Focus on ‘curriculum’ is a ‘learned’ concept
By Raani Ved
As time evolved, with invasions and external influence, the traditional mode of education got lost in oblivion and modern-education system took over, especially under the British where focus was primarily on the ‘curriculum’ and anything else was called ‘extra-curricular’ and second priority.
In 1835, the British introduced the English Education Act. Lord Macauley produced his ‘infamous’ memorandum on the Indian education system, particularly the native (Hindu) culture and learning and declared it inferior. The new system of education was devoid of personality development, moral science, etc. and only focussed on academic excellence.
The competition, standardised format and the fact that all students are marked against the same parameters has led to unnecessary burden on young children, stress and even depression. The child is unable to explore his own potential and talent and excellence is measured only in academics.
In the last few decades, the concept of holistic education has resurfaced and more new schools are adopting the same every day. This could arise from the fact that the generation gone by realises the importance of holistic education that was denied to them. They want the best for their children and so focus on an overall development of the child rather than the child turning into a ‘book worm’.
Pre-primary school is the right time when a growing child can be moulded into a well-developed human being. It is also the best time as the child is a blank slate and if the foundation is laid properly, with the right intention, the child will turn into a responsible citizen.
Holistic education is rooted in experience-based learning and centres education on the relationships that people create with each other. These relationships form the core of the educational environment. Holistic education is considered a form of alternative learning because of its emphasis on creating a different learning environment from what is typically practiced.
So, when the existing framework boasts of a rank-based education system, it is only obvious that the rat race fuels animosity, negative competitiveness, jealousy and contempt. A move towards holistic education is therefore important and timely so a value-based education system comes into order that focusses on treating every child as a unique individual and allows an organic growth of the child through his natural talent and potential. The idea being not to judge all children on the same parameters as every individual is different.
Holistic education is also essential for character building. An important essential of this education system is the relation between teacher and the student – it has to be friendly, inspiring, respectful and trusting. This allows the child to develop a sense of security, explore and excel in his area of interest.
As time evolved, with invasions and external influence, the traditional mode of education got lost in oblivion and modern-education system took over, especially under the British where focus was primarily on the ‘curriculum’ and anything else was called ‘extra-curricular’ and second priority.
In 1835, the British introduced the English Education Act. Lord Macauley produced his ‘infamous’ memorandum on the Indian education system, particularly the native (Hindu) culture and learning and declared it inferior. The new system of education was devoid of personality development, moral science, etc. and only focussed on academic excellence.
The competition, standardised format and the fact that all students are marked against the same parameters has led to unnecessary burden on young children, stress and even depression. The child is unable to explore his own potential and talent and excellence is measured only in academics.
In the last few decades, the concept of holistic education has resurfaced and more new schools are adopting the same every day. This could arise from the fact that the generation gone by realises the importance of holistic education that was denied to them. They want the best for their children and so focus on an overall development of the child rather than the child turning into a ‘book worm’.
Pre-primary school is the right time when a growing child can be moulded into a well-developed human being. It is also the best time as the child is a blank slate and if the foundation is laid properly, with the right intention, the child will turn into a responsible citizen.
Holistic education is rooted in experience-based learning and centres education on the relationships that people create with each other. These relationships form the core of the educational environment. Holistic education is considered a form of alternative learning because of its emphasis on creating a different learning environment from what is typically practiced.
So, when the existing framework boasts of a rank-based education system, it is only obvious that the rat race fuels animosity, negative competitiveness, jealousy and contempt. A move towards holistic education is therefore important and timely so a value-based education system comes into order that focusses on treating every child as a unique individual and allows an organic growth of the child through his natural talent and potential. The idea being not to judge all children on the same parameters as every individual is different.
Holistic education is also essential for character building. An important essential of this education system is the relation between teacher and the student – it has to be friendly, inspiring, respectful and trusting. This allows the child to develop a sense of security, explore and excel in his area of interest.
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