The world is evolving, and so is the socio-political and economic landscape. The need for a skilled employee has grown exponentially in the last five years. Companies nowadays don’t want to waste their time on employees who boast about their degrees but lack problem-solving and analyzing abilities.
Businesses are now more focused on hiring people who can practically solve their problems. This new trend in the corporate sector has also impacted the education sector worldwide.
The schools and universities have also understood the importance of teaching practical skills to students.
And with the launch of the new education policy in 2020, the Indian education system is also going through some major transformations. This article will look at some of the upcoming trends in the Indian education system. So, read on to find out the current trends in education.
What are the upcoming trends in Indian education?
Artificial Intelligence/Learning
Artificial intelligence is gradually spreading across all sectors of the world. Be it the education sector, cybersecurity, collecting and managing business data, providing disease diagnosis or virtual health assistants in the medical field, or performing stock market forecasts and analysis, AI is everywhere.
This is the current trend in the education field and can be extremely beneficial for students who want to make a mark in the IT sector. Education institutes have realized that they also have to include courses (at least the introductory part) in their curriculum so that they can build the basic foundation of the students and prepare them for the future.
Gamification of Learning
Gamification means using the game method to make a concept easily understandable to students.
This method is not new in schools, but now it is being used more in classrooms, especially for preschoolers and elementary-level students.
Game elements are used to capture students’ interest and make learning enjoyable for them.
We cannot depend on rote learning anymore. Our education system needs a makeover, and gamification has been extremely helpful in teaching students about difficult and varied concepts. Gamification methods can also be used in university-level studies; for example, they can be used in healthcare training.
Microlearning
In this method, a concept is broken down into smaller units and taught to students. This makes learning easier for them when the topics are presented to students in a brief form.
The microlearning method helps students refer to the concepts whenever they want and recall them.
For example, ask short questions about a certain topic. When an incident took place, why did it happen, and who was involved? In this way, a topic can be broken down into smaller fragments.
In microlearning, students can retain small amounts of information that is also engaging and digestible. There is a high chance that a person may easily forget a large amount of information.
Therefore, microlearning has proven to be extremely advantageous for students, especially those who are having learning difficulties.
Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning takes on the characteristics of both traditional and online learning.
With the help of technology and active learning methods, we can provide quality education to students and make studies extremely engaging for students in this digital age.
Students can attend traditional offline classes and also get the experience of a virtual learning environment.
On the learning platform, teachers can record students’ academic data, like their learning styles and what their areas of interest are.
Based on this data, teachers can plan their teaching style and place more stress on the concepts that students need to better understand.
Students’ interests
As per the new education policy, schools must prioritize students’ learning interests rather than rote learning and grading systems. Teachers must encourage students to pursue a field that interests them the most.
Immersive Learning
In this educational approach, priority is given to interactive and active learning processes.
Teachers make sure that students are engaging with the concept and getting a deep understanding of the subject.
In this learning method, real-world examples and group projects are given to students so that they can relate to the concept and understand its practical use.
Immersive learning approaches help students apply their practical knowledge in real-life situations whenever it is needed.
Data Analytics
Data management has grown more important and practical as a result of technology’s integration into the educational system. Teachers are now in possession of extensive information about a student’s performance, such as the number of tests completed, the chapters completed, and so on.
All students in the class will receive assignments and homework at the same time, and instructors will be able to grade their work online.
Thanks to this kind of automation in the classroom, teachers can now give more in-depth coaching and focus more on their course modules. Analytics has become an essential part of any online learning strategy since it allows for the monitoring of a child’s engagement and academic progress.
Global Collaboration and Learning
In the context of education, global collaboration is the exchange of concepts, materials, and firsthand knowledge amongst global educators, students, and educational institutions.
International collaborations also create new opportunities. They give access to resources, talent, and markets that would otherwise be hard to come by.
Building bridges for global empathy and creating practical structures where all participants can learn with and not just from each other is necessary for true global collaboration in the classroom.
These shifts in teaching must enable teachers and students to collaborate and gain learning experiences by bringing the outside world in and putting themselves out there. Virtual collaboration is equally as feasible as in-person collaboration. It is a more sophisticated way of thinking and solving problems.
Project-Based and Experiential Learning
Experiential learning and project-based learning are effective strategies for getting students involved in real-world, purposeful, group projects. They can aid in the development of 21st-century abilities in pupils, including communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Although experiential learning (EL) and project-based learning (PBL) are frequently used interchangeably, they differ in a few significant ways.
PBL is an instructional approach in which students work for a long time on a challenging, real-world task or problem, typically culminating in a presentation or final product. The EL concept of learning places a strong emphasis on applying, reflecting, and doing—often outside of the classroom.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
A system known as social-emotional learning (SEL) assists students of all ages in better understanding their emotions, experiencing them to the fullest, and exhibiting empathy for others. These acquired behaviors are then applied to assist students in developing constructive, accountable decision-making processes, goal-achieving frameworks, and wholesome interpersonal interactions.
The process through which people acquire and put into practice a variety of social, emotional, and related skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values that support and guide pupils is known as social and emotional learning (SEL). This entails acting in ways that support their academic success as well as thinking and feeling in those ways. SEL can be incorporated into the classroom in a variety of ways. The primary concept is to offer a consistent SEL influence all day long. You may begin by asking pupils how they are feeling at the beginning.
Giving children the chance to observe how a complex or upsetting problem is handled is another excellent strategy. This will provide them with some tips on how to deal with a challenging circumstance they might run into. Role-playing with students in front of the class might be an effective example. Ensure that there is a space set aside for students to relax. The pupil will be able to think in this secure environment. Grades are only one aspect of measuring the effects of SEL implementation in the classroom.
Grades are only one aspect of measuring the effects of SEL implementation in the classroom. Students who are having difficulty in school and do poorly are more likely to experience anxiety related to learning, which can show up as a decrease in their motivation, engagement, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging to the school.
A child who receive the SEL tools will feel more in control of their behavior, more a part of the community, and have an innate passion for learning. A student who has received SEL regularly is more competent at handling stress and has a lower risk of developing depression.
Continued Professional Development for Educators
In schools, staff meetings, inset days, and training courses are used to implement continuing professional development (CPD). It enables educators to advance their careers and keep current in their fields of expertise. Staff members can reflect more deeply on potential problems in the classroom and potential solutions thanks to CPD training.
As an example of teacher professional development, you may conduct a training session on the safeguards your school has in place, ensuring that all staff members are prepared to handle similar circumstances should they emerge. How teaching personnel may support students with special needs may also be covered in CPD training. CPD can be defined as anything that advances your teaching knowledge and abilities; formal and informal CPD are the two basic categories that are recognized.
What are the emerging trends in higher education in India?
New Curriculum
In the past, the curriculum prioritized pre-defined topics and was more subjective. This resulted in boring assignments that offered little to no opportunity to build original thought or inspire pupils to look beyond the box.
The new curriculum is more focused on building critical thinking skills and encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives, allowing for a more engaging and enriching learning experience. It emphasizes problem-solving and creativity, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
This has created the necessary room for students that will encourage them to use their creativity. Thus, the emphasis will now be on how to think rather than what to think.
STEM for Women
It may surprise you to learn that female students are becoming more interested in STEM fields than their male counterparts, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE).
Numerous initiatives with a gender focus inspire female students to pursue STEM fields of study. Schemes such as the mobility scheme address concerns relating to the relocation of working female scientists.
Another program, the Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), permits women in the STEMM sector to participate in research programs at prestigious universities in the United States.
Students’ Learning Experience
Chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) are examples of technological solutions that have already been included in the educational system and are constantly improving to suit new demands. However, the way the coursework is provided will alter thanks to learning management systems (LMS). Everything will be available on the LMS, including creative games and instructive puzzles, as well as instructional films and learning resources. Additionally, all of the student data will be stored here, making it very simple to monitor students’ progress.
Environmental sustainability
The world is facing several environmental issues and we need a workforce that can manage renewable and non-renewable resources carefully.
Every year, several companies around the world are taking the initiative to create a sustainable environment by reducing their dependence on non-renewable resources.
For example, the world has seen considerable growth in the manufacturing of solar panels in the last five years. So, we need a larger workforce in the manufacturing and management unit of such companies. This is an emerging trend where students can make a career.
Many students have also designed many prototype models that can help to clean the environment. Let’s take the example of Gitanjali Rao, a student. Six years ago, she invented a science project that could detect lead in water. She won a whopping $25000 prize money for that. You can watch the news here.
Hubs for Innovation and Startup Incubators
We are moving in the direction of innovation. With specific procedures in place to assist student entrepreneurs, universities are evolving into centers of innovation. They offer infrastructure, finance, and mentoring. It will help the pupils become the changemakers of the future. Young minds are creative and they have so many innovative ideas that could help in different sectors and help India to grow. So, schools and colleges are now focusing on innovations and giving students a platform for bringing their business ideas, science projects, or other talents that can help them shine.
Teamwork and Creative Learning
Universities are encouraging students to focus on teamwork and creativity by providing interdisciplinary programs and projects. Through fieldwork, hackathons, and internships focused on experiential learning, it assists individuals in bridging the knowledge gaps between theory and practice.
What will be the future of the Indian education system?
The impact of edtech’s effective application is only now becoming apparent, despite the sector’s remarkable growth over the last ten years. EdTech has revolutionized access to knowledge by offering a wide range of tools and resources, including e-learning platforms, tools for student interaction in the classroom, and chances for skill development and continuous learning in higher education. Furthermore, the industry’s development has been expedited by favorable government policies and technological advancements resulting from widespread internet usage and the introduction of 5G.
Undoubtedly, the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP) in 2023 will bring about substantial changes in the field of education. As skill-based education gains momentum over the next few years, STEM-based learning will see a major upsurge. To promote digital literacy and inclusivity in terms of access to high-quality teaching techniques, numerous targeted policy advancements have been made with tech-enabled solutions in mind for education.
With the growing popularity of experiential learning, all school curricula will undergo significant adjustments as NEP sets out on its journey. Soon, educational institutions will begin introducing initiatives whose main objective is to make learning enjoyable.
We’ve compiled a list of 2024 educational trends that will increase accessibility, flexibility, and engagement of learning for both teachers and students. Below is a list of the current trends in India that will shape the future of the Indian education system:
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Two technologies that are revolutionizing the way we use screens are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which offer fresh and fascinating interactive experiences.
You can explore a computer-generated environment by donning a virtual reality headset. However, augmented reality is a little different. Using a clear visor or smartphone, it overlays digital visuals on the surrounding real world, rather than immersing you in a virtual environment.
You could explore an undersea environment with virtual reality. You could be able to observe fish swimming about in your environment by using augmented reality.
Moreover, children now have access to low-risk virtual settings where they can acquire practical skills and comprehend complex concepts thanks to augmented reality and virtual reality.
It could be enhanced by STEM-related courses, medical procedure simulations, resources from the humanities and arts, technical education, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Personalized Education
Personalizing instruction to each student’s needs, interests, and strengths is another simple, yet incredibly effective, innovative method of teaching. This helps in designing a lesson plan that is unique to the student. Every child learns differently and at a different pace, which is an essential principle of individualized learning. A “learning plan” is provided to each student participating in customized learning, taking into account their interests, aptitude, past knowledge, and learning style.
Holistic learning
As educational environments have changed, the focus has shifted to supporting a child’s entire and holistic development so they can become responsible adults with the necessary skill sets as adults.
The holistic learning approach to education, which prioritizes a child’s academic performance while also equipping them to face life’s challenges, is becoming more and more important to educators. The benefits of holistic education are numerous.
The resources necessary to enhance academic performance and cultivate the soft skills necessary for a prosperous professional career are provided to students. Among the many benefits of holistic learning include improvements in academic performance, emotional and mental well-being, and problem-solving abilities.
Why are changes important in the Indian education system?
Changes are important in education for several reasons, reflecting the evolving needs of learners, society, and the workforce. Here are some key reasons why changes in education are necessary:
Changes are immensely important in the education sector due to two main reasons: first, to address the evolving needs of businesses and society. And secondly, students must upgrade and upskill themselves for their betterment. New skills can polish the talent and skills that they already have.
The previous education system in India focused more on rote learning and a marking-based education system.
But now, such methods have become outdated. We need more innovative and fresh concepts that add value to a student’s career and life. That’s why modifications in the Indian education system are extremely necessary.
We need to make education all-inclusive and create a learning environment where there is no discrimination at all. Even though the previous education system guarantees inclusivity, its implementation can only be seen in tier-1 cities. Therefore, we need to cover those areas where education has not reached the underprivileged.
Now let’s have a look at the other reasons that will help us understand why changes are important in the Indian education system:
Adapting to technological developments
As per a government survey published in the LiveMINT article on March 10, 2023, 60 percent of people in India can’t even copy or move a computer file from one folder to another. You can read the report here.
The report says it all about the improvements and modifications that we need in the Indian education system. It is quite difficult to even digest because India has its own Silicon Valley in the form of Bengaluru.
It’s a harsh truth, but we need more computer-literate people in our country, especially when the world is advancing toward artificial intelligence.
Schools and colleges must create online learning platforms in the form of websites and mobile learning apps; they must also provide online lectures. So that students can get more familiar with computer usage.
Preparing a skilled workforce
As per a survey published on the India Today website on September 18, 2021, 33 percent of educated Indian youth are unemployed because they lack future-ready skills. Also, people in the age group of 18–23, or 74 percent of the population, are unable to gain admission to the higher education system because it is unaffordable and inaccessible.
And this is the data recorded in 2023. With such high numbers, we need to work on preparing a skilled workforce and making education available to everyone.
The skilled workforce must have critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They must be computer literate; at least, we need basic computer skills to carry out several automated tasks in offices and factories.
Diverse Learning
Schools and universities must understand that learners come from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
They may have different learning styles as well. We need to make education available to all, and it should be inclusive. Teachers must keep a neutral teaching style that is easily understood by students who come from diverse backgrounds.
And with a personalized teaching approach, teachers can build mental strength in students, develop their interests, and also understand their preferences.
The curriculum must be flexible so that new concepts can be added at any learning stage, instructional methods can be modified to suit the needs of the students, and in-depth assessment practices can be included in the classroom to understand how far the students have understood the concepts.
Social Challenges
India is dealing with social challenges like inequality, social injustices, poverty, and sustainability. We need to promote values like empathy, environmental awareness, cultural diversity, and the importance of education.
And how we can become responsible citizens and make our country a better place where there is equality. Thus, it is one of the most important reasons why we must bring about change in our education system.
What did we learn?
Currently, the Indian education system is going through a sea change due to the evolving socio-economic, political, and environmental scenarios. The Indian education system is moving towards technological integration, personalized learning, and innovation. The government is trying to focus on creating a highly skilled workforce in the future. Currently, India is dealing with the challenge of unskilled, uneducated, and unskilled, educated youth. These types of candidates cannot be employed anywhere. Due to this, it is important to do away with the age-old rote learning and marking system and focus on skill development. Over the last few years, Indian schools and colleges have adopted new technologies and learning styles to help students understand the concepts easily.
