Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalaya in Goa are set to implement the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by introducing skill-based subjects for students from Class VI onwards. These institutions, which are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), are aiming to provide a holistic and practical education to their students.
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Canacona, South Goa, has already taken steps towards implementing the NEP. They have introduced art-integrated and sports-integrated learning, toy-based pedagogy, and experiential learning. Additionally, traditional classrooms have been transformed into digital classrooms to facilitate interactive and technology-based education. The JNV has also incorporated various skill subjects such as handicrafts, healthcare, IT, physical activity training, library and information science, and more for students from Classes VI to XII.
Similarly, the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) in Goa, which are part of the Mumbai region, are preparing to introduce pre-vocational skills from the academic year 2023. These skills include carpentry, electrical works, pottery, and other practical courses, which will be taught to students from Classes VI to VIII. As part of the vocational education program, Artificial Intelligence has been introduced as a subject in all KVs from Class VIII.
The principals of these institutions are enthusiastic about the implementation of the NEP. Animesh Pal, principal of the Canacona JNV, stated that they aim to enhance competency-based learning in core subjects like language, science, and mathematics. The focus is to minimize rote learning and encourage a more practical and analytical approach. To ensure effective implementation, teachers have undergone 50 hours of training from the DIKSHA portal, which has helped them align their teaching methods with the NEP guidelines. They are now developing competency-based lesson plans to create a student-centric learning environment.
Both the KVs and JNVs are also working on upgrading their infrastructure to align with the requirements of the NEP. This emphasis on skill-based education reflects a shift towards a more comprehensive and experiential learning approach, preparing students for the realities of the modern world.
The introduction of skill-based subjects and vocational courses in these schools is a positive step towards fostering practical knowledge and enhancing students’ employability. By offering a diverse range of subjects, the institutions aim to cater to the varied interests and aptitudes of their students. The NEP implementation in these schools serves as a model for other educational institutions to follow, enabling students to develop a well-rounded skill set and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
