Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Editorial

Antiquated system

As the world expands at a rapid rate, the value of education is increasing thus. More and more educational institutions have sprung up to provide quality educational services to students. On the whole, this has resulted in a more literate and prosperous society. In contrast to the past though, educational institutions must constantly refine their strategies in order to maintain a competitive advantage. As unfortunately, traditional approaches to educating students are no longer applicable and modern students are never captivated by the conventional learning strategies anymore. Today, our education system stands at a crossroads, desperately in need of comprehensive reform. The current state of education is failing to adequately prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. One of the most glaring issues plaguing our education system is its adherence to outdated curricula and teaching methods. Many educational institutions continue to prioritise rote memorisation and standardised testing over fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. This approach stifles students’ intellectual growth and limits their ability to adapt to an ever-changing job market that demands innovative thinking and adaptability. The heavy reliance on examinations as the sole measure of a student’s competence places undue pressure on young minds. The relentless pursuit of high scores often comes at the expense of holistic development. Students are left stressed, anxious, and devoid of the soft skills that are essential for success in both personal and professional spheres. Another pressing issue is the glaring disparity in educational opportunities across socio-economic backgrounds. A quality education should be a fundamental right accessible to all, regardless of one’s financial status. However, the present system perpetuates inequality by favouring those with access to the best schools and resources. This inequality further entrenches social and economic divisions, hindering social mobility and perpetuating cycles of poverty. The curriculum in many educational institutions lacks relevance to real-world issues and global challenges. In a world grappling with climate change, technological advancement and complex geopolitical issues, our education system often fails to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to address these pressing problems. Instead, it often remains mired in traditional subjects that may not have direct practical applications. In the age of information and technology, there is also a need to overhaul the way we teach and consume information. With vast amounts of information readily available at our fingertips, memorising facts and figures becomes less important than developing critical thinking and information literacy skills. Yet, our education system continues to place undue emphasis on memorisation, failing to equip students with the tools needed to discern credible sources and analyse information critically. The rigid structure of our education system often neglects individual learning styles and interests. Students are forced into a one-size-fits-all model, leaving many disengaged and uninspired. It is essential to foster a more flexible and personalised approach to education, allowing students to explore their passions and talents. This is the era of globalisation, cultural diversity, and interconnectedness. But our education system falls short in promoting tolerance, empathy and inclusivity. While it should be a place where students learn to embrace diversity and appreciate different perspectives, it often perpetuates biases and stereotypes. The need for reform in our education system is both urgent and undeniable. We must shift our focus from traditional rote learning and standardised testing to a more dynamic and inclusive approach that prioritises critical thinking, adaptability and creativity. Reforms should aim to bridge socio-economic gaps, ensure relevance to real-world challenges and empower students to be responsible, informed and compassionate global citizens. The antiquated method of teaching must, therefore, be revised so that students can benefit from being able to demonstrate their skills and better grasp the significance of technological progress. The obstacles are formidable but not insurmountable if the actions are decisive. And with the new education policy implemented in the past year, we can only hope for the best in our educational system.

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