New academic credit system needs all institutions aboard
Context:
Institutions prioritizing a comprehensive education centered on values will encounter challenges in its realization due to the unpredictability of student behavior.
Introduction to New Education Policy Initiatives
Overview: The National Credit Framework (NCrF) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) are pivotal elements in India's New Education Policy 2020, aiming for transformative impacts.
Objectives: NCrF seeks to consolidate credits across education levels, promoting interdisciplinary education and aligning with global standards. ABC serves as a digital archive for credit accumulation.
International Alignment: The credit-based system supports internationalization, facilitating credit transfer and enhancing global recognition of Indian institutions.
Implications and Benefits of NCrF and ABC
Student-Centric Learning: NCrF and ABC promote student-centric learning, enabling flexibility, interdisciplinary study, and personalized pacing.
Challenges for Students: While offering advantages, the flexibility poses challenges such as uncertainty in returning to academics after breaks, requiring informed career-oriented choices.
Faculty and Institutional Challenges: Fluid student numbers impact faculty workload, requiring institutions to adapt curricula, maintain uniform timetables, and address challenges for those without accreditation.
Challenges and Recommendations for Implementation
Infrastructure and Administrative Challenges: Lack of awareness, understanding, and infrastructure hinder successful implementation. Faculty training and funding are crucial for aligning with the credit-based system.
Institutional Autonomy: Implementing a uniform syllabus may compromise institutional autonomy, posing challenges for branding and distinctiveness.
Consensus and Awareness: Inadequate awareness and opposition from some states highlight the need for consensus through discussions, deliberations, and comprehensive training campaigns.