Education must transform

Over the years, with competition getting tougher every year and seats getting fewer in college, the education system has still not changed. Here is a look into the current education system in India and how we need to change it.To deliberate on the purpose of education of education, let’s go by tracing its roots. It is popularity known to be derived from the Latin word ‘edu co’-which means ‘to educe’ or draw out’. There are some other root words too, like, ‘Educare’ which means ‘to bring up’ and ‘Educare’ which means ‘to draw out from within’. Education, rather a good and purposeful education, should act as a stimulant for a students’ mind. It should be able to draw the students to correlate what they read in the text-books with the real world around them. Educating a child is not filling up his mind with all kinds of facts and figures, but to ignite his/her mind to find, explore, analyze and learn. The vital need is to develop love for learning and interest to know more and more. Once this goal is attained, the ground for ‘good and meaningful education’ is ready. It is “though” a creative process which eventually develops overall personality of the children. Through this, we can transform the students into dynamic and result oriented citizens with a mind of their own and with the courage to mouth their opinion to go beyond instructing from the book. Arousing the curiosity of students is perhaps one of the most important aspects of teaching-learning because once this is done, a student starts making self driven effort to explore and learn on his own. Here group dynamics plays a major role too. Therefore, there should be a strong emphasis on participatory learning, group work and collaborative projects. This enhances the emotional quotient of children and the spirit of team work, collaboration, respecting each other’s view point and sharing opinions without offence. This mind training is of utmost important a team.

When we talk about transformation, yes education must transform the mind, soul and personality. Therefore it is not only through knowledge but also through instilling value systems and life skills in children, so that they are not just equipped to earn a living but also to live a happy and purposeful life. Such righteous students become the sensitive citizens who lead to the evolution of enlightened and caring society. That should be the mission of education.

The purpose and mission of education guides are vision for the school. Does vision reflect a school having a big and fancy building? Having a big laboratory? Or having a big infrastructure? Not at all; Great schools must have great teachers who love teaching and with great vision. The vision should be to make a beautiful school which generates a safe, secure and happy environment for promoting exploration, creativity and real learning for the development of righteous youth who are an asset to the school, family, society, nation five minds for the future, as described by Howard Gardner – The disciplinary mind, the synthesizing mind, The creative mind, the respectful mind and the ethical mind.

No syllabus can teach such things; no textbook can develop such minds. It has to be imbibed in the overall culture and vision of the school. the creative approach of the school and the way of life of mod.

Coming to the final and most important aspect of the right approach to education ‘who should be the centre of education, if we revisit our vision, mission, purpose and outcome; all of them lead to a single objective. It is ‘the child’, who must be central to all experiences leading to learning therefore good school must aim at providing a secure and encouraging environment that strengths, develop life skills, productive habits and sensitivity for fellows and society and courage to speak his/her mind..

To impart education that brings transformation in the child, the school may not have fancy building or five star commodities but it must have holistic curriculum, engaged children, motivated teachers, assured parents, and inspiring role-models.

Note: Principal & educationists are invited to send articles on Better education for publishing in Dwarka Parichay.  ( email: info@dwarkaparichay.com )