Whether we are playing the role of teacher, parent or student, the education system affects all of us. What is our blueprint to building a healthy system? What are our hopes and concerns? We rarely have time, opportunity or inclination to reflect on such matters.
As the New Year begins, these are some of the questions that prompted some interesting observations.
Textbooks and testing
Across the board, there was agreement on the current system of over- testing and the relevance of testing methodologies. The echo of “too many tests” was a common refrain from students across schools. Srilata, parent and professor at IIT, suggested that marks be replaced with a “narrative feedback‘ as numerical grades make students feel “less human.”
Gitanjali Rajan, parent and teacher, feels that the system needs to be more innovative and break the cycle of “syllabus-test-revision-test-exam” pattern.
The current system assumes that all students learn the same way and this standardisation causes much pain to those who do not fit into the rigid structure. An interesting perspective was the disconnect between the content in textbooks and real life. Aniruddha, a student, echoes this thought. On a humorous note, he feels that textbooks need to display content in an appealing manner, as students have to live with it for a whole year.
This disconnect between the testing, content and interest seems to alienate all those involved in the process.
Teachers — training
One of the basic issues plaguing the system seems to be the lack of proper training and remuneration for teachers. The pressure of producing results, teaching copious content and increase in paperwork seem to be a serious concern. This inadvertently affects students who are often at the receiving end of the stick. Krishna, a student, feels that teachers should not punish students but talk to them. A sentiment shared by Dhaatri, yet another youngster who feels that humiliating students by “yelling at them” is not a solution. Students also acknowledge that within the system, there are numerous teachers who inspire them. Ananya feels that she is much closer to her teachers now than the previous years. All students shared their gratitude for patient and caring teachers.
The need for schools to be more inclusive was a common concern. Besides ramps and accessibility for students with disability, those whose difficulties like Dyslexia remain “invisible”, are often humiliated and labelled as “lazy”. More teacher awareness and effective training beyond mere certification seems to be the need of the hour.
There seems to be a lack of meaningful communication between parent and school. Anjana Anand, a parent, feels that teachers should stop micromanaging — involving parents in trivialities — and include them more in policies and decision-making process.
Extracurricular activities
“More games, more culturals, more choices” is the mantra of students and parents. In the anxiety to finish syllabuses, extracurricular activities are curtailed and students are restricted from sports. This goes directly against the holistic development of the child. Even in ECAs, the emphasis on certain talents like dance or sport, like Dhaatri points out, excludes others who may not be gifted in those specific areas. Events like campus elections, Anaya feels, help students feel included as they witness the whole process of selection. All agree that friends are the foundation of school education. Students want to see a spirit of community in classrooms where bullying is not tolerated. At the end of the school day, with all its pressure of tests and responsibilities, friends are the reason for the smile on our faces — Anniruddha’s view seems to be universal.
The future
In an age where information is available on a screen, the role of schools to expand their vision to build values is increasingly important. It can start with something as small as a bar of soap in every rest room and teaching children the basics of hygiene. It can extend to creating an atmosphere where every individual feels valued and is inspired to contribute his or her best. It can begin by parents, policy-makers and students breaking down the walls that prevent them from talking and listening to each other.
How can I participate in the system to work towards positive change? May this year allow us to introspect as we work in harmony to create an exciting future, brimming with possibilities for all concerned.
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