The foundational education we impart makes a huge difference

Source– The post is based on the article “The foundational education we impart makes a huge difference” published in the mint on 27th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Education

News- Recently, the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) was released by India’s ministry of education. It is one of the most important dimensions in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is the schooling system suggested by NEP, 2020?

It has created a four stage “5+3+3+4” curricular structure.

The first stage is the foundational stage. The second is the preparatory stage. The third and fourth stages are the middle and secondary stages.

What is the importance of the foundational stage?

It is the most critical stage for overall development of an individual- physical, cognitive and socio-emotional.

Neuroscience research tells that 85% of brain development occurs by the age of 6.

The Foundation addresses early childhood care and education for 3-8 ages. It includes pre-schools, kindergarten, anganwadis and nursery.

What is the curriculum?

It is the entire organised experience of students in institutional settings to achieve educational aims. It includes learning and developmental goals, syllabus, pedagogical practices and assessment, learning environment, teaching-learning material.

What are the main highlights of the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage?

It addresses all domains of development called physical, ethical, cognitive, literacy, socio-emotional and cultural aspects.

Pedagogical approach in the new curriculum framework is play-based. It includes stories, music, crafts, conversation and field trips.

Teaching and learning is to be situated in the context of a child that includes local language and traditions. It caters to different needs and levels of children including children with special needs.

Assessment is seen as an enabler for learning and development. It is imagined as part of everyday classroom process and largely based on systematic and careful observation of children.

It focuses upon building an enabling ecosystem. It includes empowering teachers and enabling a supportive academic and administrative support system.

It speaks directly to teachers. It focuses upon classroom practices with real-life illustrations.