A Vision for Schools Today

In the present context of changing trends where marks don’t determine success, it has become imperative to change our vision for schools. The objective of education has become the development of the all round personality of the student. What matters today is the ability to perform in all kinds of environment. Thus to be street smart and to be able to hold one’s own in any kind of situation is a mark of success for a student and his teacher. To contribute to the all round development of the student, we need to provide him an environment where he can excel in in various fields of his choice. These fields could be sports, cultural, language, general awareness, science, or commerce.

Communicative skills need to be developed, and of course awareness of the world around need to be encouraged. The education process needs to be democratic in nature, where the student is allowed to progress at his own pace. Flexibility in assessment has already been introduced with the launching of the Comprehensive Continuous Assessment system introduced recently.

Today a Science student should be encouraged to participate in cultural activities, while the Commerce and Arts student should be encouraged to be aware about the latest discoveries in science. It has become a rule that you  should be a master of all trades!There will be a blurring of fields of specialisation.  Students will have to be provided with information which will empower them. The role of the Library, cannot be overlooked and the students should be encouraged to do research work in the libraries well after school hours. If the Library is to be made a nerve centre of knowledge, then it goes without saying that, students should be able to access the internet in the libraries. Every good school should have an auditorium, a sports field with adequate facilities, and also teachers who are accessible.

If we need to develop our students into versatile personalities, then we need to encourage problem solving, brain storming, learning of principles, divergent thinking, and a democratic style of teaching. To make this a reality, we need to have language labs, computer labs, maths labs, a well equipped library with internet, and an environment of approachability or accessibility where students can contact their teachers 24x7! Organisation of exhibitions, book fairs, debates, sports meets, mock parliaments, seminars, and workshops are very important. Also, interactions with intellectuals, professionals and parents should be encouraged!