Exploring the scope of imagination, creativity and innovation in Indian schools through the lens of NEP 2020

Abstract

Policy makers in Indian education at all levels of formal education have focused on the necessity of imagination, creativity and innovation (ICI) as important outcomes of schooling. Nurturing such qualities are essential in developing a nation in terms of cultural, social and economic development. Renzulli et al. (2021) developed a systematic process by which schools can evaluate and plan for improvement of ICI resources. Most people concur that in addition to producing literate and numerate students, schools also need to foster students' creativity. (Lucas et al. 2013). Therefore, the importance of policymakers on cultivating ICI skills in this regard is highly needed. NEP 2020 highlights creativity and innovation at different levels of educational system which definitely takes under consideration the factor of imaginative faculty. The NEP 2020 outlines teacher’s role and ways of fostering these skills. According to the NEP 2020 teachers must be at the centre of the fundamental reforms in the education system. It suggests restructuring the teacher education programme so that teachers are prepared in that way. National Policy for Promoting Innovations in Schools (2022) lays out detailed guidelines for creating innovation centric education system in schools which requires all the faculties in developing ICI. This paper tries to highlight the scope of imagination, creativity, and innovation being created in Indian educational context. The teacher's role, infrastructural advancements, curricular supports and developments alongside other strategies in inculcating these skills in schools are reviewed following the latest education policy and guidelines available.