Efforts to integrate practical and skill-based learning into mainstream school education are gaining momentum in India. In line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a collaborative initiative between institutions in India and Australia has developed a toolkit designed to help secondary schools implement applied learning approaches more effectively.
Titled “Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools,” the resource is intended to help teachers and school leaders introduce learning methods that connect academic concepts with real-world applications. The toolkit focuses on strengthening the link between classroom learning and practical experience for students during the secondary school years.
Download the applied learning toolkit
The Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools toolkit, along with a summary overview, is available online for educators, institutions, and policymakers interested in strengthening applied learning practices in schools.
Readers can explore the resource here: Click here to download the toolkit for applied learning in secondary schools
The toolkit was introduced to educators and stakeholders during a webinar held on 13 March 2026. The session explored how the resource can support teachers and school leaders in incorporating applied learning methods into secondary education.
The discussion also highlighted the potential of applied learning approaches to improve student engagement and strengthen connections between education and future career pathways.
Collaborative initiative between India and Australia
The toolkit has been developed through a joint effort led by the Australia India Institute, in partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), and the University of Melbourne.
Supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Education, the initiative brought together educators and experts from both countries to examine how applied learning can be effectively integrated into school education.
The development process involved a year-long engagement with institutions, educators, and stakeholders. Workshops, discussions, and institutional visits contributed to shaping the framework and resources included in the toolkit. Guidance from an expert steering committee helped ensure that the recommendations are grounded in research as well as practical classroom experiences.
Supporting the vision of NEP 2020
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of introducing vocational exposure and skill-based learning within school education. The policy encourages schools to adopt experiential learning methods that help students understand how academic knowledge can be applied in real-world contexts.
The toolkit supports these goals by offering structured guidance that helps schools incorporate applied learning practices within existing curricula. It provides educators with ideas and frameworks to strengthen experiential learning while maintaining academic rigor.
By encouraging applied learning approaches, the initiative aims to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a better understanding of how classroom knowledge connects to future careers.
Key areas covered in the applied learning toolkit
The Applied Learning in Secondary Schools Toolkit focuses on five important areas that can support schools in integrating practical learning methods.
1. Building an enabling environment for applied learning
Schools need supportive structures and leadership commitment to implement applied learning successfully. The toolkit highlights ways to create an institutional environment where practical learning initiatives can be sustained.
2. Aligning curriculum with applied learning
One of the key challenges is adapting traditional curricula to include practical and experiential components. The toolkit suggests ways to integrate applied learning activities without disrupting existing academic frameworks.
3. Strengthening teaching practices
Teachers play a central role in implementing applied learning. The resource includes guidance on teaching strategies that encourage experiential learning, project-based activities, and student participation.
4. Rethinking assessment approaches
Assessing applied learning outcomes requires more than traditional examinations. The toolkit discusses ways to design assessment methods that capture practical competencies and applied understanding.
5. Building industry and community partnerships
Collaboration with industry and community organizations can help provide students with exposure to real-world applications. The toolkit highlights the importance of partnerships that allow students to engage with workplaces, projects, and community initiatives.
Each section of the toolkit includes practical resources, background notes, and references that educators can adapt to suit their institutional context.
Also read: Australia–India Dual-Sector Education: Strengthening Skills and Higher Education Collaboration
Strengthening education collaboration between India and Australia
The initiative also reflects the growing cooperation between India and Australia in the education sector.
Australia’s Federal Minister for Education, Hon. Jason Clare MP, noted the strong education relationship between the two countries and highlighted how collaborative initiatives like this can support learning across different levels of education.
Ms. Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, said the project demonstrates how institutions in both countries can work together to create practical resources for educators.
She noted that the toolkit aims to support schools in translating education reforms into everyday classroom practices while complementing the work already being done by educators.
Implementing applied learning in school education
As India continues to implement reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, initiatives like the Applied Learning Toolkit for Secondary Schools provide practical support for educators seeking to introduce experiential and skill-oriented learning in classrooms.
By offering structured guidance, teaching resources, and examples of implementation, the toolkit can help schools strengthen the connection between academic learning, practical skills, and real-world applications, preparing students for future careers and lifelong learning.
