Curriculum and NEP 2020: Perspectives and Inter-connections

Abstract

There cannot be a more appropriate time for infusing the education system of India with flexibility, innovativeness and quality. National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, is a step in this direction which emphasises on inclusiveness, equity and quality with a clear focus on the attainment of learning outcomes. NEP 2020 promotes the adoption of learner-centric education which develops critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills and discourages rote learning methods. An effective education policy relies on strong curricular foundations for optimum results. An enriched curriculum should be rooted in India’s diverse culture, knowledge systems and traditions embracing local knowledge and cultural practices, on the one hand, and at the same time, should incorporate the modern-day learning perspectives developed by the curriculum theorists over the last century. This article analyses the idea of curriculum as conceived by different learning perspectives and how NEP 2020 draws inferences from them.