Chapter 1: English Pedagogy in the NEP Era: A Paradigm Shift

Introduction to Pedagogical Reform 
NEP 2020 advocates transformative changes in education, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development. English pedagogy must shift from rote learning to learner-Centered approaches.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a paradigm shift in India’s education system, setting the stage for a future where learning is creative, critical, and holistic. Traditionally, English pedagogy in India has been rooted in rote memorization, where students were expected to reproduce textbook content during examinations. This system placed little emphasis on application, analysis, or creativity, often reducing English learning to the mechanical recall of grammar rules and literary passages.

The NEP challenges this approach, advocating for learner-Centered pedagogy that encourages students to become active participants in the classroom. Instead of focusing solely on exams, the new vision integrates skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (the 4Cs). English teaching, therefore, must transform into a platform for self-expression, intercultural understanding, and problem-solving.

Moving Beyond Rote Learning

Rote memorization limits a student’s engagement with the language to surface-level knowledge. For example, students may remember a poem verbatim but remain unable to discuss its theme or apply its moral in real-life contexts. Under NEP 2020, pedagogy emphasizes conceptual understanding, contextual application, and creativity, enabling learners to interpret, question, and express ideas rather than repeat them.

Teachers observed that students who were previously shy became more confident in expressing themselves when the subject matter was relevant to their lives. This demonstrated the transformative power of NEP-driven pedagogy.