Skill education as subject at middle school level in CBSE-affiliated schools

Skill education as subject at middle school level in CBSE-affiliated schools

According to the CBSE, it is mandatory for the affiliated schools to implementation of skill or vocationa leducation for classes VI–VIII, starting in the ensuing academic session, aligned with NCF-SE 2023 and the Kaushal Bodh curriculum of the NCERT. Schools are being asked to focus on project-based hands-on learning with about 110 hours (160+ periods) per academic year with school based assessment.

The help for implementation can be through adaptation of "Kaushal Bodh" textbooks by NCERT, designed to foster vocational skills, reduce rote learning, and focus on practical, project-based learning. Students are expected to complete projects across different skill domains. It is said that the nation-wide Capacity Building Training for teachers on this new curriculum is starting in early 2026.

The NCERT has published The Activity Books related to the Kaushal Bodh Scheme to provides guidance to teachers for pedagogy as well as assessment of student learning through questions embedded in the different components. However, teachers should design their own tools and techniques for formative and summative assessments.

The Activity Book contains notes for teachers, school heads and students. It also includes Annexures that will be useful for teachers as

they implement the activities for Vocational Education in Grades 6 to 8, states the NCERT.

In Activity Books, the projects are designed as per the Learning Outcomes for Vocational Education at middle school level. The focus is on the

following:

1. Using physical tools/equipment for carrying out different processes to perform authentic tasks.

2. Gaining clarity about what is to be done and reaching the final outcome through breaking down the task into smaller activities.

3. Understanding how to prepare materials and use tools and equipment, while following safety measures and protocols.

4. Connecting the activities done in school to the world of work.

5. Assessing work done in terms of quantity and quality.

6. Applying what is learnt in school to daily life.

7. Working collaboratively in groups while ensuring individual participation in each activity.

The NCERT-suggested weightage and marking scheme for assessment and evaluation is as follows:

• Written Test: 10%

• Oral Presentation/Viva Voce: 30%

• Activity Book: 30%

• Portfolio: 10%

• Teachers’ Observations during Activities: 20%

The NCERT holds, "In doing the above, students will be able to develop values related to work, particularly respect for all work. They will realise the importance of the dignity of labour, which means that no work is considered superior and therefore, no work or person should be discriminated against on any basis."

In respect of teaching arrangement for skill education, NCERT recommends, "Since the purpose of Vocational Education in the Middle Stage is to provide vocational exposure to students, and till such time that teacher education programmes offer specialisation in Vocational Education, existing teachers will take up the subject in the Middle Stage, with the support of resource persons/master instructors. In the absence of a Vocational Teacher, a teacher of any subject can take the lead in organising activities for projects in which they have some understanding and expertise...The Head of the School may nominate a Teacher Coordinator among the existing teachers to coordinate and schedule the activities of different projects to be undertaken at the Middle Stage."