Apoorva Deshingkar, senior director of education and market development at GIA India shares his views on opportunities and challenges of the education system in India with FE Education Online
What is the best thing about today’s education system?
The education system is quite remarkable in several ways. First and foremost, it excels at transferring information across a wide variety of subjects. Whether it’s science, literature, history, or any other field, the curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive exposure, ensuring students have well-rounded awareness. Moreover, the environment is highly competitive. This competitiveness not only challenges students to strive for excellence, but also prepares them for the real-world scenarios where competition is often fierce. It instils a drive to constantly adapt to constantly changing aspects of our ecosystem.
One significant advantage we have today is the accessibility of education to students. This accessibility ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education, fostering a more inclusive society. Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of this education system is that it encourages a meritocratic mind-set and behaviour. Students are evaluated based on their knowledge and skills rather than other blinding influencers, promoting a fair and just society where everyone may have a shot at success based on their abilities.
Overall, I think we are fortunate to be a part of an education system that offers a wide range of knowledge, prepares students for competition, ensures education accessibility, and promotes meritocracy. It sets a strong foundation for individuals to thrive and make positive contributions to society.
What is the one thing you would like to change in the system?
The one thing I would like to change in the system is its potential shift from “information-transfer” to “competency-building.” Testing mechanisms and examination methods are designed in such a way as to often lead to rote memorisation without a deep understanding of the subjects. Instead, we should prioritise equipping students with practical skills and competencies and devise methods which test them for real-world challenges. In GIA, we believe in learning by doing.
Additionally, we should also include exposure to life skills on the sidelines of mainstream coursework. These skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, are crucial for success in both personal and professional life. Our education system should encourage entrepreneurship and reward outliers. Instead of solely valuing top performers, we should celebrate diverse talents and those who dare to innovate. Lastly, the content should make the youth “contribution-ready,” whether they choose employment or entrepreneurship. This means practical, hands-on knowledge that helps them make a meaningful impact on society, the workforce, or their ventures.
What is the role digital has played in the evolution of the education system?
Digital technology has played a transformative role in the evolution of the education system. It has vastly improved access to education across the dimensions of time and space. With the advent of online courses and e-learning platforms, students can now access educational resources and lectures from anywhere in the world, at any time that suits them. This flexibility has made education more inclusive and convenient.
It has also made educational content more affordable. Many online courses and resources are available for free or at a fraction of the cost of traditional textbooks and classroom-based education. This has democratised education and reduces the financial barriers that often limit access to learning opportunities.
What aspects of digital education have room for improvement?
In my experience, one significant area with room for improvement of digital education has been the limited progress in simulation technology. While we’ve made significant strides in virtual learning, simulations for experience-led knowledge and skill transfer are still under development and have not fully integrated into mainstream education. With new-age technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) being applied to “serious” applications like learning, this gap can be bridged.
This gap means that certain hands-on and experiential aspects of learning, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, or vocational training, may not be adequately addressed through digital means. But this is a challenge that continues to be actively worked on, and we can expect advancements in this area in the future.
What is the career advice you would like to give to students?
My career advice for students would be to pursue their passions and interests while also developing a strong foundation of fundamental skills. Prepare to be “contribution-ready.” In today’s dynamic job market, it’s essential to not only possess knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively. Seek opportunities to gain practical experience, develop problem-solving skills, and cultivate a mind-set of adding value wherever you go.
To achieve this, there’s a unique practice of matching every hour of class-work with 2-4 hours of research-led and practice-led homework. This not only reinforces the material covered in class, but also encourages students to delve deeper into the subject matter. It instilled a sense of discipline and dedication, ensuring that we don’t just skim the surface but truly master the content.
Lastly, remember the old saying, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” While it’s essential to explore different opportunities and be adaptable, also strive for consistency and commitment in your chosen path. Building expertise and a strong professional identity often requires dedication and perseverance.