Jiddu Krishnamurti the educationist says “The Education must reveal two worlds to a child, one which is within him and the one that exists around him.”
Our education system is undergoing a tremendous change with most schools these days using technology and tools like interactive boards, video-conferencing to enhance the teaching –learning experience. The use of these tools enables a more intuitive learning process for the child making it easier for them to learn and grasp facts. Apps are being used to convey messages to parents on daily basis. Thus interaction between parents and teachers has increased and bridged the communication gap. WhatsApp , Twitter, Facebook have brought globalization in our daily life in the true sense. We can get any information from any corner of the world at the tip of our finger within seconds.
Most schools have ATL tinkering labs supported by Government funding. In these labs the students are using robotic arms, Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) to understand and develop concepts. 3D printing and 3D labs have made learning of subjects easier. The student wears 3D goggles and sees the virtual images or does experiments in virtual lab which makes learning a joy and fun experience. The virtual world showcases a real world. Today the student is versatile in data analysis, automation industry and cloud computing.
Learning is also happening through Skype. Interaction between schools across the globe takes place through Skype sessions. Online courses like Coursera, Udemy are available to students free of cost. Besides this, lessons are available to students 24/7 with Online library and You Tube. The education system has truly moved towards digitization and students have embraced it with open arms.
Though in today’s day and age digitalization has brought about remarkable change in the society but has its own flipside. We are all addicted to our androids and i Phones and as a result we are moving away from our social skills and verbal ability .The communication between a parent and child is also through mobiles. This on one hand has made them connected to each other but the quality time spent face to face in the loving presence of each other has considerably reduced.
“The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values.” says Williaminger. The society witnessed a change from joint to nuclear family system, thus the value system introduced in a subtle manner by grandparents is no longer available to the child at home. The schools can play an important part in teaching the child about the importance our value system, saving the environment, building a harmonious relationship between living species etc. It will also develop qualities like compassion, love and respect. This in turn will bring peace in the world. It is necessary that we as educators change our focus from job oriented education to skill oriented education which is self sustaining for our younger generation. Teaching should be such that it arouses curiosity in the child’s mind, they should be able to relate the knowledge gained in a classroom setting to their day to day life.. NASSCOM –National Association of Software and Services Companies recently listed 55 new job roles and 155 new age skills to teach self reliance.
According to Ken Robinson “Human communities depend upon diversity of talents, not a singular conception of ability.” But our education system is more focused on the written ability of the child than on the verbal or kinaesthetic or spatial ability. We are making our children move in a maze of tests at all levels of education .The parent is always aiming at increasing the child score instead of giving the child a learning hands- on experience.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is another area which makes a child become mature and strong and to be able to resist and withstand pressure/stress thus ensuring that they are able to handle a situation in a calm and composed manner. The education system is not testing the diverse intelligence of each child but is focused on testing only one area. We neglect the hidden talent and strength a child possesses. The inner world of a child is suppressed. Today’s need is that education must bring a social change by adapting in the school curriculum which should be more focused on creativity, empathy, self- motivation, conflict resolution. This will help develop decision making, adaptability, leadership qualities in future generations.
Let us as teachers strengthen our younger generation by helping them identify their strengths of various intelligences they possess. Instead of examining them by age old test scores which are making the whole learning process disinteresting. Let’s aim at developing a passion for learning, experimenting and exploring. Let us focus on each child’s strength and work to remove his weaknesses and other learning disabilities.
Nelson Mandela’s observation was that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” and we as educationists should feel morally responsible to become guardians of peace and make the earth a beautiful place for our future generations to live.
Purrnima Khanna has over 33 years of teaching experience. Among a string of qualifications she is known for her expertise in guidance and counselling.
She is certified in Graphology—hand writing reading. Her other interests and certifications include Reiki Grandmaster, Lama fera master, meditation, pain management, crystal healing, emotional freedom technique, homeopathic and bach flower certifications, astrology to name a few.