The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is set to introduce a new course aimed at enabling teachers to instruct students in multiple languages simultaneously. This initiative comes as part of the implementation of the three-language policy under the New Education Policy (NEP), which has been adopted by CBSE and various state education boards across India.
Under the three-language policy, students are required to learn three languages at school, including Hindi, English, foreign languages, and regional languages. However, there have been long-standing concerns about sourcing sufficient teachers proficient in multiple languages to fulfill this requirement. To address this challenge, NCERT has taken the lead in creating a specialized training program for educators.
Details of the NCERT Multilingual Teacher Course
NCERT’s upcoming course aims to train teachers in multilingual teaching methods and applied linguistics to equip them with the skills needed to teach several languages effectively. Although the syllabus is still being finalized, it is expected to cover grammar, language structure, and language acquisition processes for various languages.
The program will also focus on imparting practical teaching methodologies to help educators foster students’ abilities to speak, read, and comprehend multiple languages. This comprehensive approach is designed to prepare teachers for the practical realities of multilingual education in Indian schools.
Master’s Program in Multilingual Education
In addition to the new course, NCERT is contemplating launching a master’s program in multilingual education. This advanced program would develop educators into specialists in multilingual pedagogy and applied linguistics, filling a critical need for expert teachers capable of handling diverse linguistic requirements.
The curriculum is expected to combine Indian regional languages and foreign languages, although specific details are still being worked out. Key considerations include determining the number of languages each teacher can effectively instruct and the proficiency level required in each language.
This initiative marks a significant step towards overcoming the shortage of multilingual teachers and aligns with the government’s broader efforts to foster linguistic skills among students across India. It also responds directly to the concerns raised by schools and educators about implementing the NEP’s language requirements.
The NCERT program is anticipated to have a far-reaching impact, helping schools deliver on the promise of multilingual education and enabling students to develop strong language skills that are essential in today’s global environment. As the course framework takes shape, educational institutions and teachers eagerly await its launch.
