Education

In light of the concern of whether pedagogy and quality of education are treated symbiotically or not, the intent behind the article is twofold: fi rst, it will focus on how the term “quality education” and “quality of education” were taken up at the national level and within international domains, and what were their contents and intricacies, keeping in mind the differences between the two concepts; second, it will directly delve into the question of: Have pedagogy-related variables been considered for measurement? This query will be contextualised with reference to a list of fi ve nationwide metrics or surveys in India and their subjective ideas of the principal attributes of quality education.

Contextualising Educational Studies in India: Research, Policy and Practices edited by Pradeep Kumar Choudhury and Suresh Babu G S, Oxon and New York: Routledge, 2022; pp xv + 228, `995.

The National Achievement Survey has unveiled the picture of the current school education system. The survey was conducted “to evaluate students’ progress and learning competencies as an indicator of the efficiency of the education system.” Held in over 720 districts of India, rural and urban, the survey findings are concerning as a constant decrease was found in the average performance of students in subjects under study. There is a need to review the pedagogical approach to rectify the situation. An inclusive approach and the participation of parents and community stakeholders can help create a conducive environment.

The National Achievement Survey shows that students from disadvantaged social groups lag behind.

The fund allocations of the Union Budget 2022–23 to education are analysed in the context of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector and the implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020.