Bagless Students: The Union Education Ministry on Monday released guidelines for the implementation of Bagless Day for students of classes 6 to 8. The ministry believes that this will make learning in schools more joyful, experiential and stress-free. These guidelines, developed by PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, a unit of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), have been released on the fourth anniversary of the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
Make it an integral part of your study plan
The guidelines state, “The idea behind the 10 Bagless Days is to make them an integral part of the teaching and learning process in addition to the existing study plan of education up to class 6-8. This will not only reduce the boundaries between bookish knowledge and application of knowledge but will also familiarize children with skill requirements in work sectors, helping them decide their future career path.” Let us tell you that NEP, 2020 recommended that all students of class 6-8 should participate in the 10-day bagless period.
Children will do internship
“Each student will undertake an engaging curriculum during Classes 6-8 that will provide exposure and practical experience in critical vocational skills such as carpentry, electrical work, metal work, gardening, pottery making, etc., as decided by the states and local communities and as per local skill requirements,” it said. All students will also participate in a 10-day bagless period at some point during Classes 6-8, during which they will undertake internships with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, etc, the ministry said.
There will be two or three slots
The guidelines state, “10 bagless days of activities can be included in the annual calendar. But it is advisable to keep two or three slots. While developing the annual action plan, all subject teachers may be involved. If necessary, indoor and outdoor activities may be combined on one day.”
These activities will be
The activities covered under NCERT guidelines include visits and surveys to vegetable markets; visits to charitable causes; surveys and report writing on pet care; painting, kite making and flying; organising book fairs; sitting under banyan trees; and visits to biogas plants and solar energy parks.