Education in India has been a reflection of its culture, tradition, and the aspirations of its people. From the ancient Gurukul system to today’s digital classrooms, the journey of education has been one of transformation, but also of missed opportunities.
In recent times, conversations with students in schools across Goa have shed light on both the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. Their voices — honest and unfiltered — reveal the need for change that will benefit not just the students, but teachers and parents as well.
The Shift from the
Past to the Present
In the days of the Gurukul, education wasn’t confined to classrooms. It was immersive and practical, centred on the student-teacher bond. Students learned through experience, whether it was understanding the philosophies of life or mastering essential skills.
Over time, as the world modernised, this personalised approach was replaced by a more standardised form of schooling—one driven by exams, grades, and competition.
The system we have today, while has improved in many aspects, still struggles to balance between theoretical learning with the practical application of knowledge.
“Sometimes, it feels like we are studying for exams, not for life,” one student from a Ponda school shared. This sentiment is echoed by many, who find themselves caught in the race for marks, rather than truly understanding the subject matter.
What Students Are Saying
One recurring theme from the feedback of students between the 5th and 10th standards is the feeling of disconnection from certain subjects. “Why do we need to learn this?” one student asked, when discussing subjects like history and mathematics. The inability to see the relevance of subjects to real life is a growing concern.
“We learn equations and theories, but no one tells us how it will help us in the future,” added another.
Students also feel overwhelmed by the pressure of exams. “It’s like we are constantly preparing for the next test, but we don’t have time to enjoy learning,” a 9th standard student expressed. The emphasis on marks has, in many ways, overshadowed the joy of discovering new ideas and exploring different ways of thinking.
However, it’s not just about exams and marks. The method of teaching also plays a crucial role in shaping a student's interest in subjects.
“If teachers make the class fun and interactive, we are more interested,” one student said. Another commented, “Sometimes, we feel like we are just listening to long lectures, and it gets boring.”
These voices highlight the importance of evolving teaching methods to make them more engaging and dynamic.
The Role of Teachers and Parents
While students express their challenges, it’s important to note that teachers are doing their best within the framework they are given. Educators play a pivotal role in guiding students, and many go above and beyond to ensure their students succeed. “There are some teachers who really understand what we need and they make the class so interesting,” shared a 10th standard student.
Teachers must be encouraged and supported, not just in terms of resources but in being empowered to innovate in their teaching styles. Interactive learning, project-based education, and more hands-on approaches can make a world of difference. When teachers feel supported and inspired, their passion naturally transfers to the students.
As one student reflected, “The best teachers are the ones who love what they teach—they make us love it too.” Parents, too, have a vital role to play in this equation. Many parents, having studied under the older, more rigid system of education, may find the current scenario unrelatable.
The Way Forward
It is clear from the voices of the students that they are yearning for an education system that is more meaningful and less burdensome. This doesn’t mean uprooting the entire system, but refining it to be more aligned with the needs of the students and the changing world around them.
First, education should focus more on application over theory. Subjects must be taught in a way that shows how they relate to real-world scenarios. One student pointed out, “When we did a project on how math is used in everyday life, it suddenly made sense to me.”
Second, exam pressure needs to be reduced. While exams are necessary, they should not be the only measure of a student’s ability. Continuous assessment, creative projects, and skill-based evaluations can help reduce the stress students face and allow them to focus more on learning than on memorising.
Finally, the education system needs to foster creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.