Interactive Learning on the Anvil!

G S Oinam *

In a welcome move, Indian education system is giving up its archaic method of teaching and paved way for new and more interactive discussion right from the school levels in many big cities to imbibe the growth trajectory in itself. Teachers are now encouraging students to answer the question & question the answer, rather than just memorizing text book portions. This new style of thinking has made children more independent right from the early age.

The fundamental cause seems to be belief that teaching is an art or at best an imperfect science with no role of technology in the design or delivery of instruction. This belief system has been largely responsible for restricted access to higher education and quality of in-class experience being limited to the drudgery of talks and chalk method.

Further, in the absence of opportunities encouraging role--learning instead of igniting minds. But, time has changed from art or science to technology-mediated to have realized that technology is primarily to empower them and not to replace them. To do this, one has to be clear about what our expectations are from the education system, what type of individuals our class rooms will produce- role learners or those with an in- depth understanding of the subject.

A student does not remain as a student forever, makes his way out of the class, face the world and meets the real challenges of life. The matter of quality education he learn, seeks to empower students to ask the right questions to develop the right insights and to apply the learning efficiently in a matter that will define the future.

From there, the next step would be to use these new thoughts and new ideas in the right direction of creating new avenues, encouraging innovation and making sure that the present generation can handle uncertainty and changes. Yet, students need to develop work prospective skills while they study, the challenges are more pronounced in other few sectors.

No rule book can guide you on precisely; one will find it difficult to transit from books to real job knowledge. It is high time to focus on employability and applicability of our course materials and practices. The fundamental to all this, is the need to create new learning, one that does not passively assimilate information but one that questions what is assumed and stated.

Only then, will the huge mass of graduating students be absorbed into the job. And, somewhere in the whole muzzle of job creation is the vocational education. This is considering being a vital cog. in the wheel to bridge the gap between the education system and labour market to produce more talent.

These vocational courses are mainly application based when the main stress is laid upon the practical applicability and experimental nature of the subject. The curriculum is conceptualized and formatted according to changing trends and environment. This system works well for the students as they get a choice to take up courses that they want to take up and excel in job.

To impart the education of employability and applicability, teacher can not remain fixed in the talk and chalk method only. Technology mediated instruction and learning excels-- the teaching methodology. A teacher may be bright but many have complex concepts that can not be explained well on the board and technology teaching such as multimedia aids can enhance the learning experience for the student.

Beside, there is pressure on the teacher to finish the course on time, and, therefore, even though a teacher wants to achieve an in-depth understanding of the subject, it can not be accomplished. However, technology can empower him and help to overcome the limitation of traditional method of teaching.

Mr. Eloic Peyrache, Director of HEC, Paris says' In the light of recent economic crisis and changing definition of leadership, priority of management education today, theory and practical are still two key words. Ina world, which is more and more complex, the ability to construct, understand and develop models will be a major asset.

Students are asked for deeper involvement in research output in the second year of Master degree programme. In the same time, student must experience the real life management and be mentored. Courses should be develop that jointly propose a seminar on a given topic and involvement in real case." Future belongs to people who are looking for adventure, people who can develop vision that involves others.

In this respect, creativity, openness and energy are crucial. Very early on, they become aware that to attract others and be successful in managing their project, and these qualities are of huge importance, Peyrache added. New and unconventional subjects herald an evolution of 21st century in the culture of practical learning through workshops and laboratories. Keeping mind the changing times, student can now option for unconventional courses like entrepreneurship, fashion designing, graphic designing, animation and soft skills. And, some introspective students may have finally struck the right balance between conventional studies and new age careers streams.

Education in India is a seller market, says Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Dean of Centum Learning Centre (Bharati group). Institute will choose the students that they will admit depending upon whether their priority lies in merit or means as in, with the most privately own ones. Total enrollment in higher education is 18.68 millions which is expected to grow to 22 millions in 2012. Requirement numbers of seats are growing up at 20% causing a shortfall of 45% in the number of seats required.

Despite government regulations, many private institutions are run like small business enterprises with little or no monitoring or accountability mechanism in place to ensure the relevance and quality of education imparted. One major reason for the poor quality of graduates is lack of good teachers' in the organization, Prof. Sanjay added.

Teachers are the most ignored and exploited a lot. They are hired and fired at will and not given the respect, space and autonomy which could not encourage them to bring in innovations in their teaching methodologies. Other reasons are lack of focus on employability, skills, lack of visions with respect to the changed nature of jobs and job profiles available.

Some innovations that large corporate can bring to education sector, venture would be "for profit" and these business house are expected to change the Indian education sector in the same way that they change the face of Indian industry.

On their strength of reputation and the promise of growth, they can attract the best talent as teaches, identify and provide to the students the required conceptual analytical, verbal, interpersonal and technical skills, leading to catalytic change in the nature and quality of education imparted thereby sparking a chain reaction which will change forever the way education is prescribed in the country, Prof. Sanjay concluded.

How to pick up a School (TOI method)

1. A happy, harmonious and healthy environment for the child to grow and develop- resources that help the child to grow physical, mentally, Psycho- socially and spiritually.
2. Facilities that make the school safe and secure for the child, including emergency services- collaborative learning systems be it in terms of IT facilities or otherwise.
3. Increased life skills education that helps a child learn things practically- the school should be proactive and put into use new and innovative learning skills.
4. A school that gives importance to the PTAs and creates a group that works towards growth and development of children. Believe in the concept of inclusive education and gives the right push to the students who require extra attention.
5. Involves local community at various levels and provides for a societal learning-- the schools that discourage every form of corporal punishment and uses positive techniques for disciplining.
6. Promotes and respects child rights and has "no tolerance" policy towards harassment.