Enhancing Self-confidence among Secondary School Students through Innovative Pedagogical Practices: A Perspective from NEP 2020

In secondary education, students' active classroom participation is a crucial factor in determining academic achievement, critical thinking, and holistic development. In the context of rapid changes in the education system in India, the New Education Policy 2020 places special emphasis on learner-centered teaching, experiential learning, competency-based assessment, and technology integration to strengthen student engagement. Based on an analysis of secondary sources—such as research publications, policy documents, academic reports, and previous empirical studies—this article examines how technology-enabled teaching methods can strengthen student engagement in secondary school classrooms. The literature review reveals that technology-enabled tools such as digital classrooms, interactive multimedia content, learning management systems, virtual simulations, and collaborative online platforms strengthen students' cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement. In line with the vision of the New Education Policy 2020, these digital tools encourage active learning, curiosity, peer interaction, and personalized learning experiences, thereby transforming the classroom environment from a teacher-centered model to a student-centered learning culture. The policy's emphasis on blended learning, digital literacy, and creative teaching methods further strengthens the role of technology in creating an inclusive and inspiring learning environment. This study presents the concept of "interactive learning pods" as an innovative approach at the secondary level. This model integrates technology with project-based learning and peer collaboration, where students, in small groups, use digital resources to find solutions to real-life problems related to the curriculum. This process not only increases student engagement but also encourages collaboration, creativity, and the development of problem-solving skills. Ultimately, the study concludes that effective integration of technology-oriented teaching, along with appropriate infrastructure, teacher training, and pedagogical preparation, can significantly increase student engagement in secondary classrooms. Teaching methods developed in accordance with the principles of the New Education Policy 2020 can play an important role in making education more meaningful, interesting and future-oriented.