New age education: Why we need to devise innovative methods of learning

A strange fact that came to light recently was that more than 13,000 posts of commissioned officers have been lying vacant with the defence forces, for want of suitable candidates. One finds it hard to believe this, in a nation overcrowded with qualified, unemployed youth. Does it mean that the youth are not employable enough? Or else, where do they lack in their employability in the army?

The army looks for thrill, adventure, reasoning and analytical ability, presence of mind, leadership qualities and a certain attitude in any prospective candidate. But somehow, the youth of this country do not seem to be zealous enough. The reason behind this could be found in the cultural, moral and educational paraphernalia of the country. Has the system failed to include or promote these very traits of human nature in our youth? If it has, it is indeed a great failure.

Adventure, competition, thrill, risk and fun should all be a part and parcel of life and should not be extra-curricular activities. In fact, the curriculum itself should incorporate all these to help students face the changing scenario and get them to adjust to the modern world full of uncertainty, where the goal posts are changing continuously.

Does it not sound appalling that a nation with one billion people can hardly bag a few medals at the Olympics? The reasons generally cited for this are poor infrastructure and lack of funds. But if this was the case, how do poor countries like Kenya and other African countries tend to do better than us? It is also not out of context to mention here that not enough development is seen in the fields of science, technology and literature in India, whereas small countries like Israel, Taiwan and South Korea seem to have something new to offer every day. Why does our country lag behind in so many fields despite having a considerable work force? The reason is that the work force is ill-trained. In simple terms, the education imparted really does not serve the purpose.

In the changing times, in addition to scholars, leaders and doers are also required but our educational system provides only scholars. The institutions teach in a very controlled and disciplined manner. They aim at feeding information and not developing and drawing out the full potential and latent talents of the students. They tend to follow the objective of cent percent result without giving consideration to the higher objectives of education. The present system prepares students with a narrow perspective of attaining a 9-5 job. Their imagination and creativity are dampened by the effect of a huge syllabi, which leaves almost no time for Jack to play. They are not taught to appreciate beauty and literature. They are taught to live within restraints. The killer instinct and questioning spirit in them is quelled. Experiments and innovations are considered heresies, even for a teacher, leave aside the student. Moreover, the society is unforgiving to failures, so few dare to choose an untrodden path. They are taught not to take risks and take every step after due consideration and research. The whole emphasis is on negating the uncertainties of life. Many layers of security are wrapped around the individual. The government fixes minimum support prices. In routine business failures, the government is supposed to provide support. Jobs, whether in government or private sectors, are expected to ensure complete security. In such an atmosphere, the enthusiasm and zeal of an individual is sealed somewhere at the back of his identity. He blindfolds his eyes to any kind of change, not knowing that in today’s world, nothing is permanent except change. This is then reflected in the character of the entire nation.

The entire nation and almost all the education institutes tend to follow a pattern of linear thinking. They aim at uniformity and not diversity and experimentation. They try to make set patterns for everything - admission rules, fee rules, examination rules. But when any and everything is under limitations, how can we expect an individual to break the conventions and attempt something new and startling? The whole system is against them. Because they are incompetent and accountable to none, managers of education find themselves incapable of handling the system in all its complexity and diversity and they force conformity upon the individual instead of changing themselves for the better.

There is a need to view the whole education system in the light of what it lacks. If we cannot turn it upside down, we can at least help and give some new dimensions wherein the next generation can benefit. The mindless pursuit of uniformity in everything- syllabi, practices and examinations - should be put to an end. The emphasis should be on promoting and enhancing the inherent traits of the students. Gone are the days of 9-5 work. Now is the time for smart work and it is our responsibility to train the next generation as young, dynamic, versatile and smart working people that would help the country to progress. Our reward will be no shortage of employable candidates for the army, medals in the Olympics, better-equipped businesspersons and a more happy (and in tune with the reality that is uncertain) nation.  

The author is Professor, Haryana School of Business, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar