Students should be equipped to deal with a rapidly changing world

Shrutika Lawand

The current generation thinks differently and has dreams and ambitions that are unconventional in nature. They are set to challenge the perennially existing paradigms of education and hence as facilitators of knowledge it is the responsibility of schools to prepare the children for the options they choose in life. According to a recent study 65% of today’s grade school children will end up in a profession that has not been invented yet. Our world is evolving at a lightening pace and this makes it imperative for schools to be even more committed to providing students with an educational experience that would help them thrive in this rapidly changing world.

To create a sustainable future for our children we need to transform foundational aspects of their education. The focus needs to shift from ‘’WHAT’’ is being taught to ‘’WHY” is it being taught. Children need to be equipped to find solutions to real life problems and not to memorise or regurgitate. Their curiosity and creativity should be peaked. In order to achieve this goal, schools and parents need a complete mindset shift – a disassociation from the notion of success with securing of good grades.

Homework has always been an important aspect of learning and has been over the years, effectively used by teachers to ensure revision and practice of concepts taught in the classroom. However, to meet the requirements of the 21st century curriculum, educators need to start looking at homework as an extension or enrichment of learning at school. While parents feel that homework is burdensome for children, it is important to understand that homework provides a massive scope for independent study.

Independent study or self- reliance is a very vital element of learning at all age groups and cannot be overlooked.

Therefore, assigning engaging homework which is research based can be very effective in connecting the learnings at home to those at school. Home engagements can thus contribute to adding value to what is learnt at school without having to carry the burden or boredom of memorising or practicing.

The weight of the school bags is also a major concern for parents today. Modern day schools have taken the onus of reducing this burden by creating infrastructure that would resolve this concern. Schools these days have cubbies where children can leave their books in school and carry home only that what is required for the day. Some schools also provide for student lockers so that they can store their books for the week and take back only the ones where homework or project work is assigned.

The contribution of parents in their child’s educational journey plays an equally vital role.

Helping children discover their interests can not only motivate them to learn but also add purpose and passion to their lives. An education that doesn’t facilitate this will only leave the children confused. Thus, parents and schools need to work together so that our children can bloom to their fullest potential.

The writer is Principal, Billabong High International School Hadapsar, Pune