IIHEd organises Principals’ Conclave on Implementing NEP 2020

International Institute for Higher Education Research and Capacity Building (IIHEd) of JGU organised a two-day Principals’ Conclave from August 19 to 20, to discuss the possibilities and challenges of realising the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision within the school system. More than 40 principals and school administrators from Delhi NCR and Sonipat representing public and private schools participated in the conclave.

It was held at JGU’s International Academy at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, on the first day and at the JGU campus in Sonipat on the second day. The conclave had six sessions, one special lecture and one book launch event conducted by renowned education specialists from our country, including our faculty members.

The first session focused on Equitable and Inclusive learning for all, including those with special needs, by Ms. Abha Adams, an Education Consultant, and Dr. Mousumi Mukherjee, Deputy Director of IIHEd. The session addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by the NEP 2020 in India, which strongly emphasises providing fair and inclusive learning opportunities to all.

The second session on ‘ECCE: The foundation of learning- National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework’ by Prof. Venita Kaul, Emeritus Professor Ambedkar University, and Prof. (Dr.) Vidya Subramanian, Associate Professor, JSGP, stressed the need to adopt play-based pedagogy in classrooms. Prof. Kaul mentioned that play is not just a medium of relaxation but a way in which children can develop life skills, cognitive flexibility, and socioemotional skills.

The third session on ‘Leadership for School-based Change and Transformation: A Systemic Approach’ was moderated by Dr. Ameeta Wattal, DLF Foundation Schools & former Principal, Springdale’s School, and Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Vats, Assistant Professor, IIHEd. This was followed by a special lecture and discussion on National Curriculum Framework 2023 by Dr. Dhir Jhingran – Founder Director of Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) and National Steering Committee Member for the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. He shared that the NCF 2023 is designed to nurture young minds through playful learning and positive relationships, laying the foundation for academic growth and lifelong learning.

On the second day of the conclave began with the session on ‘Indian School Education: Pedagogical and Curricular Restructuring According to 5+3+3+4 Structure’ by Prof. (Dr.) Mousumi Mukherjee, Deputy Director & Associate Professor, IIHEd, and Prof. (Dr.) Deepak Maun, Associate Professor, IIHEd. They discussed the NEP 2020 provides opportunities to enhance child development and offer curriculum flexibility. The success of this policy is dependent on collaboration between the government, schools, teachers, and parents. It was followed by a session on ‘Multilingualism and the Power of Language’ by Prof. (Dr.) Minati Panda, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Prof. (Dr.) Nisha Nair, Associate Professor & Associate Dean, JGLS.

The concluding session was on ‘Standard setting and Accreditation for School Education’ by Dr. Pranati Panda, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Dr. Manika Bora, Assistant Professor, JGLS where Prof. Panda highlighted the diverse school system in India and its primary focus on promoting student learning. She presented the “Shaala Siddhi” framework, which aims to standardise schools and achieve holistic improvement. At last, a special lecture and book launch by Dr. Chetan Sinha, Associate Professor, JGLS, discussed his book Power Dynamics in Education: Shaping the Structure of School Education in India and how the NEP can help promote social justice and transform education.