ in Grade 3 Science would have vocabulary such as ‘photosynthesis’, ‘stomata’, ‘sunlight’, etc which are domain-specific for science for that level. Therefore, each chunk of content associated with CLIL has a specific vocabulary and the teacher has to relate his/her teaching with the newly learnt vocabulary with the old one, which is also the preliminary step in the CLIL approach.

The Final Word

The objectives of CLIL are varied, but among the most relevant ones are to improve the educational system, to establish the necessary conditions that will allow students to achieve the appropriate level of academic performance in curricular subjects, to develop intercultural understanding and to hone their social and thinking skills. Moreover, CLIL prepares students for the globalized world by increasing their motivation to learn foreign languages and cementing their intercultural competence.

As an approach, CLIL has been very successful in countries such as China, Malaysia and Thailand in promoting content learning and language acquisition. In India too, CLIL is gaining currency slowly and steadily but needs some more research, the willingness to adopt, and flexible implementation. Some initiatives have been taken in this direction. For instance, CLIL@India a 3-year project co-funded by the European Union was a consortium of 7 Universities from India and Europe dedicated to developing a new model of bilingual education by introducing Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) as an innovative pedagogical practice in the Indian education system to preserve the nation’s multilingualism.

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Authored By- Sanjhee Gianchandani 

Sanjhee Gianchandani is an English language curriculum designer and editor with a Master’s from LSR, University of Delhi, and a CELTA from Cambridge. She has authored grammar books, edited over 100 academic and literary works, and specialises in English language teaching (ELT) pedagogy.

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CISCE to Implement Major Academic Reforms Aligned with NEP 2020 from 2025-26

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Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which oversees the ICSE and ISC board exams, will introduce substantial changes to its academic framework. These reforms align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to impact over three million students across India, as reported by The Times of India.

Robotics and AI in Curriculum

A significant aspect of the reforms is the inclusion of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for Classes XI and XII. For younger students, elements of AI and coding will be integrated into their computer science courses, ensuring these technologies are taught in a simplified and engaging manner. The objective is to familiarise students with emerging technologies from an early age, equipping them with skills for the future.

Introduction of Competency-Based Exams

The CISCE will also introduce a ‘holistic progress card’, a 360-degree evaluation system to assess students’ development across academic and non-academic domains. This approach will provide a comprehensive view of student achievements beyond traditional metrics.

Changes in the board exam structure are also on the horizon. From 2025, 25% of exam questions will be competency-based, focusing on critical thinking and core skills rather than rote memorisation. This percentage will increase to 40% in 2026 and 50% by 2027, promoting deeper understanding among students.

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Digital Assessments and School Improvement

To enhance educational standards, the council will roll out digital assessments for students in Classes III, V, and VIII from 2025-26. These assessments aim to identify students who need additional support or those excelling beyond their grade level. Additionally, a school improvement plan will be introduced, encouraging high-performing schools to partner with state governments to enhance the quality of education in government institutions.

The overarching goal of these reforms is to foster a balanced, skills-oriented learning environment that prepares students for real-world challenges and opportunities.

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Aditya Birla World Academy Hosts ‘The Happy Place’ an Interschool Festival to Drive Awareness on Mental Health

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In a collaborative effort between Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) and Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust the Happy Place Interschool Festival was successfully held to raise awareness about mental health, with this year’s theme being The Mindful Megabyte Digital Wellness. The event saw participation from over 200 students across various schools in Mumbai across boards, engaging in a variety of creative and expressive competitions, including Solo/Duet Singing, Art, Photography, AD-Film Making, Drama, Slam Poetry, and Dance. Each event centered around the theme of digital wellness, focusing on the impact of technology on mental health and well-being.

The Happy Place Interschool Festival, introduced by Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), is built on the belief that mental health awareness is a crucial aspect of a child’s holistic development. At ABWA, students benefit from a robust mental health and emotional well-being curriculum that supports resilience alongside academic excellence. Under the leadership of Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla World Academy and the Aditya Birla Education Trust, this vision has flourished. A passionate mental health advocate, Mrs. Birla firmly believes that mental health awareness and support should be accessible to all students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.

As an extension of this vision, the Mindsmatter program has reached 25 schools and over 40,000 students across India in the past year, with 318 teachers trained and 67 mentoring sessions conducted. The program has positively impacted behavior, self-esteem, and academic performance, with 83% of participants reporting improved communication skills and 61% noting reduced stigma around mental health.

For the last 6 years, The Happy Place Interschool Festival has expanded beyond ABWA, engaging students from schools across Mumbai to raise awareness on mental health through creative activities. This festival sustains the conversation on mental health, offering students a thoughtfully curated platform to explore these critical themes, express themselves creatively, and build empathy. Through themes like Digital Wellness, participants reflect on their emotional health, fostering a balanced and mindful approach to life.

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Mrs. Radhika Sinha, Principal of Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), “highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “The Happy Place interschool festival is not just a competition, but a mindful space for students to engage in conversations about mental health while expressing their creativity. The focus here is not only on winning but also on creating an environment where students can explore topics like Digital Wellness that are highly relevant to the challenges the youth face today. These activities help drive awareness, fostering a sense of empathy and mindfulness amongst our students.”

The competition’s theme, Digital Wellness, reflects the growing influence of technology in the lives of young people. While digital platforms provide numerous opportunities for connection, learning, and creativity, they also come with risks such as overuse, social media addiction, cyberbullying, and sleep deprivation. Striking a balance between the positive and negative impacts of digital media is crucial for the well-being of today’s youth.

Parveen Shaikh, VP Operations at Mpower, highlighted the urgent need for digital wellbeing support amidst the growing mental health crisis: “In today’s digital age, the constant use of technology is significantly impacting mental health, particularly among young people. Studies reveal that 1 in 5 individuals experience symptoms of mental health conditions, with excessive screen time and online pressures contributing to this rise. Alarmingly, 50% of mental health issues begin by the age of 14, and 75% by age 24. By focusing on digital wellbeing and creating awareness around healthy tech habits, we aim to provide timely interventions that encourage young people to seek help and maintain a balanced, mentally healthy lifestyle. 

Research on digital wellness suggests that excessive use of digital devices can negatively affect mental health, particularly among students. Studies show that prolonged exposure to screens can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Initiatives like The Happy Place Interschool Festival play a significant role in bringing these critical discussions to the forefront, encouraging students to reflect on their digital habits and make informed choices.

As this year’s competition concludes, the collaboration between ABWA and Mpower continues to raise awareness on crucial mental health issues, ensuring that students are empowered to lead balanced, mindful lives.

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Department of School Education & Literacy Proposes October Activities to Honour Senior Citizens

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In observance of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on 1st October, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of School Education & Literacy, has proposed a series of activities throughout October 2024. These initiatives aim to instil values of respect, care, and empathy towards senior citizens among students, fostering intergenerational bonding.

This month-long celebration focuses on connecting students with the elderly, emphasising the invaluable contributions, wisdom, and dignity of older generations. With life expectancy rising globally, and older persons expected to outnumber youth by 2030, the importance of fostering respect for senior citizens is more relevant than ever.

Educational institutions have been encouraged to observe Grandparents’ Day, featuring activities like storytelling and interactive games. Schools may also host pledge-taking ceremonies, where students and staff commit to respecting and supporting the elderly.

Morning assemblies or language classes will offer opportunities for students to recite poems and shlokas that emphasise respect for elders, drawing from India’s cultural heritage. Schools will also facilitate interactions between students and senior citizens, allowing for the sharing of stories, historical discussions, and the exploration of traditional crafts.

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Students will be encouraged to engage in community service projects with senior citizens, strengthening intergenerational solidarity. Mentorship programs, where seniors share their expertise in arts, culture, and vocational skills, are also proposed, benefiting both generations.

These initiatives, rolled out across States/UTs and educational institutions, are designed to promote care and concern for senior citizens, creating a society built on mutual respect and understanding.

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Education

Ministry of Education Hosts Two-Day STARS Workshop to Strengthen School-to-Work Transition and Assessment Systems

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Ministry of Education, India

The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L) organised a two-day knowledge-sharing workshop under the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from 30th September to 1st October 2024. The workshop aimed to foster a robust educational ecosystem that prepares students for the challenges of the future workforce, focusing on the school-to-work transition and strengthening assessment systems.

The workshop was inaugurated by Uday Pratap Singh, State Minister of Transport and School Education, who highlighted the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in shaping the overall development of children. He stressed the role of the STARS project in transforming the education system.

Day 1 featured key discussions led by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSE&L, who underscored the need to bridge the gap between education and employment. This was followed by panel discussions moderated by Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary of DoSE&L, where speakers explored the integration of skill education into school curricula and the promotion of multidisciplinary learning, internships, and apprenticeships under NEP and the National Credit Framework (NCrF).

Further, Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, emphasised the importance of collaboration between departments and aligning the curriculum with industry demands. Usha Titus, Managing Director of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme in Kerala, led a session on the role of psychometric assessments and career counselling in preparing students for the workforce.

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On Day 2, Vipin Kumar discussed the need to improve current assessment models, followed by presentations on psychometric analysis and innovative assessment practices by educational leaders, including Smt. Idzes Angmo Kundan and Jonas Bertling.

The workshop concluded with key takeaways from Vipin Kumar, who highlighted strategies for enhancing assessment systems and improving school-to-work transitions to ensure a better future for students.

(With inputs from ANI)

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