By Aparna Prasad
The last decade has been instrumental to many industries but one sector that completely overhauled is the education sector in India. Several new paradigms of education have emerged, changing the way students learn today. When it comes to schooling, Indian parents are now inclining towards international school boards for their kids – a far cry from the popular notion “not meant for our children” to now being actively sought after by Indian parents. The International School Boards have witnessed an exponential growth in recent years.
From rote learning to holistic learning
Examination-based evaluation has ruled the Indian education system with a focus often centred on scoring high marks. There was little room for creativity, critical thinking, or problem-solving abilities because facts were routinely memorised and regurgitated. However, modern educational strategies, particularly those used by international school boards, place a stronger emphasis on conceptual knowledge and learning that is application-focused.
For instance, international school boards like the International Baccalaureate (IB) offer a curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking and in-depth understanding of subjects. Such a curriculum is specifically tailored to cultivate analytical skills, research abilities and collaboration, laying the foundation for students to survive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Importance of unique curriculum
International boards offer a unique curriculum that is innately different from traditional schools. The IB board focuses on interdisciplinary learning while encouraging students to explore the connection between different subjects. The IB programme also promotes an international mindset, fostering cultural awareness and truly global perspectives among students that extends beyond the classroom.
Similarly, CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) also provides students with a broad spectrum of subjects, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and career ambitions.
Students’ views are undoubtedly broadened by exposure to a variety of subjects and instructional approaches in these international school boards. They can investigate many disciplines, identify their passions and skills, and build a well-rounded education that includes both fundamental life skills and academic knowledge.
Application-oriented assessment
International school boards’ assessment methods are based on an application-oriented approach. They use presentations, project work, practical assessments and other collaborative projects, a stark contrast to traditional exams. Such an approach allows students to demonstrate their knowledge earned throughout the year.
Problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and effective communication are encouraged through application-oriented evaluations, which are crucial for today’s changing workplace.
Global opportunities and recognition
A lot of Indian parents realise the importance of global accreditation, even at the school level. Universities and employers across the globe recognise the value of education provided by international boards, opening up a plethora of opportunities for students.
When you opt for an international school like IB, as parents, you ensure that children are not only prepared for higher education but also careers on a global stage.
Bridging the skills gaps
The traditional education system conclusively falls short in equipping students with life skills that include personal and professional lives in today’s fast-paced world. IB schools address this issue by fostering self-reliance, creativity, communication, collaboration and adaptability. Employers highly seek these skills and are instrumental in helping young students in various professional domains.
For the Indian education system, the shift from score-focused education to a more learner-centric approach is hugely positive. IB schools certainly provide a refreshing change, prioritising a broader and more practical approach for understanding subjects, application-oriented assessments and the development of essential skills. We now live in a world where just scoring high marks isn’t enough, but what really matters is truly understanding and applying knowledge that can ultimately shape tomorrow’s future leaders and innovators.
The author is founder of Knowledgeum. Views are personal.