Here is a complete, exam-ready, and well-explained answer for:
✅ Q6. Write the important features of the NPE-1992. Explain in brief Constructivist or Critical (any one) Pedagogy as reflected in the NPE-1992.
(16 Marks – Unit III)
✳️ Introduction:
The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986 was revised in 1992 to address the emerging challenges in Indian education. The NPE-1992 aimed at providing a more inclusive, value-based, and skill-oriented education system.
📌 Important Features of NPE-1992:
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✅ Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE):
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Ensuring access and retention for all children aged 6–14.
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Focus on removing gender, caste, and regional disparities.
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🏫 Operation Blackboard Scheme:
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Improving infrastructure and minimum learning materials in primary schools.
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📖 Curriculum Reforms:
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Introduction of a child-centered and activity-based curriculum.
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Emphasis on environmental education, value education, and cultural heritage.
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🧑🎓 Teacher Education:
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Establishment of DIETs (District Institutes of Education and Training).
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Focus on pre-service and in-service teacher training.
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🔤 Three Language Formula:
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Promotion of mother tongue/regional language, Hindi, and English.
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🌍 Education for National Integration:
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Teaching unity in diversity and constitutional values.
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Education to promote secularism and democracy.
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💼 Vocationalisation of Education:
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Skill development and job-oriented courses at the secondary level.
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♿ Education for the Disabled and Disadvantaged:
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Inclusion of children with special needs.
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Support for SC/ST, minorities, and women.
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🧪 Emphasis on Science and Technology:
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Promotion of scientific temper and modern knowledge.
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Integration of computers and IT in education.
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📊 Evaluation Reforms:
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Shift from rote learning to continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE).
🧠 Constructivist Pedagogy as Reflected in NPE-1992:
Constructivist pedagogy is a teaching approach where learners actively construct knowledge through experience, exploration, and problem-solving.
🔹 Main Features of Constructivist Pedagogy in NPE-1992:
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Child-Centered Learning:
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Focus on learning by doing rather than passive memorization.
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Children are seen as active participants in learning.
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Activity-Based Curriculum:
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Emphasis on projects, discussions, group work, and experiential learning.
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Linked with real-life situations.
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Role of the Teacher:
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Teacher is a facilitator or guide, not a mere transmitter of knowledge.
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Encouragement of Critical Thinking:
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Promoting questioning, reasoning, and decision-making skills.
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Learning Environment:
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Creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere that respects individual differences.
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🟩 Example: A science lesson encourages students to observe, experiment, and draw conclusions, rather than memorize definitions.
📝 Conclusion:
The NPE-1992 brought important reforms to make education inclusive, value-oriented, and relevant to life. Its encouragement of constructivist pedagogy reflects a shift towards child-friendly, interactive, and experiential learning, which remains highly relevant today.
✅ Would you like the next question from Unit IV, such as on equality in education or role of education in social change?