Emerging Issues in Education: Course Code: 300 – 399

The book is divided into five units, each addressing a critical aspect of modern education. Unit 1 delves into the persistent issue of social inequality in education, examining constitutional safeguards and the specific challenges faced by disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, and those from regions like the Char area of Assam, as well as backward children, child laborers, street children, slum dwellers, and the disparities arising from gender and rural-urban divides. Unit 2 explores the impacts of liberalization, privatization, and globalization on education, including the role of public-private partnerships and the conceptualization of education as an investment. Unit 3 shifts focus to the students themselves, addressing issues such as youth unrest, campus disturbances, examination anxiety, and the growing problem of educated unemployment, analyzing their causes and potential remedies. Unit 4 highlights the importance of environmental and population education, discussing pressing environmental issues like global warming, ozone depletion, and pollution, alongside the role of education in promoting sustainable development and addressing population explosion through population education. Finally, Unit 5 examines multi-cultural education and alternative education methods, covering the objectives and curriculum of multi-cultural education, the role of institutions like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Sakshar Bharat Mission, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), as well as the emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their associated challenges.

These units collectively provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the field of education today. By engaging with these emerging issues, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the educational landscape and be better equipped to contribute to its improvement. Whether as future educators, policymakers, or informed citizens, the knowledge gained from this book will empower readers to critically engage with educational systems and advocate for positive change.

This book is specifically designed to align with the curriculum of the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) at Gauhati University, tailored for 5th semester B.A. students enrolled in the course Emerging Issues in Education (Course Code: 300-399). Each unit is structured to support both classroom learning and self-study, offering a balanced blend of theoretical concepts and practical insights. The learning outcomes are clearly defined, enabling students to track their progress and grasp the key takeaways from each section.

In compiling this book, we have drawn upon a wide range of scholarly works, policy documents, and case studies to provide a well-rounded perspective on each topic. We extend our gratitude to the many educators, researchers, and practitioners whose insights have enriched our understanding of these emerging issues.

As you embark on this journey through the emerging issues in education, we encourage you to reflect critically on the material, engage in discussions with your peers and instructors, and consider how these issues manifest in your own educational experiences and communities. Education is not merely a field of study but a powerful tool for social transformation, and it is our hope that this book will inspire you to become active participants in shaping its future.

Khritish Swargiary (May,2025)