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Changes needed in the Indian Education System!- 12-Aug-2015
In India, we follow too structured education system that does not permit to speak in class; curtails students from asking unnecessary questions; and to stand up as the teacher enters the classroom.
In developed nations like America, a much liberal education system is followed. Time alone can answer about the fact whether liberal or structured education system is good. However, both do have its own merits and demerits.
Over 1 crore students study in Tamil Nadu school s alone. Having few strict rules seem to prove as a plus point towards guiding such a large number of students towards an upright higher education.
Who is to be blamed? : Students who go through this particular stringent system until plus two are pressed to study much difficult course later after joining college. In college too they are being curbed from talking freely; after college days are over, we say that they dont posses good communication skills. Likewise, right from school until college, for 17 years, we nurture asking them don t talk. Later, tell that they are not good in communication. Dont you think its unfair!
In America, when the teacher is teaching in class, students have all the freedom to do whatever they desire. They are given the freedom to debate with teachers on the issues that hit their mind. This alone doesnt mean that they are able to accomplish. But, it provides self confidence to the students. In the same way, it should be accepted that this freedom also proves to bring negative impact.
Exam pattern: Both in India as well as in America, getting through is possible if you happen to write exam well. In both countries, curriculum remains nearly the same; but only examination pattern differ to a great extend.
In America, students are permitted to the write exam by referring books. But, passing the exam is possible only if the subject is well understood. In India, however, it is not necessary to study with understanding to clear the exam. It is possible to pass the exam by memorizing topics even without understanding the concept and application.
True, some stringent rules are needed to be followed in a country with very population to bring about the task of providing education to all. Yet, some changes could be made in the system.
Practical studies could be given more importance. Need to bring out a system that facilitates learning by understanding. Can slightly relax the measuring yardstick for learning by understanding. Curriculum plan could be designed in such a way to allocate six months to one year in the three year course duration for practical industrial exposure.
Each and every student can be made to excel through these changes!
----Sarvanan Periyasamy, Chairman, Peri Institute of Technology, Chennai
