Indore: University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher education institutions (HEIs) to encourage, promote and facilitate the academic fraternity to undertake research in toy-based learning.
In a letter addressed to vice-chancellors and principals, UGC secretary Rajnish Jain said that in the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, the Prime Minister had emphasised the need of availing the right kind of toys for children and using them as a learning resource and hence, made a call for strengthening the domestic design and manufacturing base of toys in the country.
“National Education Policy 2020 also envisages the integration of toys and education to promote happy learning and enhance the learning outcomes of the students. This joyful and innovative learning is crucial for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE),” he added.
Currently, the Ministry of Education is also working on organising a ‘Toy Hackathon' in order to conceptualise and create prototypes of toys which are economical, affordable, environmentally safe, with exceptional high quality and at the same time impart desired education.
Jain said that universities and colleges are requested to collect the details of faculty and students of the respective institutions who have either published or undertaken research projects related to the play integrated learning. The outcomes of such research work may be incorporated in the implementation plan of NEP-2020.
“All HEls are further requested to encourage, promote and facilitate the academic fraternity to undertake research in toy-based learning,” he added.
HEls can share the completed research projects and publications along with the details of researchers/contributors on UGC's portal December 11.
