Introduction
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 is the visionary framework released by the National Council for Educational Research & Training (NCERT) in the country. Considered as a ‘pioneering step’, this document defines the framework, principles, and guidelines meant for developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum. It is an updated version of the former NCF 2005 that focuses on the changing needs of the people, the society, and the education system.
As per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the revised NCF will be devised into—National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCFECCE); National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE); National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE); and National Curriculum Framework for Adult Education (NCFAE).
Overview
NCF 2023 has been formed for steering the implementation of the NEP 2020. It defines educational objectives, curriculum areas, and stages. Pedagogy, learning standards, contents, and assessments at various school stages are discussed in this document. The subjects included in this document are learning in the foundational stage, mathematics, science, social science, language, arts, interdisciplinary areas, physical education, vocational education, etc. Besides, it also includes cross-cutting themes, such as values, guidance, information and communications technology (ICT), environment, inclusion, and rootedness in India. It emphasises on school culture and processes along with facilitating the development of a supportive learning environment. Such an environment can be developed by empowering teachers and academic administrators, maintaining an appropriate pupil-teacher ratio, and providing suitable conditions.
NCF 2023 consists of strategies to encourage holistic development and provide quality education, cross-cutting themes, innovative techniques of teaching and learning processes, and subject-wise curricular guidelines. Policymakers, educators, and stakeholders resort to NCF, a comprehensive guideline, while reforming the education system of the country.
Vision of the NCF 2023
It was due to NEP 2020 that the creation of a new NCF and SCFs (state curriculum frameworks) became the need of the hour to act as the basis for shaping the school education system in the country. The new NCF focuses on bringing about coherence and harmony among various curricula in the country. Keeping this in mind, it is highly significant to create such NCF and SCFs that are not only robust and aspiring but also feasible practically. So, all the students of the country, regardless of their background, caste, creed, etc., will get the best quality education.
Significance of NCF
At the individual level, the main aim of the new curricula is to develop such a school education system as not only helps in character building of students but also in making them creative, ethical, pragmatic, healthy, well-rounded, compassionate, and empathetic individuals. It would also enable them to be better equipped to complete their higher education and get desired employment. The goal is to make students learn and understand how to learn. Thus, it would make them lifelong learners, capable of adapting themselves easily to the changing times.
At the level of society, NCF aims to modify our society in such a way that it becomes more humane, equitable, fair, sustainable, prosperous, progressive, and deeply rooted in Indian culture and philosophy. Besides, new NCF would enable India to establish itself globally with regard to social justice and equality, research and knowledge creation, economic growth, scientific and technological advancement, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability.
Major Objectives of the NCF 2023
- To develop curriculum The main objective of the NCF 2023 is to provide a framework for curriculum development which should be appropriate, expressive, and customised to the distinctive needs of different learners.
- To develop pedagogy This new framework aims to nurture a comprehensive and inclusive atmosphere for teaching-learning processes, in which pedagogy plays a significant role. The NCF recommends designing excellent pedagogical strategies, such as 5+3+3+4, which facilitate student-centred teaching, active learning, and interactive instruction.
- To revise assessment procedures Recognising the importance of assessment in the learning process, NCF attempts to offer just, authentic, and relevant assessment procedures. It also encourages the adoption of ‘formative assessment’ so that learners get the necessary insights into their performance, which helps them in their development.
- To enable teacher development Since a good learning environment can be created by the significant contribution of teachers, the NCF facilitates teacher training programmes to hone teachers’ skills and give them the required perspective.
Some Highlights of the Framework
- NCF 2023 focuses on education for children between the age group of 3 to 18 years.
- The proposed pedagogical strategy of 5+3+3+4 can be explained as—
- Foundational stage is divided into two parts, i.e., 3 years of pre-school (or Anganwadi) in Pre-nursery, Nursery, and Kindergarten; and 2 years of primary school in Grades 1 and 2. This stage covers children aged 3–8 years old.
- Preparatory stage includes Grades 3, 4, and 5 and covers children aged 8–11 years.
- Middle stage includes Grades 6, 7, and 8 and covers children aged 11–14 years.
Secondary stage is divided into two parts: the first part includes Grades 9 and 10, while the second part includes Grades 11 and 12. This stage covers children aged 14–18 years.
In NEP 2020, a three-language formula has been defined. Here, students need to understand and learn three languages over the course of their school education, namely:
- R1, which refers to the medium of instruction, is often the mother tongue;
- R2, which refers to some other language, is besides the mother tongue such as English; and
- R3 refers to a language other than R1 and R2.
Proficiency milestones The literacy and proficiency milestones with respect to R1, R2, and R3 are students by Grade 3 should become proficient in reading and writing R1; by Grade 6, proficient in R2; and by Grade 9, proficient in R3. Each of these levels takes into account the reading, writing, and communication in the respective language along with language skills development. Besides, illustrative learning outcomes, goals, and competencies are mentioned for all the three languages at the above-mentioned stages. As a result, comprehension, oral and written communication, literary growth, and vocabulary development will be facilitated.
- Board examinations in Grades 10 and 12 are proposed to be in line with curriculum-defined competencies and that they should be conducted twice a year to enhance flexibility. A special assessment should be carried out for vocational arts and physical education, as they include practical components. Development of assessment frameworks, high-quality questions, thorough reviews, and blueprints are a part of streamlined test development, which ensures quality and alignment. Test quality must be periodically reviewed.
- Two languages will be introduced in Classes 11 and 12 for study in place of the current one. It is mandatory that one of them should be an Indian language.
- Further, more subjects would be introduced for the students of Classes 11 and 12 to choose from depending on semester-based exams.
- Students can pass class 10 only if they succeed in completing two mandatory courses from each of the eight curricular areas. Other than board certification, local assessments will be done for physical education, art education, and vocational education.
- The students of Classes 11 and 12 will be offered the same eight curricular areas but with a range of courses to choose from.
- The revised NCF reinforces the objectives of education as expressed in the NEP 2020. One of these important objectives is to develop a wide range of human capacities, dispositions, and values.
- It promotes the development of skills and values instead of rote learning and content gathering.
- The new NCF primarily focuses on the teacher, considering the significant role they play in transforming the education system.
- The NCF promotes accessibility, readability, etc., and provides real-life illustrations in a number of contexts so that the details are easily understood and used.
The nuances of the entire education system can be understood better when NCF is considered in coordination with the NEP 2020.
Conclusion
It is expected that the NCF 2023 will foster a new system of education that may adequately respond to the varied cultural and geographical backgrounds of India, while at the same time promoting the major constitutional values and emphasising flexibility, relevance, and academic quality.
It must be ensured that the transformed education system strives to fulfil both individual as well as societal goals with the implementation of its curricula, comprising pedagogy, content, school environment, and culture.
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