The education landscape is constantly evolving, and given its dynamic nature, it comes with its own set of challenges. The aim of any good education system should be to teach students how to learn, not what to learn. There are always tried and tested old techniques that compete with newer methods that advance with time.
The most important question that all policy makers and stakeholders need to ask themselves while designing a good education system is: what should it include?
The education system must include skills as well as a tool kit that prepares students cognitively and emotionally for a future that is inherently unpredictable. At the cusp of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, when the risk of so many jobs becoming obsolete exists, the education system must prepare children to become lifelong learners.
The tool kit should develop flexibility, enhance adaptability and create a unique blend, so that students can value tradition and learn to innovate with the dynamic environment.
The traditional Indian education system has been the basis of emotional and mental health. Our Gurukul system has been the backbone of cultural values. There is a traditional saying – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or ‘the whole world is one family’.
Research has proven time and again that the secret to happiness is the ability to build deep meaningful relationships. It is our teachers who sow the seeds of meaningful relationships in the minds of children, be it family or peers.
In the early years, when vocabulary is crucial to building healthy and meaningful relationships, the role of teachers is very important.
The traditional techniques of teaching through textbooks and activities have proven to be very effective in imparting knowledge and skills to students. With the rapid advancement of technology, the needs of students are constantly changing and teachers have no choice but to adapt and evolve.
Innovative approaches such as personalised learning and digital resources are changing the educational landscape. Our teachers recognise the value of tradition and at the same time embrace innovation.
The key to successful education lies in the balance between tradition and modernity. Teachers can combine traditional methods with modern techniques and approaches to make it more engaging, effective and student-centred.
Students are being introduced to modern technologies from childhood. The role of technology has become a part of daily activities and it is this early exposure that leads children to recognize the need for evolving innovations. The short life of these innovations and how technology is becoming obsolete every moment is a challenge that future generations will have to face.
The role of artificial intelligence and how it is taking over various industries is something that kids need to deal with. In fact, they need to think two steps ahead so that they can anticipate what might be the need of the hour in the future.
No one can predict which technology will stand the test of time, but it is the child’s mindset towards accepting these new challenges that will define him for the unknown future.
Five years ago, most people believed in the power of coding, but within five years, coding has not only become obsolete but has also been overtaken by new technologies that are powered by AI and virtual reality. Coding now seems to be a thing of the past.
With such rapid changes happening around them, students must be prepared to deal with change. In times like these, it is these deep connections they build with their family and friends that help them stay grounded and rooted as they adapt to changes and progress in life.
Another challenge has been that of different languages. In a world where there are so many languages ​​and cultures that were once seen as a challenge, today technology has played a very important role in decoding and simplifying them. Modern technological tools have the capability to empower humans to be able to consume content in any language.
The challenge of language barriers is also being addressed and broken thanks to modern technology. Digital books and online resources have the ability to understand and translate content in a user-friendly way that can complement traditional teaching methods.
Teachers are using technology to make their sessions more interactive and enhance overall student engagement and understanding. Technology has also empowered teachers to personalise their teaching experience according to the different needs and abilities of students.
Students are taking ownership of their education and developing critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration through project-based learning. Traditional skills like research and critical thinking are being further aided by technology. Teachers are able to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by leveraging the strengths of both approaches.
They are able to increase and motivate student participation, improve their academic performance by increasing retention power, develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. All this results in preparing students to succeed in a constantly changing dynamic technology-driven world.
In conclusion, there is a need for a balance between tradition and modern innovation. Teachers need to embrace both old and new methods to create a rich learning environment that produces future-ready leaders who are able to succeed in all aspects of life.
Values ​​and deep relationships are considered a sure mantra for success in life. The roots of these values ​​and deep relationships are laid in the early years. Teachers nurture these through traditional teaching techniques, which, combined with technological innovations, define a good education system.
The key to success is to adapt, innovate and inspire, while remaining rooted in the culture and value system that shapes the minds of future generations.
(Author Praneet Mungali is Trustee, Sanskruti Group of Schools. Views expressed are personal.)
