Brainfeed is proud to present a series of exclusive articles from leading educators, going into the multifaceted topic of ‘Contemporary Educational Opportunities and Challenges.’ This collection of insights explores the evolving landscape of education, shedding light on the unique opportunities and obstacles faced by the diverse educational system in India. India’s educational system is characterized by its complexity and diversity, with a wide array of education boards and institutions catering to varying needs and standards. This dynamic environment presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges.
In this context, we present below an article by Nisha Chakravorty, Founder & Director, Kriyaa Early Learning Centre, Bangalore.
“Education opens up a world of possibilities for individuals by empowering them with knowledge”.
Education is the backbone of every country. A country will not be able to survive in the competitive world, if its education system is not capable of contributing for its development. The Contemporary Education mission is to transform education to empower students to make meaningful decisions in their lives. India has made significant progress in improving the literacy rate and increasing access to education. However, there are still disparities in the quality of teaching and access to education between urban and rural areas.
According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in India was 77.7% in 2019. Although there has been progress compared to previous years, there is still much room for improvement. Moreover, the quality of education in India is a significant concern. The emphasis on rote learning, lack of critical thinking, and outdated teaching methods are hindering the development of the students.Contemporary Education is all about connecting school learning to the lives we lead. This refers to the current state and practices of education in the modern world, typically reflecting the prevailing educational methods, theories, technologies, and societal influences of the present time. It is a dynamic and evolving field that adapts to the changing needs of students, society, and the workforce.
Today’s world there are lots of opportunities for the children to avail the advantage of contemporary education due to the below given rapid changes:
Advancements in high end technology: With the advancement of technology, there are several opportunities to improve the quality of education.
The use of technology in education can help in making learning more interactive and engaging for students.
Partnership: The government is already partnering with private organizations to improve the quality of education in remote areas.
Some of the Private organizations are funding and lending the expertise to improve infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.
Skill-Based Education: The education system can focus more on providing hands on or skill-based education to students. This can help in preparing confident students for the job market
Contemporary education continually adapts to ongoing research, evolving education policies, and changing societal dynamics. Its primary objective is to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
A question always arises here about the available opportunities and their practical implementation in any organization:
“The Contemporary Education Framework should be based on enquiry based learning, the way that we meet a basic human need, involving an array of real world activities, an awareness of practices from around the world and throughout history, a theoretical inquiry related to these practices and a deliberation of theories and practices in order to connect abstract concepts that are typically learned at school to the lives we live to make more meaningful, intentional decisions.”
CHALLENGES
The Indian education system faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure that every student has access to high-quality education.
Quality of Education:
One of the most significant challenges the Indian education system faces is the quality of education. Despite significant improvements in recent years, many schools, colleges, and universities still lack adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, and an updated curriculum. Many schools in rural areas lack basic facilities such as electricity, water supply, and toilets, which can harm the quality of education. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in rural areas.
Affordability and Accessibility:
The affordability and accessibility of education are significant challenges facing the Indian education system. Education in India is still not affordable for a significant proportion of the population. Additionally, there is a significant disparity in access to education between urban and rural areas, with many students in rural areas struggling to access quality education.
Outdated Curriculum:
The Indian education system still follows a traditional approach to education and lacks the flexibility to adapt to changing needs of society and the job market. The curriculum is often outdated and does not fully prepare students for the modern World. Additionally, there is a significant focus on theoretical knowledge, which can result in a lack of practical skills among students.
Shortage of qualified Teachers :
There is a significant shortage of qualified teachers in the country, particularly in rural areas. This shortage can significantly impact the quality of education provided to students and lead to a lack of continuity in teaching.
Examination System:
The Indian education system relies heavily on examinations to evaluate students, which can be stressful and often results in a focus on rote learning rather than understanding concepts. Additionally, the examination system can be a source of significant stress for students, leading to a lack of interest in learning.
“Today’s major issues facing education in India include access and equity, quality and relevance, teacher shortages and quality, funding, infrastructure, and greater emphasis on vocational training and practical skills.”
