How NEP 2020 Promotes Logical Thinking
Mind
12-14
National Education Policy 2020 has introduced quite a few changes in the Indian academic sector, to bring about the systematic holistic development in today’s child.
The approved structure of the policy majorly highlights the importance of imbibing logical learning in the children that could certainly be instilled in the young minds by the very new features introduced.
Logical learning involves observing, analyzing, and then making use of correct cognitive tools for solving a given problem. It’s very different from traditional rote learning which fails to solve life’s complexities. Logical learning, in brief, adds practical and fun-based learning to the concepts of physics or history textbooks for an easy inflow of long-term knowledge.
Check out: Preparing your kids for the Future through Coding
To shed more light on the ambitious characteristics of the policy, Ezyschooling conducted a panel discussion on “How National Education Policy 2020 Promotes Logical Learning?” The session was attended by the following expert panelists:
- Dr. Sangeeta Arora, Principal at Kothari International School.
- Dr. Seema Negi, Director Principal at Sanjeevani World School
- Mrs. Shakuntala Jaisinghani, Director at Trinity International School and JuniorCollege
- Ms. Suchita Malakar, Principal at Podar International School, Powai
- Ms. Manasi Kashikar, Co-Founder at Mindchamp and Author at Smart Tech Computer Science Textbooks (Std 1-8)
How does NEP 2020 promote logical thinking?
NEP 2020 is a revolution in the field of Indian academics. The tenets of the policy if executed in a structured manner could pave the way for foundational skill development which can assure a future-ready generation! As Mrs. Shakuntala Jaisinghania mentions “It’s high time we change our education system to be on par with the world.”
Some of the features of NEP 2020 which contribute to logical learning are:
A shift from (10+2) to (5+3+3+4)
One of the basic moves of the policy includes a transformation of the pedagogical structure, which is a welcome step because a slow and steady transition between two levels is always a better approach.
Arts and Sports integration
With a stressed integration of arts and sports in the academic structure, the co-curricular would now become the part of the main curricular, which would make children more on par with the dynamics of life than before. We agree with Dr. Seema Negi when she says “ We have to prepare our kids with all the skills for the academics and beyond academics.”
Multidisciplinary Approach
Children of class 11th and 12th are now under no shackles to select a particular stream. There will be no division between Arts, Science, and Commerce. Students can choose whatever combination of subjects they prefer. They can go with Psychology and maths or computer science with English literature!
Skill development
NEP through the introduction of skill development via critical thinking, creativity, innovation, digital efficacy, and imagination is trying to strengthen the roots so that the children can flourish at a global pace.
The major part of the NEP 2020 is standing on the foundation of logical learning. It seeks to make children adept at inductive and deductive reasoning in a step-wise gradual method. It's the need of the hour to make children aware of how to apply their textbook knowledge to the world they are living in!
As Dr. Sangeeta Arora rightly mentions “Life doesn't come in the compartment of Maths, Science, English or Social Science, it comes as a problem.”
Coding from 6th
The addition of coding from class 6th onwards is equally a wonderful move to enhance logical thinking in children. Coding improves problem-solving skills thus making a child more productive in this fast life.
Ways of activating logical learning in children
• Gamification: Incorporating game format in education. It involves the collection of virtual points and badges on the attainment of certain goals/tasks.
• Coding: Teaching new computer languages for the creation of websites and games.
• Art of asking a question (Why? When? How?): Installing the habit of asking questions in your kids. Why did a certain thing happen? When did it occur? How did it occur?
• Soft skills: Soft skills include public speaking, confidence, manners, overall personality growth, and teamwork to mention a few.
• Mental Health Awareness: Mindfulness and awareness of other mental disorders.
• Play way: Introduction of freedom and imagination in education.
• Storytelling: Storytelling to explain a concept or idea to the fullest.
• New languages: Teaching new foreign languages can activate the cognitive centers of the brain.
How Coding helps children in day-to-day life?
Coding is essential for the digital era we are living in! It helps children better understand the technology around by making them future-ready for the AI world. Coding is rightly said to be the “Gym for the brain”. It sharpens cognitive abilities by employing methods that emphasize small details. And as Ms. Manasi Kashikar mentions, “For kids it’s a very cool thing that they have created a new game but as educators we know this is the logical skill that the child is developing in the backend.”
Right now we have an array of coding apps for children, out in the market. One such startup is MindChamp, which is one of the first start-ups to introduce coding for kids in India in 2016. It's an all-women company with a vision to ‘Make India code literate’ .
MindChamp teaches coding to students between the age group of 7-14 years and has taught students in 15+ countries to create their own games and websites. They prepare them for the digital future by accompanying fun and practical learning while giving important coding lessons!
NEP 2020 promises a lot of hope in the improvement of the education scenario in India only if executed the right way.
Ms. Suchita Malakar rightly mentions “It’s a mammoth task but if implemented right, it's going to be the best to come up, and we look for very bright times.”
