Transformation in the Teachers’ Role According to the National Education Policy 2020 Guidelines in the Indian Context

Abstract

Higher education plays a significant role in promoting human and societal well-being and developing India as envisioned in its constitution. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 discusses how to equip future teachers with transforming the teaching–learning process and innovative pedagogy. A teacher is the central figure in the formal teaching–learning process, and students’ future depends on them. The aim of this paper is to provide strategic recommendation for transforming the faculty/teachers of higher education institutes according to the guidelines of NEP 2020 supported with the literature. The critical points for teacher transformation considered are multidisciplinarity, student engagement, leadership, lifelong learning, technology, and faculty as a curriculum designer scientist. Using the keywords “NEP 2020, teacher, transformation, curriculum, and higher education,” literature was searched in scientific databases. Relevant literature information related to the key teacher-related sections in NEP 2020 was compiled, grouped, and discussed accordingly. The proposed strategic recommendations are as follows: NEP 2020 is a roadmap for the future; the teachers should train students in multi-disciplinary environment; Student-centric education and supporting self-directed learning should be promoted; teacher to transform as mentor or guide; faculty to be trained in leadership skills; blend learning and life long learning to be promoted; faculty to be trained in digital technology and to take a new role as curriculum designer scientist.