Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) UNIT-1 Complete Solutions for Elementary Education | Guwahati University (English Medium)
B.Ed UNIT-1 – Elementary Education (Gauhati University – English Medium)
This unit provides an in-depth study of Elementary Education, highlighting its meaning, scope, and significance. It addresses the contemporary concerns and challenges faced in elementary education, including access, quality, and equity issues. The unit also explores government policies and initiatives targeting elementary education development. Chapter QR Code: BEDCCE1. Ospin Academy offers clear, comprehensive solutions to support B.Ed students in mastering this important topic.
✅ What you will learn:
- Definition and meaning of elementary education
- Scope and importance of elementary education in national development
- Major concerns and issues in contemporary elementary education
- Government initiatives and policies for improving elementary education
- Strategies to address challenges and improve quality and access
🎯 Benefits of studying with Ospin Academy:
- Comprehensive solutions aligned with Guwahati University B.Ed syllabus
- Clear and easy-to-understand explanations for effective learning
- Insightful content supporting practical teaching approaches
- English medium content suited for exam preparation and assignments
B.Ed (Sem-I) Gauhati University
Unit-1 Ospin Academy
Elementary Education
COURSE: BED0100304
CONTEMPORARY CONCERN AND ISSUES IN EDUCATION
Concept and Aim of Elementary Education
- Elementary Education refers to Class 1–8 (ages 6–14). It is a constitutional obligation and the foundational stage of learning in India.
Concept:
-
- Ensures universal access to quality basic education for all children irrespective of gender, caste, region, or ability.
- Lays the foundation of literacy, numeracy, socialization, and democratic values.
Aim:
Constitutional Provisions on Elementary Education:
The Indian Constitution places education at the very core of national development. Several Articles, Fundamental Rights, Duties, and DPSPs (Directive Principles of State Policy) ensure education as a priority.
A. Fundamental Rights Related to Education
- Article 14 – Right to Equality:
- Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination:
- No discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth (including in educational institutions).
- Article 15(4): State can make special provisions for educational advancement of SCs, STs, and socially and educationally backward classes.
- Article 15(5): State can implement reservation in educational institutions for weaker sections, except minority institutions.
- Article 16 – Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment
- Article 21A – Right to Education:
- Article 24 – Prohibition of Child Labour:
- Article 25–28 – Freedom of Religion:
- Article 29 – Protection of Interests of Minorities:
- Right to preserve language, script, culture; important for minority education.
- Article 30 – Right of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions:
B. List of All Fundamental Rights in the Constitution (Part III, Articles 12–35)
|
Article No. |
Right |
|
14 |
Right to Equality before the Law |
|
15 |
Prohibition of Discrimination (with 15(4), 15(5) for education) |
|
16 |
Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment |
|
17 |
Abolition of Untouchability |
|
18 |
Abolition of Titles |
|
19 |
Freedom of Speech and Expression, etc. |
|
20–22 |
Protection in respect of conviction, freedom from arrest, protection against arbitrary arrest and detention, right to life, protection in criminal proceedings |
|
21A |
Right to Education (for children 6–14 years) |
|
23–24 |
Protection from Human Trafficking & Child Labour (Art 24 prohibits child labor under 14 years) |
|
25–28 |
Freedom of Religion |
|
29–30 |
Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities |
C. Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Part IVA of the Constitution (Article 51A) enlists Fundamental Duties of citizens. For education, the following are especially relevant:
Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) – All Citizens Shall:
a) Abide by the Constitution and respect the ideals, national symbols.
c) Uphold and protect sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
e) Promote harmony and spirit of brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities; renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
f) Value and preserve the rich heritage of India’s composite culture.
h) Develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry and reform.
i) Safeguard public property.
j) Strive for excellence in all spheres.
k) Most important for education:
“It shall be the duty of every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.”
D. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Part IV (Articles 36–51)
Overview:
- DPSPs are guidelines for governance, not legally enforceable but fundamental for governance.
- They aim to create a welfare state, promote economic and social democracy, justice, equality, and fair opportunities.
Key Educational and Social Directives (with Article numbers):
|
Article |
Provision |
|
38 |
Promote welfare of people by securing a social order based on justice |
|
39 |
Securing children are not forced by economic necessity to enter vocations unsuited to their age or strength; equal pay for equal work |
|
39A |
Equal justice and free legal aid for the poor |
|
41 |
Right to work, to education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement |
|
42 |
Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief |
|
43 |
Living wage and decent standard of life for workers |
|
43A |
Participation of workers in management |
|
44 |
Uniform civil code for the citizens |
|
45 |
Provision for early childhood care and education to children below 6 years |
|
46 |
Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections |
|
47 |
Duty of the State to raise level of nutrition, standard of living, health |
|
48 |
Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry |
|
48A |
Protection and improvement of environment, forests, and wildlife |
|
49 |
Protection of monuments of national importance |
|
50 |
Separation of judiciary from executive |
|
51 |
Promotion of international peace and security |
- Article 45: (Amended by 86th Amendment Act 2002) Specifically directs the State to provide “early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years”[8].
- Article 46: Directs promotion of education among SCs, STs, and other weaker sections, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
- Article 41: Right to education (besides right to work and public assistance).
Wider Purpose of DPSPs in Education:
- Achieve universalization of education.
- Provide protection, support, and inclusive opportunities for disadvantaged, marginalized groups.
- Develop a social democracy based on justice, equality, and the promotion of economic interests of weaker sections.
Universalization of Elementary Education: Issues, Concerns, RTE Act 2009, FLN
Universalization
- Ensures every child age 6–14 gets access to education: universal access, enrolment, retention, and completion.
Key Issues/Concerns
- Access issues for children in remote, tribal, and slum areas.
- Gender disparity (girls’ dropouts).
- Inadequate infrastructure and lack of toilets, especially for girls.
- Poor learning outcomes, low teacher quality, absenteeism, lack of resources.
- Marginalization of SC, ST, minorities, and children with disabilities.
- Social and economic barriers, poverty, and child labour.
RTE Act 2009 Highlights (in Operation of Article 21A):
- Free and compulsory education for ages 6–14.
- 25% seats reserved for weaker sections in private schools.
- Infrastructure norms (classrooms, drinking water, toilets, playgrounds).
- No screening procedure for admission, no capitation fee, no corporal punishment.
- No child can be detained or expelled until the completion of elementary education (No Detention Policy).
- Mandates formation of School Management Committees.
- Promotes inclusive education, child-centric pedagogies.
FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy):
- NEP 2020’s top priority.
- All children to achieve basic reading and numeracy skills by Class 3; foundational stage includes pre-primary.
- Early identification and interventions for children lagging behind.
Role of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
- SSA (est. 2001, expanded as Samagra Shiksha 2018) is India’s flagship for universalization and quality improvement.
- Unifies literacy, elementary, and secondary education programs.
Key Features:
- Focus on access, retention, infrastructure, inclusion, gender equity, digital learning, library provision, and teacher training.
- Special provisions for children with special needs, girls (self-defense, menstruation hygiene), and marginalized communities.
- Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), activity-based learning, mother tongue use, ICT integration.
Elementary Education and Policy: NPE 1986 & NEP 2020
NPE 1986
- Universal access, retention, and quality improvement.
- Emphasis on child-centered, activity-based curriculum.
- Protection for weaker sections: SC/STs, minorities, girls.
- Integrated child development, bridge/remedial courses, retention drives.
- Promotion of equality and teacher training.
NEP 2020
- “5+3+3+4” design: foundational (play-based, ages 3–8, includes pre-primary).
- Strong focus on FLN (basic literacy/numeracy by Grade 3).
- Multilingualism–teaching in mother-tongue/home language till Grade 5, and wherever possible till Grade 8.
- Emphasis on flexibility, critical thinking, and holistic development.
- Inclusive education, vocational focus from Grade 6.
- Use of technology, digitization, and teacher quality enhancement.
Summary Table: Constitutional Provisions & Directives for Education
|
Provision/Article |
Nature/Feature |
|
Art. 14, 15, 16, 24, 29, 30 |
Fundamental Rights guaranteeing non-discrimination, opportunity, and minority rights |
|
Art. 21A |
Right to free, compulsory education (6–14 years) (Fundamental Right) |
|
Art. 45, 46, 41 |
DPSPs for early childhood care, promotion of education for weaker sections |
|
Art. 51A (k) |
Duty of parents to provide education to children (6–14 years) |
Highlights
- All children (6–14) have a justiciable right to free and compulsory education (Article 21A, RTE Act 2009).
- Access, equality, and inclusion are safeguarded by the Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–16, 24, 29, 30).
- Promotion of education for weaker sections and minorities forms the backbone of DPSPs (Articles 45, 46, 41).
- Every parent/guardian must ensure schooling of their children (Fundamental Duty, Article 51A[k]).
- DPSPs shape policy for welfare and justice, not enforceable but mandatory for state policy-making (Articles 36–51).
Model Exam Questions & Answers From This Topic:
1. What is meant by elementary education?
Answer: Elementary education refers to the basic level of schooling for children, typically from Class I to VIII, covering ages 6–14. Its purpose is to provide foundational learning in literacy, numeracy, life skills, and social values necessary for further education and responsible citizenship.
2. State two aims of elementary education in India.
Answer: To ensure all-round development of the child’s personality (physical, intellectual, moral, emotional).
To prepare children to become responsible, productive, and socially aware citizens.
3. What does Article 21A of the Constitution provide?
Answer: Article 21A provides the Right to Free and Compulsory Education for all children aged 6 to 14 as a fundamental right.
4. Write two important features of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
Answer: Every child in the 6–14 age group is entitled to free and compulsory elementary education.
Private unaided schools must reserve 25% seats for children from disadvantaged groups.
5. Mention any three issues in achieving universalization of elementary education.
Answer:
(i) High dropout rates.
(ii) Gender and social disparities.
(iii) Inadequate school infrastructure.
6. What is FLN in the context of NEP 2020?
Answer: FLN stands for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, which aims to ensure all children acquire basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills by Grade 3.
7. What are Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) with respect to education?
Answer: DPSPs guide the government to provide free and compulsory education (Article 45) and promote the educational interests of weaker sections (Article 46).
8. Name two fundamental rights related to education.
Answer:
(i) Article 21A (Right to Education).
(ii) Article 30 (Right of minorities to establish educational institutions).
9. What is meant by inclusion in elementary education?
Answer:
Inclusion refers to integrating all children, regardless of ability, gender, caste, or economic status, into mainstream education and providing equal learning opportunities.
10. Define Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
Answer:
SSA is an integrated scheme launched in 2018 to provide holistic and equitable education from pre-primary to senior secondary level, focusing on quality and inclusion.
11. What role does Article 15(4) play in education?
Answer:
It allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, SCs, and STs, such as reservations in education.
12. Highlight two constitutional duties of citizens regarding education.
Answer:
(i) To provide educational opportunity to children between 6 and 14 years (Article 51A(k)).
(ii) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood.
13. What is ‘No Detention Policy’ in RTE Act?
Answer:
No child can be held back, expelled, or required to pass a board exam until completion of elementary education.
14. Explain one key focus of NPE 1986 for elementary education.
Answer:
Emphasis on universal access to free, compulsory elementary education and reducing dropouts.
15. What is the significance of Article 46?
Answer:
It directs the State to promote educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections and protect them from injustice.
16. Write any two challenges in implementing RTE Act.
Answer:
(i) Shortage of trained teachers.
(ii) Poor infrastructure and lack of basic facilities in schools.
17. How does NEP 2020 propose to improve early childhood education?
Answer: By introducing a foundational stage (ages 3–8) with a focus on play-based, activity-based learning and foundational literacy and numeracy.
18. State two benefits of Samagra Shiksha.
Answer:
(i) Strengthens infrastructure and digital learning.
(ii) Promotes inclusion and gender equity.
19. Explain the role of School Management Committees (SMC) under RTE.
Answer: SMCs ensure parental/community involvement in school management, planning, and monitoring for effective functioning.
20. Name any three Fundamental Rights and their Articles.
Answer:
(i) Right to Equality (Articles 14–18).
(ii) Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22).
(iii) Right to Constitutional Remedies (Articles 32–35).
30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which article guarantees free and compulsory education for children 6-14 years?
a) Article 14
b) Article 21A
c) Article 24
d) Article 19
Answer: b) Article 21A
2. The RTE Act was passed in which year?
a) 2000
b) 2001
c) 2009
d) 2012
Answer: c) 2009
3. Elementary education in India covers which classes?
a) I–VI
b) I–VIII
c) VI–X
d) I–XII
Answer: b) I–VIII
4. Who is responsible for providing education under Article 51A(k)?
a) Government
b) Teachers
c) Parents/Guardians
d) Students
Answer: c) Parents/Guardians
5. Which is NOT a Fundamental Right?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Information
c) Right to Freedom
d) Right to Education
Answer: b) Right to Information
6. Which policy introduced the ‘5+3+3+4’ school structure?
a) NPE 1968
b) NPE 1986
c) NEP 2020
d) SSA 2001
Answer: c) NEP 2020
7. 25% reservation for disadvantaged children in private schools is a feature of:
a) NEP 2020
b) RTE Act 2009
c) NPE 1986
d) SSA
Answer: b) RTE Act 2009
7. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in:
a) 2001
b) 2018
c) 2020
d) 2012
Answer: b) 2018
8. Which is NOT a Fundamental Duty?
a) Protect environment
b) Promote harmony
c) Vote in elections
d) Provide education to children 6–14
Answer: c) Vote in elections
9. Which article prohibits employment of children below 14 in hazardous work?
a) Article 32
b) Article 24
c) Article 16
d) Article 21A
Answer: b) Article 24
10. FLN stands for:
a) Free Local Needs
b) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
c) Fundamental Language Network
d) Formal Learning Norms
Answer: b) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
11. NPE 1986 focused particularly on:
a) Vocationalization
b) Higher Education
c) Only Science education
d) Tertiary education
Answer: a) Vocationalization
12. RTE Act ensures:
a) Free college education
b) Free and compulsory elementary education
c) Employment guarantee
d) Higher education only
Answer: b) Free and compulsory elementary education
13. Universalization of elementary education refers to:
a) Free higher education
b) Schooling for ages 6–14
c) Vocational education
d) Adult education
Answer: b) Schooling for ages 6–14
14. Article 30 ensures:
a) Appointment of trained teachers
b) Right of minorities to establish educational institutions
c) Only girl education
d) None of these
Answer: b) Right of minorities to establish educational institutions
15. SSA stands for:
a) School Standard Agreement
b) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
c) Society of School Administration
d) Summer School Activity
Answer: b) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
16. Article 45 provides for:
a) Right to property
b) Early childhood care and education
c) Freedom of religion
d) Board examinations
Answer: b) Early childhood care and education
17. No Detention Policy is a feature of:
a) SSA
b) RTE Act
c) NPE 1986
d) NEP 2020
Answer: b) RTE Act
18. DPSPs are:
a) Enforceable rights
b) Non-enforceable guidelines to the government
c) Rules for court
d) None
Answer: b) Non-enforceable guidelines to the government
19. First priority of NEP 2020 in elementary education is:
a) Vocational training
b) FLN achievement by Grade 3
c) Sports training
d) Science labs
Answer: b) FLN achievement by Grade 3
20. Which is part of the cultural and educational rights?
a) Article 25
b) Article 29
c) Article 19
d) Article 14
Answer: b) Article 29
21. Promotion of educational interests of SC/ST is under:
a) Article 20
b) Article 46
c) Article 24
d) Article 31
Answer: b) Article 46
22. Education came under the Concurrent List in:
a) 1950
b) 1976
c) 1968
d) 1986
Answer: b) 1976
23. School Management Committees (SMC) in RTE Act aim to:
a) Conduct Board Exams
b) Involve parents/community in school functioning
c) Appoint teachers
d) Run private tuition
Answer: b) Involve parents/community in school functioning
24. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) is part of:
a) Vocational education
b) RTE Act
c) NPE 1968
d) None
Answer: b) RTE Act
25. Foundational Stage as per NEP 2020 covers ages:
a) 3–8 years
b) 6–14 years
c) 14–18 years
d) 8–10 years
Answer: a) 3–8 years
Elementary Education – Frequently Asked Questions
Get Free NCERT PDFs
If you want to download free PDFs of any chapter, click the link below and join our WhatsApp group:
