Some experts believe that the Indian system of education; learning by rote and memorising material without question, is a gift of the British. This was because the British wanted to create meek, unquestioning and unthinking subjects rather than thinking, questioning citizens. However now, over seven decades after independence, shouldn’t we make the changes that make education less boring and more interesting; learning that can be applied to real-life and which equips students with useful skills?
While one child has a natural aptitude for numbers another has an affinity for languages. Yet, until class X they both have the same syllabus, the same exams and the same exam parametres. Students should have the choice to drop subjects that they find burdensome earlier so they can concentrate on those that they understand and find enjoyable.
A child usually has no actual employable skills when they pass out of school. Kids who don’t want to or don’t have the wherewithal to study further should be able to opt for vocational training or learn a trade in school itself.
Typically science subjects are thought of as more worthwhile and somehow respectable than languages, humanities and so on. This often pressurizes kids to make learning choices different from their actual aptitude and interest. This mindset needs to change.
We've seen how technology can be a godsend in the education space during the pandemic. It may be time to use more of it in education to make material more interesting and palatable. Digital simulations, animations, VR and so on can help to bring alive a subject and make it fun for kids to learn.
Teachers have to be trained to impart education in meaningful, engaging ways. We also need to be able to attract more talented people into the teaching fraternity; to which end teachers have to be better paid. In other words, the teaching profession should receive the sort of remuneration that will attract dedicated people who actually enjoy teaching.
Studying isn't the only thing kids need to do in school. They should be spending time on sports, drama, debating, art, craft, learning music and so on. Not only does this make school more interesting, it helps kids discover where their talents and interests lie; it gives kids a better idea of what they want to do with their lives.
Children have to be encouraged to ask think critically and to question what they learn instead of passively accepting what they are taught and told to do. They should be encouraged to do their own research, to read up other points of view and discuss these in class.
The whole exam system needs to be revamped so that children don’t just learn by rote and regurgitate what they have memorised in their exam paper. The emphasis needs to be on logical thinking and reasoning, not memorising. All these are obviously herculean tasks that demand sweeping changes; all easier said than done. However, we have to start somewhere if we have the interests of our children at heart and if we hope to create a thinking citizenry rather than automatons programmed only to follow instructions.
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