Most countries use education as a tool for change. It often replaces old superstitions and outdated beliefs with modern and progressive ideas. This is important for a country’s growth, as educated people bring positive changes to society.
After India gained independence in 1947, education played a big role in social movements. For example, the women’s rights movement promoted female education and helped them become independent, find jobs, and take part in politics. Similarly, the Dalit rights movement, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, used education to fight caste discrimination.
In this way, social change has a strong effect on education models in India. It influences:
- What do students learn (curriculum)?
- How do teachers teach (methods)?
- Who gets access to education (inclusivity)?
Over time, education in India has evolved. It now includes more people working to support the country’s development. In this article, let’s gain more clarity and see how education models are influenced due to societal changes.
Social changes affect curriculum and content
As society changes, education must also change to stay relevant. New knowledge and technologies often require schools to update their curriculum. This usually leads to:
- Adding new subjects
- Changing old lessons
- Deleting fragments of outdated content
Such actions make learning more useful for students. For example, with growing environmental concerns, schools now teach about climate change and sustainability. Similarly, as society becomes more diverse, education includes lessons on equality and gender rights.
In the past, many topics like mental health, digital literacy, and financial education were not part of school learning. But now they are included because they are important for modern life. These changes ensure that education remains meaningful and students become skilled individuals.
Policy changes based on societal shifts affect education models
Changes in India’s education models are mostly based on new policies and laws that reflect society’s needs. These changes improve the quality of education and learning methods. Let’s check out some key policies that influence education models:
1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The NEP 2020 is a major reform that replaces the old 1986 policy. It promotes holistic learning, where students develop skills beyond just textbooks. Earlier, students followed a strict syllabus focused on memorisation.
Now, education is becoming skill-based, where students learn practical applications of subjects instead of just memorising facts. The NEP also allows students to choose subjects from different streams (science, arts, and commerce) instead of sticking to one rigid path.
2. Focus on vocational education
The NEP introduces vocational education from Class 6 onwards (including internships). This helps students gain practical skills early and makes them ready for employment.
3. Inclusive education policies
Special measures are introduced to support marginalised communities like:
- Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- Scheduled Tribes (STs)
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
By doing so, the government is promoting equal education for all, so that no one is left behind. Parents are also encouraged to participate in their children’s education to create a stronger learning environment at home and school.
4. Digital initiatives in education
The government has launched PM eVidya and other digital learning programs to support remote learning. This helps students access education through:
- Television
- Mobile apps
- Online platforms
This approach further makes learning more interactive and flexible.
5. Changes in student evaluations
Previously, students could not fail Class 5 and Class 8 under the “No Detention Policy”. Now, students must pass year-end exams in these grades. If they fail, they retake the exams. If they fail again, they repeat the class.
This new system leads to better learning outcomes as it requires students to focus on understanding subjects.
Societal changes influence teaching methods and pedagogy
Societal changes bring significant modifications to teaching methods. The recent rise of digital tools has transformed education. It has made online learning, smart classrooms, and interactive teaching more common. Students can now access lessons through videos, apps, and virtual classrooms.
A recent study shows that the adoption of AI in e-learning has led to an 80% increase in student engagement. In this way, schools are now moving away from traditional rote learning. They are adopting modern teaching approaches. Let’s understand how these changes are happening:
1. Skill India Mission
To meet the societal changes, the Skill India Mission was launched on July 15, 2015. It is a government initiative to train India’s youth with job-ready skills. This program covers industries like:
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
The government also works with companies to ensure the training meets industry needs. This initiative also includes sub-schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which provides financial assistance and skill development training.
2. Holistic learning approach
Owing to growing societal changes, schools are now focusing on academic knowledge and moral values. Several teachers have started encouraging:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
This allows students to become independent thinkers and better decision-makers.
2. Focus on skill-based learning
Instead of memorising information, schools now focus on developing practical skills. Subjects like technology, agriculture, and business are given more importance to prepare students for real jobs.
Technical education is also prioritised to reduce the gap between education and employment opportunities. To gain maximum benefits, both students and teachers can stay up-to-date with the latest gadgets and devices by purchasing them from online marketplaces.
Conclusion
Generally, societal changes influence education models so that students gain relevant knowledge and skills. To create a future-ready workforce, the government has launched several initiatives:
- NEP 2020
- Vocational training
- Digital Education
- Skill-based learning
Also, modern teaching methods are introduced that focus on critical thinking and practical skills rather than rote learning. Besides structural reforms, several leading banks and NBFCs are also working actively to provide both students and educational institutions with easy financing options. This further helps in maintaining the quality of education.