Life skills education: A needs assessment study for a certificate course in IGNOU

Abstract

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2000 and the National Curriculum Framework 2005 identified learning as an isolated activity. It reflects that education is not able to link knowledge with real life. Later, the new education policy-2020 (NEP-2020) emphasizes promoting life skills education in higher education. Embedding the life-skills program in the university curriculum plays a central role in shaping students’ personal and social competencies. This need-based study conducted by the School of Social Work at IGNOU aims at identifying the need, relevance, and scope for a certificate program in Life Skills not only at the school level but in higher education. Data was collected online using a Google Form. 200 respondents include teachers, students, parents, and ASHA Workers. Findings suggest that courses such as life skills education should be introduced in IGNOU for learners who wish to enhance their skills. Life skills are instrumental in social work and gel well with social work activities, behavior modification, counseling, and learning theories, encompassing skills. Student having additional learning of life skills may increase their opportunity in getting employment.