73.Overcoming Education's Greatest Challenge: A New Perspective

 

For centuries, societies have strived to provide education for all. Yet, despite these noble efforts, disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and values persist. Even in progressive states like pre-independent Travancore, where free schools were introduced, these gaps remained.

Drawing on my years of experience in teacher training, I've explored a new paradigm: Education for the Needy. This approach challenges the conventional "Education for All" model, proposing a shift towards prioritizing literacy and focused education for those who truly need it.

My research, published in the London School of Management Education, delves deeper into this concept.

Title: Should we shift the priority from ‘Education for All’ to ‘Literacy for All’ and ‘Education for the Needy’?

Abstract: Pages 32-33

Full Paper: Pages 58-77

I invite you to explore this Open Access publication and join the conversation.

Let's work together to build a more equitable and effective education system. 

https://lsme.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/conferences/LSME-Research-Book-2024.pdf

72.Real-Life Examples Can Sometimes Hurt

 

I often listen to teacher educators speak on various platforms, and many of them frequently enhance their presentations with real-life anecdotes. These stories not only make their narratives more memorable but also lend credibility to their messages. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a talk by Dr. E.V. Swaminathan, a renowned life coach affiliated with the Brahma Kumaris. He discussed a troubling behaviour observed among young people preparing for competitive examinations in India.

Dr. Swaminathan highlighted how many students, when faced with difficulty in matching their peers' performance or meeting their parents' expectations, fall into depression. During his presentation on holistic intelligence, he recalled a particularly tragic incident:

“A few months ago, a student preparing for NEET in Kota, Rajasthan, jumped off a building to commit suicide.”

This reference to suicide was meant to underscore the importance of fostering emotional intelligence in students. Midway through his talk, the speaker invited two parents to share their experiences. A couple in their late forties stepped forward, and to everyone’s astonishment, they revealed:

“Well, we are the parents of the student you mentioned in your talk…”

Dr. Swaminathan was momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond. He could only offer a heartfelt and sincere apology to the grieving parents. However, to his surprise, they responded with understanding:

“Well… we too realized rather late in life that we should have taught our children how to cope with pressure and stress.”

This poignant moment served as a powerful reminder of the real-life implications of the challenges faced by students and the crucial role parents play in guiding them through these pressures.