We inherit a new world today. The revolution in Information Technology has forced the world to comprehend reality in a different manner. Therefore, it is important that our education system to be adaptive and future ready. With the rapidly changing global and national scenario, it is crucial to incorporate indicators like values and culture, social responsibility and sensitisation and adaptability while assessing and evaluating the strength(s) of schools. QS I-GAUGE has leveraged upon its expertise and credibility to provide India’s first nationwide school rating system.
The school rating methodology has incorporated critical thinking as an important aspect of learning. It is important to know how a school encourages students to think clearly, logically, and rationally using critical thinking tools or methodologies. The methodology has also focused a lot on self-learning and cooperative learning, which we believe would inculcate a serious thrust in students. Education, all over the world, has changed its focus from one-sided instruction to comprehensive learning, to impart important skills. It is only through openness that a mind develops its potential to absorb true essences of education. In fact, the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP) categorically says that the key to overall thrust of the curriculum and pedagogy reform from the previous stage would be to ‘move the education system towards real understanding and learning how to learn.’ This, we believe is the most important aspect of the policy brief, which will revolutionise Indian education by obliterating the culture of rote learning and encourage criticality. The goal of this, as the NEP suggests “will be to create holistic and complete individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.”
The methodology also assesses how schools promote a collaborative spirit/culture in a group, as being a part of the society. Does your school simulate community atmosphere for classroom learning? Or does your school set expectations of mutual respect during shared learning? If we refer to the NEP, it seeks to conduct teaching and learning in a more interactive manner, where questions are encouraged, classroom sessions are fun, creative and collaborative. This will make learning experience deeper and paves the way for experiential learning
Another example of how QS I-GAUGE methodology truly encourages Indian schools to develop a world-class new age education system, is corroborated by its harping on the point of scientific temper. The schools are graded on the availability of a tinkering/innovation/incubation lab for students to develop and build prototypes or models for exhibitions, competitions through which they can promote innovation, scientific thinking to ideate innovative solutions for addressing social problems. All of these points are discussed in the NEP, which has also stressed on ‘evidence-based and scientific thinking, ‘which will lead naturally to rational, ethical, and compassionate individuals who can make good, logical, and sound decisions throughout their lives.’
