Indian Education has continuously evolved from the gurukul days to today’s digital learning. 

Transformation of Indian Education: From past To the present

Our ancient education covered rigorous scientific research, and on the other hand, present education is focused more on pretentiousness. Not only this, students were given individualized attention that is seen rarely at current times.

A complete overhaul for education system: the need of the hour

Learning outcomes are continuously decreasing for the past few years of Indian education. We have premier institutes like IIM’s and IIT’s but is it enough for the country to emerge as a knowledge hub and a global economic power? No, it is not. Ever thought, why? This blog covers the current status of Indian Education and what changes we can implement to overhaul it completely.

Let us give a glance at the Times higher education ranking 2021. No Indian university has figured in the top 250 institutions. While the Indian Institute of Science ranks above 300 and IIT Ropar above 350, other institutions have crossed 500 in this list. These rankings are declining year by year and hence, an urgent need for these institutions to improve their standards is crucial.

The National achievement survey conducts an annual status of education report every year and it reveals that children are not performing at expected levels. Hence, a paradigm shift is required to increase their efficiency and make them a global player. Adding mere numbers in place of individuals with practical and problem-solving skills won’t be of great help. 

The recent pandemic has only worsened the situation. Additionally, rural participation is also necessary, especially for a country whose 75 per cent economy is agrarian-based. There was a time when people used to see us as a “Vishwaguru” because we were very much proficient in all the sectors of development that include Education, finance, etc. 

India used to be a centre of excellence in the past. Globally, the first university Nalanda was founded in this country only. But this excellence got lost somewhere for the past few years and we need to restore it to motivate the indomitable spirit of the students. India used to be a centre of excellence in the past. Globally, the first university Nalanda was founded in this country only. But this excellence got lost somewhere for the past few years, and we need to restore it to motivate the indomitable spirit of the students. We need an education system where the prime focus is structured learning instead of rote memorization to restore the glory of Indian education. It can be done by: 

• Internationally recognized: Multiculturalism is very necessary for the students to interact with others throughout the world. A student must welcome other cultures so that a fruitful interaction can happen, opening the way for exchange programs. Such programs would bring many international students to the country so that our outreach can become more global.

• Use of the Internet: Unfortunately, in our country, destructive use of the Internet is more. Students are more inclined towards the negative aspects of the Internet, which needs to stop at any cost to prevent young minds from deviating from their goals. This platform is student-friendly. Also, it is free to use in terms of enhancing your skills and in gaining detailed knowledge. 

• Generation gap: Conventionally, young ones receive education from an older generation which sometimes causes a mismatch in their ideas and thinking process. This mismatch can affect mutualism very diversely. Connection and interpersonal relations are necessary between students and teachers, and this involves cooperation from both ends.

• Interactive space: Learning can’t be forced; it has to be developed within yourself. In this development process, the surroundings around the student play a mandatory role. Learning is effective when the design is funky and provides some knowledge. The modern mindset requires a highly engaging, interactive, and functional structure, with a brilliant aura and attractive styles.

• A necessary shift: Teaching is necessary, but learning about learning is even more necessary. This is where you go from being a sage on the stage to being a co-learner. There is substantial evidence that teachers have abandoned the chalk-and-talk method with dramatic results. 

• Lack of required instructors: The fact is that great educators of all ages are suffocated by numbers and administrators who lack vision, bravery, and leadership. Such administrators consider education as a business and are least concerned about the learning processes.

Key Takeaways

The future is rushing towards us at a breakneck speed. We face the catastrophic consequence of being left out of the mainstream unless education is reshaped by innovative leadership. Education requires a thorough overhaul: only the brightest and finest teachers from each speciality should be chosen.

Also published on Medium.