Admitting that it would be a herculean task to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the current academic year, especially when the students, teachers and even educational institutions are not fully prepared for it, Bhagirath Shetye, chairperson of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE), while speaking to Bharati Pawaskar, stated that the process would be simplified this year.
THE FIRST STEPS
>> This year we would simplify the process. As you know, we already have implemented NSCFI from Class 9 wherein 14-15 sectors are available from horticulture, IT, retail, management, commerce etc. Some other Boards from different states have also adopted this model, and we are getting results.
ON LANGUAGES
>> The new subjects are skill oriented. Languages could also be a new subject which can help those who wish to pursue a career in teaching, journalism, communications etc where talking and communicating skills need to be enhanced. Efficiency in languages would aid in making and successfully taking forward the career.
ON AI, DATA SCIENCE, CODING
>> Subjects like AI, Data Science and Coding are also added to the Class 9 syllabus. The students would be offered an opportunity to learn AI this academic year as an optional subject. Further, the Class 10 exam at the end of the academic year (March 2024) will have AI as a subject, and 500 students from 50 schools would be able to answer. Those schools that have computer teachers, computer labs and internet facilities can include this subject in the curriculum. The Board has prepared the syllabus and the Class 10 textbook for AI would be made available soon.
TEACHERS NEED TO UPGRADE
>> The current teachers need to upgrade their skills to be able to teach differently and different subjects. Those who cannot embrace the new teaching methodology could be out of the system. This is the ‘survival’ of the fittest. That’s the crux of the Scheme that NEP provisions would require the teachers to enhance their skills, and on the other hand, it will offer more choice to the students to choose a subject of their interest. Can we have new teachers? Yes, provided they are introduced to the methodology and are willing to adopt it.
SKILL ORIENTED COURSES
>> A student who passes Class 8, can choose different subjects in Class 9. The pupil can opt for ITI courses which are skill oriented to get one-year credit of 20 points and is eligible to answer Class 10 straight. The ITI courses could be two or three years. Also, for Class 10, the student need not pick all subjects. With two languages, the student can clear the exam which is equivalent to Class 10. Hence, with the passing certificate of Class 10 and the skills learnt at the ITI course, the pupil can start working.
>> When we began to offer ITI courses after Class 8 in Goa, we had around 600-700 students in the first academic year. For level 2 we had around 8,000 and now we have 11,000 students.
>> The long-term goal of NEP seems to be good, provided the initial hiccups could be overcome.
