3 days ago
Multiple Entry Exit System in schools: Disruptive or inclusive
The multiple entry- exit system as proposed by the National education policy (NEP), 2020, focuses on transforming higher education and making it more student-centred. This system also allows students to enter and exit academic programs at different stages, earning certificates, diplomas, or degrees based on the credits accumulated.
The approach offers many positive changes.
Flexibility that means 'Learn at your own pace' - Students can choose to exit after completing one or more years of a programme and re-enter later to complete their degree. This will also promote lifelong learning by promoting and allowing students to return and resume to education at different stages of their careers.
By providing flexibility, MEES also helps and aims to minimize the number of students who leave higher education without a recognized qualification. This will reduce dropout rates.
MEES empowers students to take decisions and make choices about their educations which will be based on their individual needs and circumstances. This will make higher education more accessible to a wider range of students, including those who may have had to interrupt their studies due to personal or professional reasons.
To bring about the changes, there needs to be a lot of ground level work that needs to be planned and executed to see the 100% efficacy of the system. Clear and precise guidelines as well as a standardized credit accumulation system needs to be planned. There also needs to be more structured and clear instructions about various crucial aspects such as eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms, alignment with global standards. All these need to also be in sync with potential challenges that might disrupt the student teacher ratio and may also result in potential for dilution of core subjects due to the emphasis on multidisciplinary education.
The challenges indeed can be worked upon with a more structured design and can be mitigated through a well thought out implementation strategy. The Multiple Entry and Exit System under NEP 2020 aims to create a more flexible, inclusive, and student-friendly higher education landscape in India. With a well laid out plan, it can be a boon for the student fraternity.
(The author is an educationist and trustee, Sanskriti Group of Schools)
