In words of great Indian educationist, philosopher and nobel laureate, Shri. Rabindranath Tagore,“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information, but makes our life in harmony with all existence”. True Knowledge will lead us to the path of self actualization and emancipation. Self-actualization is also one of many aims of mass education, but is it really possible to deliver? The expectations of masses from the process of Education are very high. That calls for conscious reflection over Three major headings:
1) The System
Our Education system needs to introspect on the expectations of masses and thrive to improve. It has been too much focused on Academics rather than Capacity building of students. Time and again this gap is highlighted by representatives from industries on several academic and public platforms. They often find students are not ready for industry even after attaining higher qualifications. This creates imbalance and crisis on real life versus academic life of the youth. Students often find themselves lost even after attaining higher qualification. However, it would be unfair to shift the blame on Education system alone. It also reflects on the existing unawareness among students.
2) The Students
This doesn't mean that the young generation doesn't have any aspirations for a well paying job, good earning and fair standard of living. The imbalance is projected when students are unaware of the ways to realize their dreams. Students have overwhelming presuppositions from present Education system. They believe that Education guarantees success in form of good job. Students needs to be more aware of the industry they choose to work for and the nature of work they want for themselves. Identify the required skill-sets in industry and must work upon identified skills.
3) Current Practice
What really happens is that students take up courses that either come to them easily or in many cases are the only options available to them. We all need to understand that Education system serves as mechanism and its not an ultimate benchmark of success. It should be seen as foundation and must be treated the same. Through the process of education, students are exposed to basic skills and content related to the field.In other words, Education system lays the foundation of 'True Education' by enlightening students with range of knowledge(content) associated with the existing field of expertise. In lack of exposure the masses will be under dearth of subject knowledge.
The Epilogue
The present system needs to be more flexible and mindful on bringing balance between skill and content while designing courses. It should collaborate with industry to design bridge courses and arrange for practical exposure of students to make them industry ready. As a driving force of the system of education, burden of responsibility lies on teachers as well. Teachers need to create a conducive environment for students for developing their capacities and not just force academics. Let's not forget that 'Knowledge' remains at the foundation level of pyramid of cognitive domain given in Bloom's Taxonomy. Education system serves as means to attend that knowledge and there by paving way for attainment of higher levels of cognition and consciousness. Consciousness is a choice and therefore, for meaningful transformation of education system, ultimately students will have to make more conscious choices for themselves.
