EDITORIAL | Education & the Power of Failure

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Why do parents want their children to get the best of education?

It is obvious that parents want to ensure that their kids make something of themselves when they grow up. But sometimes the pressure is too much, and the whole purpose of education is lost.

There have been numerous debates among stakeholders concerning the education system in the country with many claiming that the system does nothing to prepare students for the real world.

In fact, what is offered is just a pattern or series of courses and subjects one should take to ensure that he or she is recognised amongst his or her peers.

It is a dangerous combination for the creative mind and below-average students as it demoralises them and kills their aspirations, with most of them having to accept the bitter truth that – if you’re not smart, you’re a liability.

Study hard if you want a bright future. Opt for science or commerce and become a doctor or an engineer. Don’t waste your time on useless things - These are just a few examples of the lectures most students hear from their parents and teachers.

But what you don’t often hear them say is – follow your passion and don’t get carried away by this mad rush for government jobs.

No offence to the parents who, of course, want their children to grow up and become successful in life but sometimes, you need to introspect, analyse and observe your child’s potential and capabilities.

But we don’t blame them; the system is as such. Everyone is engaged in a tough race of landing a dream job. But are they living for themselves or their parents?

It is a shame to see that the power of failure is hardly ever discussed in schools. A student is usually looked down upon by his parents, his teachers and his peers.

We must remember that it is okay to fail as long as one does not give up, and it is the kind of culture which needs to be encouraged.

We hope that the new National Education Policy – NEP 2020 can transform the way we view or understand the meaning of educating a child.

The NEP 2020 focuses on learning to learn, enhancing critical and creative thinking to ensure future employability. The curriculum also offers flexibility to ensure that there is no rigid separation between Arts, Commerce and Science.

The NEP 2020 also emphasises on the restructuring of the curriculum by categorising it into 5+3+3+4 model – Fundamental level (pre-school, grade 1 and 2), Preparatory level (Grade 3-5), Middle Level (Grade 6-8) and High School level (Grade 9-12).

As stated by the NEP on the importance of developing conceptual understanding, life skills, ethics, human and constitutional values, we hope that students grow up to become knowledgeable not only about books but about everything that make us humans.