Learning Beyond Textbooks
Amongst all the topics that have been discussed extensively, ‘Education’ has to be one of the most discussed. There has been constant dialogue on the happenings around the education system in our country and the need for better and more educational institutions. In hindsight, should we be focussing on something else? Should we evaluate our students based on knowledge beyond textbooks as well? Should we focus on building better citizens for tomorrow instead?
Education, against the contrary view, is not limited to the intake and output of information on a piece of paper; especially, in today’s day and age where information is available at the click of a button or a tap of a screen. It is rather sculpting a well-rounded individual- in body, mind and spirit. In the words of Sadhguru, “Education needs inspiration, not just information. Only inspired individuals can transform their lives and lives around them”.
Often when we discuss or debate about education- Should the primary focus of education be on the contents of a textbook, or should it be on things beyond it? In reality, both are important. The key remains in integrating bookish knowledge and beyond classroom activities in a way that positively impacts the learners’ life.
Amongst all the topics that have been discussed extensively, ‘Education’ has to be one of the most discussed. There has been constant dialogue on the happenings around the education system in our country and the need for better and more educational institutions. In hindsight, should we be focussing on something else? Should we evaluate our students based on knowledge beyond textbooks as well? Should we focus on building better citizens for tomorrow instead?
Education, against the contrary view, is not limited to the intake and output of information on a piece of paper; especially, in today’s day and age where information is available at the click of a button or a tap of a screen. It is rather sculpting a well-rounded individual- in body, mind and spirit. In the words of Sadhguru, “Education needs inspiration, not just information. Only inspired individuals can transform their lives and lives around them”.
Often when we discuss or debate about education- Should the primary focus of education be on the contents of a textbook, or should it be on things beyond it? In reality, both are important. The key remains in integrating bookish knowledge and beyond classroom activities in a way that positively impacts the learners’ life.
The teacher plays a pivotal role in shaping any student or learner’s career and knowledge. They are the first to spot a skill or point out a flaw. The fact that so many leaders in different fields have emerged through the conventional form of education is enough proof of how teachers can create curiosity among pupils and gently push them to learn what the textbooks have to offer and beyond that.
A prime example of education being well-rounded was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic where despite being cut off from the outer world, teachers, students and administration put together a strong set of strategies to make sure the leaders of tomorrow were kept on track. Especially, with the adoption of a hybrid system- both tech-oriented and the traditional techniques of learning, the efforts of school management have been made very evident that today’s India wants to make sure its prospects not only know the most complicated formulae but also are adept with the fundamentals of existence.
