In view of the decision of setting up of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission under AtmaNirbhar Bharat, and in view of the focus of Samagra Shiksha towards a learning outcome centric approach, it is necessary to develop the required resources for implementing the mission in an effective and timely manner, leading to all-around improvement in learning outcomes and learning levels of students. And NCERT has been directed by the DoSEL, MHRD to take up the following tasks on priority in 2020-21.
For the implementation of the learning outcomes for grades, 1-10 NCERT prepared Infographics/posters/presentations explaining each of the Learning Outcomes, for each subject and for each grade for classes 1 to 5 to be completed by October 2020; for classes 6 to 12 by March 2021. And online Teacher training courses for teachers of each grade for classes 1 to 5 in phases by December 2020 for classes 6 to 12 in phases by June 2021.
Prepare supplementary/alternative academic learning material for the entire curriculum for learners in COVID-19 times, especially those without any form of digital/online access – for classes 1 to 5 in phases by December 2020; for classes 6 to 12in phases by June 2021.
At least 10 items/questions each to measure each Learning Outcome of each subject for each grade in at least two levels of proficiency to be prepared for classes 1 to 5 by November 2020; for the rest of the classes by March 2021.
The new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for School Education has also been initiated. NCERT will be expected to make changes in the textbooks in accordance with the new NCF. Subject experts will initiate this process for school education, and give an interim report by December 2020.
While redesigning textbooks, it is to be ensured that nothing but the core content is placed in textbooks. Also, the cognitive load of the textbooks is too high. Additional areas, such as creative thinking, life skills, Indian ethos, art, and integration, etc. need to be integrated. NCERT will also start working on the layout and design of the new textbooks well in advance, however, the new textbooks shall be written based on the new NCF. The new NCF is expected to be ready by March 2021.
Mukta Chatterjee Executive Director Centre Point School, Nagpur said that there are many directives coming from the ministry. Many big announcements are being made in the Education field and recently CBSE has announced to cancel all the pending exams of Class 10th and 12th which was scheduled from July 1. Regarding the NCERT new roadmap, we need more details about the changes being made.
Dr Anurag Pandey an educationist said that this move of ministry will surely help the students as well as teachers. We are happy that the HRD ministry has issued a new roadmap for NCERT. The ministry is also thinking of reducing the syllabus which is a good move as looking at the current situation it will help both students and teachers in preparing for the academics.
