Mediocre Perspectives

Basis for the system Sir Ken Robinson in one of his many TED talks points out two important facts about the education system. The system sprouted in response to serving the needs of the industrial revolution and no matter the method of teaching throughout the world science stands first and arts fall last in any institution. It is ironical that the system has not undergone many transformations though few centuries have passed since the steam engine became the order of the day. Thus, the system was designed for people who are to work in the industry and in a general population only a small percentage have that natural aptitude. Why it exists? The reason for the biased system’s existence in our society is its ‘convenience’. The system works well in creating a citizen who will accept life in its terms and doesn’t involve himself in questioning its relevance. A student undergoes 12 plus years of schooling. During his schooling, he is taught and questioned from only what is pri...

Come March every year, the society is obsessed with the most important exercise for millions of children in India - the Board Exams. It is often touted by many as the life changing moment for all those adolescents who take up this exercise. Six years ago, I was one in the herd goat-grunting for performing well in my board exams. Reality stands galaxies apart from what was said about board exams when I was in school. They were called as the golden key which would unlock all the fortunate doors of life. It took two years later for me to realize that it was the dumbest thing that I have ever believed. The reason lies in the Indian education system - possibly one of the worst in the world.( I say this with conviction because I am a victim) The system neither cares whether a student who scores well in Physics knows about its application in his daily chores, doesn't mind whether a Chemistry topper was ever conscious in his laboratory, nor does it care whether a Biology nerd knows to...