National Curriculum Framework 2023 — Takeaways

National Curriculum Framework 2023 is definitely a visionary document which is based on the 5+3+3+4 Curricular and Pedagogical restructuring as envisioned by the NEP 2020. It focuses on integrative and holistic education which gives equal importance to all learning domains from Maths to Sports. This will allow children with varied interest levels to find a fruitful learning environment and learnpath to make them a constructively contributing citizen.

Other than the obvious outlining of curricular goals of physical, cognitive, language, socio-emotional and moral development, the document focuses on equal status for all the subject area. It outlines Vocational Education and Interdisciplinary areas as important subjects as well.

Methods of teaching

The methods of teaching outlined seem inclusive, visionary and fun.

*from the draft of NCF School Education 2023

NextGen Tech Education??

While the NCF 2023 does not very clearly mentions next gen tech skills like robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT and coding, there is a clear focus on interdisciplinary areas and vocational education. Artificial Intelligence has been clearly stated as a Skill Education subject by CBSE beyond grade 6 and NEP 2020 makes it mandatory for children to learn coding after grade 6. NCF 2023 includes it in the interdisciplinary education and programs for building vocational capacities.

Takeaways for Avishkaar

Avishkaar is an ed-tech company working on creating an army of innovators by giving them tools and skills of next gen technologies. The pedagogy and curriculum outline of Avishkaar aligns completely with the National Curriculum Framework 2023. Here are few thoughts:

• Physical and sensory development — Development of gross motor skills and fine motor skills should be key part of a learning program.
• Scientific temper — encouraging hands-on experimentation, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning. We must foster curiosity and an understanding of scientific principles through practical applications.
• Computational Thinking — Being one the most important 21st centure skill, NCF 2023 and any other program must focus on development of this skill in the young generation.
• Peer Learning — A good emphasis is laid on peer learning and social quotient it develops in children hence laying giving important to a classroom setup or small cohorts as best.
• Importance of Play — Although NCF 2023 emphasises the importance of play at foundational level, we believe it enhances learning at all levels. The joy and wonder in every activity and sense of freedom that comes out of the fact that a student is able to make a choice.
• Inclusive learning — The ideas on including students with disabilities and learning difficulties in just the same way as others by enabling bridge courses, buddy system, different learning aids and assignments set a tone for curriculum designers.
• Exploring new learning aids — Integration of art, drama, role plays, interviews are interesting and need a good implementation. Use of flash cards and videos are also emphasised.
• Classroom practices — Special seating arrangements to allow collaboration and engagements, easy access to material, giving students ownership and maintain cleanliness also serve as good guidelines for running any classroom program.

I would recommend anyone intending to run classroom or even online learning programs to go through this well researched document to develop best practices.

Read the NCERT — National Curriculum Framework 2023 Pre-draft here