Page 76 - EW August 2023

Teacher-2-Teacher

Importance of continuous

curriculum innovation

HIMMAT DHILLON

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow be- India's best schools are designing
longs to those who prepare for it today” — Malcolm X
(1925-1965) curriculum innovations to ensure that
MERICAN BLACK POWER ACTIVIST Malcolm students are equipped with the skills
X’s insightful words resonate deeply in the realm
of education, underscoring the importance of pre- and knowledge needed to succeed in an
Aparing students for the challenges and opportuni- ever-changing world
ties that lie ahead. In the context of the National Education
Policy (NEP) 2020 and its focus on enabling every student
to access quality education, the best among India’s schools Technology will help the tectonic shift to the future.
are designing curriculum innovations to ensure that stu- In acknowledgement of the transformative power of tech-
dents are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed
to succeed in an ever-changing world. Some of them are nology, progressive schools worldwide have accelerated
technology integration into their curriculums. By incor-
set out below.
Cohesion between curriculum and reality. The most porating AI, lab work, interactive digital learning, virtual
labs, innovation spaces, online resources, and collaborative
progressive schools possess deep awareness of the para-
mount importance of harmonising their curriculums with platforms, avant-garde schools create dynamic and engag-
ing learning environments for students.
the varying and evolving demands of higher education
As renowned philosopher and educator John Dewey
and dynamic job markets. In India, top-ranked boarding observed: “Education is not preparation for life; education
schools, in particular, equip students with a robust aca-
demic framework, essential life skills and sports education is life itself.” This statement underscores the importance
of curriculum innovations in preparing students for the
necessary to thrive in higher education and, subsequently,
in the world of work. future. By infusing K-12 education with latest technologi-
cal advancements and fostering critical thinking, problem-
Proficiency, professionalism and perceptiveness.
These are the three ‘Ps’ fundamental to good quality educa- solving, and collaboration skills they prepare students to
confront the challenges and opportunities of rapidly chang-
tion. With institutional focus on proficiency, students are
encouraged to develop strong foundational knowledge and ing workplaces.
Nurturing masters of all trades is the new secret.
skills in various subjects. Through inspiring professional-
ism, best schools equip students with essential qualities Institutional managements need encourage students to
master a few if not all trades and ignore the old adage that
such as discipline, integrity, and effective communication.
And, fostering perceptiveness enables students to think Jacks of all trades are likely to master none! School manage-
ments need to understand that while preparing students for
critically, empathise and adapt to different situations.
By nurturing these three Ps, best schools create environ- 21st century workplaces, multi-skilling is a prerequisite of
ments in which students can thrive academically, socially, success. Therefore, instead of encouraging students to spe-
culturally and personally, thereby preparing them to ex- cialise early, they need to encourage children to explore di-
verse subjects and disciplines which take their fancy. From
cel in their future endeavours. Moreover, contemporary
education institutions provide high-quality infrastructure arts to sciences, sports to music, technology to humanities,
students need to be encouraged to hone wide-ranging skills
and guidance to enable students to explore their interests,
passions, talents, and potential career paths. Internship and discover their passions. This is stressed by NEP 2020
which advocates a holistic approach to nurturing students’
programmes with local industry and businesses enable
students to derive valuable real-world experience and rise multiple talents and potential.
Chalking out a conclusion. In conclusion, India’s best
above mere theory to practical application of knowledge.
Fostering lifelong love for learning and adaptabil- schools have emerged as models of curriculum innovations
ity. An important obligation of school managements is to designed to shape students into future-ready individuals.
instill lifelong passion for upskilling, knowledge, and its ap- By providing children comprehensive education that in-
tegrates digital technology, develops their soft skills, and
plicability in students. Students in the best boarding schools
have an additional advantage inasmuch as their immersive empowers students to make well formulated decisions
motivated by values, the country’s best schools inculcate a
education experience stimulates intellectual curiosity. Usu-
ally well-equipped and amply resourced, these schools with culture of lifelong learning and adaptability to change which
are crucial for moving forward in the VUCA (volatile, un-
vast libraries, contemporary laboratories and quiet reading
spaces removed from the bustle of noisy cities, also offer certain, changing and ambiguous) workplaces of the future.
nurturing pastoral care from experienced house mentors
and opportunities for peer learning. (Himmat S. Dhillon is Headmaster, The Lawrence School, Sanawar)
76 EDUCATIONWORLD AUGUST 2023