Secondary Education Commission (1952-53)

 

Secondary Education Commission (1952-53), chaired by Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar:

1. Objective and Scope:

• The commission was set up to review the condition of secondary education in India.
• Its aim was to suggest reforms to enhance the quality of secondary education and make it more relevant to the needs of the country.

2. Diversification of Curriculum:

• Recommended the introduction of a diversified curriculum at the secondary level.
• Suggested offering multiple streams like academic, technical, commercial, and agricultural education to cater to students with different aptitudes and interests.
• Emphasized the importance of vocational education to prepare students for various occupations.

3. Introduction of Multipurpose Schools:

• Proposed setting up multipurpose schools that would offer a variety of curricula, including academic, technical, commercial, agricultural, and fine arts courses.
• These schools would provide flexibility to students to choose from different fields of study, based on their interests and career aspirations.

4. Duration of Secondary Education:

• Recommended that secondary education should be of 7 years duration, divided into two stages:
  • Middle stage: 3 years (Classes 6 to 8).
  • Higher secondary stage: 4 years (Classes 9 to 12).
• However, the 10+2 system (10 years of schooling + 2 years of higher secondary) was eventually adopted in the later years.

5. Examination Reforms:

• Stressed the need to reform the examination system, which was heavily based on rote memorization.
• Proposed internal assessments and continuous evaluation to supplement final exams.
• Encouraged reducing the emphasis on one-time year-end exams and including more practical and project-based assessments.

6. Teacher Training and Development:

• Highlighted the importance of improving teacher qualifications and skills to ensure better-quality secondary education.
• Recommended the establishment of training institutes for both pre-service and in-service training of teachers.
• Suggested better pay scales, professional development opportunities, and improved working conditions for teachers.

7. Guidance and Counseling:

• Suggested setting up guidance and counseling services in schools to help students make informed decisions about their future education and careers.
• Focused on helping students understand their aptitudes, interests, and abilities through proper counseling.

8. Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Emphasized the need for improving the physical infrastructure of schools, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
• Recommended modernizing laboratories for science education and ensuring the availability of adequate teaching materials.

9. Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities:

• Emphasized the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in the overall development of students.
• Encouraged participation in activities like sports, debates, music, drama, and social service, which are essential for character-building and developing leadership skills.

10. Moral and Character Education:

• Stressed the need for moral and character education in schools.
• Suggested including subjects and activities that would instill a sense of discipline, patriotism, and responsibility in students.
• Encouraged the teaching of ethical values and promoting a sense of national integration.

11. Technical and Vocational Education:

• Strong emphasis on technical and vocational education as a way to prepare students for employment opportunities.
• Recommended practical training and workshops for students opting for technical streams.
• Suggested collaboration with industries to make vocational training more relevant to market needs.

12. Medium of Instruction:

• Proposed that the mother tongue or regional language should be the medium of instruction at the secondary level.
• However, English should be taught as a second language to ensure global competence, especially for higher studies and technical education.

13. Establishment of Boards of Secondary Education:

• Suggested the creation of Boards of Secondary Education in different states to bring about uniformity in secondary education.
• These boards would be responsible for the regulation of standards, curriculum design, and conducting public exams at the secondary level.

14. Improving the Status of Secondary Education:

• The commission recognized secondary education as the foundation for higher education and economic development.
• Recommended that the government allocate more resources to improve the quality and reach of secondary education.

15. Linkage Between Secondary and University Education:

• Proposed a better coordination between secondary and higher education to ensure that students are well-prepared for university-level courses.
• Recommended that universities and higher education institutions should be involved in designing the secondary education curriculum to bridge the gap between the two levels.

16. Expansion of Secondary Education:

• Encouraged the expansion of secondary schools in rural and remote areas to provide equal access to education for all sections of society.
• Focused on reducing the urban-rural divide in education by improving infrastructure and teacher availability in rural schools.

Conclusion:

The Secondary Education Commission (1952-53) was instrumental in shaping India's secondary education system by promoting diversity in curriculum, emphasizing vocational training, and improving the quality of teacher education. Many of its recommendations were later implemented, significantly contributing to the development of secondary education in India.