Bridge gap between education and aspirations: Students

Students of government, private and municipal schools voiced their opinion about transforming education methods at the Kids Education Forum (KER) national summit hosted by Teach for India and other voluntary organisations. Students, teachers and educators from various cities discussed ways to improve teaching-learning methods at the ground level during this summit.

Around 71 student leaders who attended the summit, focussed on the idea of reimagining the education space with the aim of ‘Kids should be given the power to introduce new methods of teaching'. Anahit Azzumanyan, a student said, “We have creative ideas which the teachers can use to make classroom teaching more interactive and fun. Simple concepts can be taught in an interesting way by using technology like internet, mobile applications, social media or even live models and examples.”

Students revealed, the most important problem is the gap between teachers and students. “We cannot talk to our teachers of topics outside the syllabus, as it is not encouraged. When I first questioned my teacher about a particular concept which I did not understand, I was slapped across my face. Since then, I have been discouraged to ask teachers but I think this gap should be reduced", said Prathamesh Vairat, a student.

“Quality is more important than quantity,” claimed students and teachers. Supriya Sharma, a student said, “Why are Mathematics and Science still regarded superior to Arts or Craft? Our parents and teachers keep pressurising us about scoring high marks in Mathematics when our interests are in drawing and painting.”

“Creative subjects, performing art, sports, music and literary arts should be encouraged at the school level especially in government and municipal schools', said Abbas Ali, a student.

Teachers ought to be open to the idea of giving students the liberty to express their opinion, claimed Shaheen Mistri, Chief executive Officer (CEO) of Teach for India. Mistri said, “Students are the ultimate bearers of education and they should be allowed to express their ideas in a classroom environment. This process may take time as there will be a shift of power where teachers will be on the receiving end and will have to listen to the perspectives of students.”

Why are Mathematics and Science still regarded superior to Arts or Craft? Our parents and teachers keep pressurising us about scoring high marks in Mathematics when our interests are in drawing and painting. — SUPRIYA SHARMA, student