The latest Annual Status of Education Report (Aser) 2024 highlights a strong learning recovery in government schools, yet concerns persist over arithmetic skills, dropouts, and infrastructure gaps in rural areas. While Class 3 students have shown improved reading and arithmetic proficiency, only 45% of Class 8 students are comfortable with basic mathematics, a figure unchanged since 2018. Additionally, dropout rates among 15-16-year-olds have risen for the first time in a decade, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Rajasthan.
Challenges in Rural Education
- Infrastructure Issues: 32% of schools lack usable girls’ toilets and safe drinking water, despite various cleanliness campaigns.
- Dropout Rates: Increased dropout rates after Class 8 suggest challenges in secondary school retention.
- Arithmetic Skills: Stagnant numeracy levels in Class 8 indicate a gap in foundational learning.
Activity-Based Learning: A Scalable Solution
India has a rich history of educational innovation, with figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Aurobindo, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and David Horsburgh contributing to progressive learning models. One of the most successful large-scale implementations is Tamil Nadu’s Activity-Based Learning (ABL), pioneered by former IAS officer M. P. Vijayakumar.
Key Features of ABL:
- Child-Centric Learning: Encourages self-paced learning with minimal reliance on heavy school bags and exams.
- Increased Engagement: Promotes self-confidence and critical thinking.
- Scalability: Implemented in over 37,000 primary schools in Tamil Nadu since 2007, influencing national education policies.
Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
ABL aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on experiential learning and skill development. As concerns about mental health and academic pressure grow, more states could benefit from adopting this model. However, this shift would require alternative assessment methods to measure learning outcomes effectively.
Aser 2024 underscores the need for deeper education reforms. Expanding activity-based learning nationwide could be a key step in fostering holistic and stress-free education for India’s students.
