Need to revamp education system

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 8

Highlighting the significance of synchronising the old tenets of education with the fast-moving digital era, a conglomeration of school principals from across Himachal Pradesh deliberated on the theme ‘Foundation for professional success for the millenials’ at the Principals’ Meet organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers in association with Chandigarh University here today.

Attended by 63 principals from across the state, the seminar dwelt upon the challenges encountered by the academicians in imparting school education at a time when the digital media had revolutionised the education system. Manoj K Sharma, professor and ex-dean, Panjab University Business School, RS Bawa, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, and CS Talwar, retired IAS officer, were the key speakers.

Drastic changes in the education system are required to suit current trends in the academic curriculum. Manoj K Sharma said there was a need to introduce need-based modifications in the education system while keeping team management as a key tool to attaining success. 

He said developing intelligence, emotional, physical and digital quotients could help Gen Z become successful. “It is significant to cultivate virtues and bridge the gap between the teacher and the taught,” he said. 

He highlighted the importance of befriending the younger generation and also put forth the concept of reverse mentoring that flips the classical roles. “Teachers could learn about the fast-changing technological advancements from the millennials.” He said the teaching-learning process needed to be evolved and technology could help bridge this gap to a great extent.

Principals play a crucial role in laying the foundation of successful professionals. Quoting renowned personalities such as Pluto, Socrates and Swami Vivekananda, CS Talwar, said success could be achieved by adopting good values and ethics. 

RS Bawa, also the guest of honour, said the reading habit had declined as students were spending too much time on the Internet. A teacher should lead by example by accepting the changes and introducing transformation in the education system. Speaking on the need for a practical approach, he said, “Teachers should use latest technology to make the teaching-learning process more effective. There is a need to blend technology and curiosity-based learning to get best results.” The principals were all praise for the event as they said they got to know various methods by which they could teach the students.

Principal speak

There is a need to blend the traditional and modern system of education as students are the ones who will eventually contribute to the country’s development .— Mohit Chugh DAV, Sundernagar

The digital revolution has transformed the way students access information. Inculcating book-reading habit is the need of the hour.  — Kamna Beri DAV, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla

There are constraints such as lengthy syllabus and issues like using a dictionary or Google to look up a meaning. An integrated approach of parents and teachers can help bring out the best in a child. — Sunita John Auckland House, Shimla

Disciplining a pampered child is a challenge often encountered by teachers. Therefore, it is important to inculcate moral values in a child right from an early age. — Purinder Rana Gurukul  Public Sr Sec School, Mandi

Ancient educational tools have become redundant in the digital era. Students’ energy should be channelised in a positive direction. Research on problems plaguing the modern system is the need of the hour. — Mandeep Rana Saraswati Paradise, Shimla

Both parents and teachers should work in tandem. Students’ addiction to gadgets have been increasing. Parents should keep a tab on their wards’ activities and control them. —  SK Sharma RK International, Sarkaghat