It has been 50 years when Russian space science conquered space and broke long cherished dream of the USA. How was the world of education to remain untouched by consequent creation of a new power equation in international geo politics? The USA had good reason to feel intimidated by the erstwhile USSR. The academic rigour that the Union's traditional educational system boast of, the streak for specialization in science and technology that gave it an edge over European countries and the USA were soon to come under close scrutiny of the educationists of these countries.
This was also the occasion of constituting of the Kothari Commission in order to revamp the education system in India. Russian influence is evident from unprecedented emphasis given to two elements: one: knowledge of science and two: vocational training. (As the first two goals of education are defined as: “Education for increasing productivity” and “Education for accelerating process of modernization”)
Russia still has world's largest number of academic institutions at all levels, fairly good percentage of educated population. But the traditional tertiary system has been replaced by the modern Bologna system. It is baffling that when other countries discovered an enviable model in the USSR's approach, what made the latter so apprehensive about it that they had to go in for reform, even if only structurally? And was it a message for all the rest of us to.. Pause.. AND Think about this?
So, now India has developed NCF ’05 which has been instrumental in revamping approach to learning. It has evolved locally keeping in mind the strength and challenges of the regional learner profile. It has its share of criticism as well. Yet, it will go a long way in redefining a truly holistic and inclusive approach to curriculum development.
No comments:
Post a Comment