IMPACT ON THE FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY & HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

IMPACT ON THE FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY & HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 

Freeda Martharine J – 1951082 – Organizational Psychology

 

The National Education Policy shared by the ministry of human resource development this year has gained the attention of many due to its action-driven policy changes and exemplary vision it holds for itself. Having read the policy, I appreciate the efforts that have been taken to draft a policy that truly enhances the current education system of India. Off course, flaws and criticisms are a part of anything and everything. Being in a psychology major and having specialized in organizational psychology (HRDM – Human Resource Development & Management), I would like to review the policy through the lens of psychology and also HRDM.

 

With reference to P2.16: The policy states that social workers and counsellors will be hired to school complexes to work with students - and their parents, teachers, tutors, IAs, and community members - to help ensure the retention in school and the mental health of all children.

 

In a country like India, where visiting a counsellor or a psychologist is still considered a stigma, an initiative like this is a true milestone. Being acquainted with psychologists and counsellors right from a small age, not only breaks the fear of visiting a psychologist but also increases the awareness of mental health. An all-new generation that is mentally aware and physically healthy are the future citizens of the country who will bring enormous changes in the discipline. There would be a high possibility of increased mental health practitioners and social workers in the country which is the need of the hour. Till date, psychology as a discipline is still not sorted after by many due to unawareness and not many role models. Children tend to model whom they see and grow up with. Therefore, psychology will gain the limelight it requires and the scope of it multiply as the years pass by. The policy would also increase the job opportunities for the existing psychologists, counsellors and social workers in the field of education. Once the government can make job opportunities plenty, the fear of choosing a mental health profession can radically vanish.

 

 

With reference to P4.10.5: Internet-based apps, assessments, and online communities for students with singular interests and talents: Once internet-connected smartphones or tablets are in the hands of all students, online apps with quizzes, competitions, assessments, enrichment materials, and online communities for shared interests will be developed.

Being a psychometric analyst myself, I see the importance of psychometric assessments in everyone's life. Assessments help any individual become self-aware and acts as an aid in the path of self-development. Especially, childhood is the period where a kid really discovers his/her inner strengths and capabilities. Inclusion of talents assessments and interests inventory helps the students to objectively measure their own selves and online communities for students with similar interests will be a great platform for them to learn from each other. India as a country still makes use of psychometric assessments that are developed by other countries. Inclusion of assessments in educational system calls for a lot of research in the areas of highly essential tool development. Therefore, the policy has knowingly or unknowingly created the need for more research in the domain of scale construction which is highly appreciated.  

 

 

 

 

With reference to P4.9.6: National Testing Agency strengthened to conduct college and university entrance examinations: The autonomous NTA will comprise of numerous academic, educational, and psychometric experts, and from 2020 onwards will administer aptitude tests and tests in specific subjects

Like mentioned previously, there is a huge scope for psychometric assessments in this policy which can possibly increase the job opportunities for psychometric analysts like me. In fact, psychometry as a field would gain its importance in the implementation of this policy.

 

With regards to a policy stating the implementation of modular leadership/management workshops, competency-based process and identifying people with leadership potential early in their careers and put them through capability building experience via succession planning process.

Human resource management practices have always been much recognized in the corporate sector and not been very rigorous in the education system. Especially in India, the career development of a teacher or a professor is not very well defined in many educational institutions. There are no enough opportunities or exposure to build further. But the policy has brought in ways to make the career of teaching professionals more fulfilling and enriching. With the more systematic implementation of management workshops, leadership training and competency mapping activities, there is a huge scope of professionalizing the entire education system. The policy talks about building an effective leadership pipeline, by identifying talent and engage in capability building. Such initiatives would motivate the existing workforce and also makes the teaching profession more desirable for the upcoming generation. Therefore, integrating HR processes into education system streamlines the entire system but also expands the scope of management studies and organizational psychology.

 

With regards to the policy referring to the discontinuation of MPhil programmes:

MPhil as a course has lost its significance in the past few years due to the shift of focus to NET exams for qualifying for a teaching profession and also because of the possibility of direct PhD. Yet, some individuals still prefer to take the course to increase their research knowledge before enrolling for a doctorate. Discontinuation of the MPhil programme could have a huge impact on the discipline of psychology. Because, in the process of becoming a clinical psychologist, two years of MPhil programme is mandatory. It is during these two years; the students get clinical exposure and hand-on experience in dealing with clients/patients. Until master's, the students are theoretically trained and there is no adequate field experience provided to them. Therefore, with regards to psychology discipline, the policy regarding discontinuation of MPhil degree should be revisited and structured carefully.

 

To conclude, the National Education Policy has brought in initiative that would broaden the scope of psychology and also mental health awareness among people. But, the system of integrating it into the education system should be carefully thought and systematically done. On the whole, the policy seems to have a positive impact on psychology as a discipline. 

 

REFERENCE:

NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2019