A new education toolkit designed to help Indian secondary schools link classroom learning with practical skills has been launched through a collaboration between Australian and Indian education institutions.
The resource, titled Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools, offers guidance for teachers and school leaders seeking to bring applied learning approaches into mainstream education. The initiative focuses on helping schools connect academic lessons with real world experience so students can better understand how classroom knowledge translates into everyday work and community settings.
The toolkit was co designed by the Australia India Institute together with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore and the University of Melbourne. Funding support came from the Australian Government Department of Education.
Developers of the project say the resource aims to help schools integrate practical learning into existing subjects across the secondary years. The approach encourages lessons that combine academic theory with activities linked to industry, community life and everyday problem solving.
Work on the toolkit followed a year of consultation and research involving educators and institutions in both countries. Workshops and site visits were held across India and Australia, while an expert steering committee provided guidance on the structure and content of the material.
Supporters say the resource arrives at a time when India is pursuing broader changes in its education system. The country’s National Education Policy 2020 calls for greater integration of vocational and skill based learning within traditional school curricula. Policymakers have argued that strengthening these areas can help students prepare for employment and further study in a changing economy.
The toolkit addresses several areas considered essential for applied learning to work effectively in schools. These include building a supportive environment for applied learning, adapting curriculum structures, improving teaching methods and developing assessment approaches suited to practical work. Another focus involves building partnerships between schools, industry and community organisations.
Each section of the toolkit contains background material drawn from research conducted in both countries. It also provides adaptable resources, guidance notes and references that educators can tailor to their own classroom needs.
Advocates of applied learning say approaches that connect education with practical tasks can improve student engagement. Lessons that incorporate projects, community involvement or industry input may help students understand the purpose of what they study.
Education researchers also note that applied learning can work alongside academic pathways rather than replacing them. In many systems, the approach is used to support different learning styles and to encourage collaboration, problem solving and practical thinking.
Still, education specialists often point out that introducing such approaches across large school systems can present challenges. Teachers may require additional training, while schools may need stronger links with local businesses or organisations to deliver practical activities effectively.
The organisations behind the toolkit say the resource is intended to help address some of those practical questions by offering examples and guidance that schools can adapt to local circumstances.
Australian Education Minister Jason Clare said the project reflects the close education relationship between the two countries.
“Australia and India have very close education ties. We work together closely in all parts of education, from pre school to PhDs. This is another example of what we can achieve together,” Mr Clare said.
The initiative also highlights broader cooperation between universities and research institutes in both countries. Over recent years, Australia and India have expanded joint work in areas such as student mobility, research partnerships and teacher training.
Chief executive of the Australia India Institute, Lisa Singh, said collaboration between partners in both countries helped shape the final resource.
“By working closely with partners across both countries, we have developed a practical and adaptable resource that supports schools to translate reform ambitions into classroom practice,” Ms Singh said.
She added that the toolkit is intended to complement work already taking place within schools rather than replace existing programmes.
“We hope this resource complements the strong work already taking place in schools, offering practical ideas that educators can draw on as they continue to strengthen applied learning in their contexts,” she said.
Interest in applied learning approaches has grown across many education systems in recent years. Governments and educators have been exploring ways to connect traditional academic study with practical skills that students may use later in work or higher education.
Supporters often point to project based learning, internships and collaboration with industry as ways to strengthen that connection. Critics sometimes caution that practical programmes need careful design so academic standards remain clear and consistent.
The toolkit’s creators say their aim is to offer flexible guidance rather than a fixed model. Schools can select resources that match their local curriculum structures and student needs.
Access to the toolkit has been made available online along with a short overview document outlining its key elements. Organisers have also scheduled a webinar where educators can learn about the resource and discuss how it might be used in classrooms.
The webinar will be held on 13 March 2026, bringing together teachers, school leaders and education specialists interested in applied learning practices. Participants are expected to hear from contributors involved in developing the toolkit and from educators who have explored similar approaches in their schools.
The release of the toolkit reflects the ongoing exchange of education ideas between India and Australia, particularly at a time when both countries are exploring new approaches to teaching and learning in secondary education.
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