Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think. – Albert Einstein
As an educator, I couldn’t agree more. It’s the primary responsibility of every parent and educator to open the minds of the children because that’s the only way to learn.
Mind you, learning and educating are two different things.
Learning can lead to education but education doesn’t always result in true learning; it’s more like becoming literate.
Learning is self-initiated, an ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills. While educating is a assisted process aimed at imparting essential know-hows and values and aptitudes.
Learning happens when the child is allowed to understand the concept, ask questions, apply the knowledge in different spaces to find out how it works. Basically allowing the child to think for themselves how to use the information they’ve received.
But that’s not how it’s happening. The focus is on memorisation without understanding (application is nowhere in the horizon, often ignored). This form of education is more like over-eating at a buffet, overloading the mind with all kinds of information just because its available, not because its needed.
End result? The children are trained to become rote machines, the perfect Polly parrots. Isn’t that sad?
The focus is on the grades achieved. No one, not the parents or the teachers, are interested in how much the child has learned or understood. What matters is how much the child scores in the exam.
This forces the child to restrict their knowledge to within the pages of the textbook; no extra information is sought.
The traditional educational system prioritises test scores over comprehension. The high grades actually reflect the capability of the child to memorise and regurgitate on the answer paper.
Is it time to rethink the way children are taught? Are they truly learning the relevant or just collecting grades and diplomas and certificates for their future without actually gaining real knowledge? Are we doing it all wrong?
Does The Inquiry Based Thinking Really Help?
When my child was in pre-K, they had a fun way of teaching which was way more effective and long lasting.
If they had to teach about, say, wild animals, they would select 4 or 5 wild animals and show the kids lots of pictures. They’d then follow it up with some information about those animals. This allows the children to take in their information both visually and through books.
Socratic method is an effective way to teach children. It encourages questioning, critical analysis and interactive dialogue.
The children get a chance to process the info and seek answers independently.
Their curiosity gets fomented. The quest for answers helps them with better understanding.
I used a similar method (with some modifications) in my class. Instead of restricting myself to the textbooks, I introduced topics with videos or some pictures to engage my students. It gave them a chance to think beyond the books.
An inquiry based thinking is the starting point of their learning journey.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin
Practical Benefits of Inquiry-Based Thinking in Education
By restricting their knowledge to rote learning, the children are unable to process the information or understand how to use it.
Their thinking is restricted to a linear path where each question has a fixed answer. This kills their creativity and logical thinking, providing them no scope to explore alternative solutions or innovate.
Such students are confined to the limited options of using their knowledge. How to apply it in other contexts or how to build on it or even modify it to suit their requirements is unthinkable for them.
I’ve seen it happen. I gave them a word problem where they had to apply the concept that they were being taught and they were lost. They couldn’t figure out how to apply the concept to solve the question.
This is scary; it can cause problems later in life when as professionals they’ve to be good at solving problems and thinking creatively.
For developing their cognitive skills, children need to have an inquiry-based learning which strengthens their ability to adapt to any form of learning and environment.
Traditional education is like filling a cup whereas inquiry-based learning is like planting a seed.
Why Such A System Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Schools may be restricted to the textbooks but learning is not. With access to internet, there’s no limitation on what or when and how the child wants to learn.
The kids are flooded with information. They get to decide the path they want to explore. The learning at some places has gone way beyond what’s being taught to them at school. Maybe that’s the reason for them losing interest.
The young minds are curious; they seek answers and explanations. The textbooks are outdated, and no longer enough to satisfy them.
Their growth mindset, their belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, wants to look ahead and face challenges.
Instead of cloistering them, it’s time to accept the changes and teach them to identify and evaluate the sources and make informed decisions.
The curriculums must encourage the self-directed learners, help them as they seek knowledge by themselves. Include more activities where they get to learn by doing and not just memorising.
Shaping the Future
Education is a journey of growth, exploration and understanding. Let the learning not be restricted to outdated resources and antiquated methods.
It’s time to adapt to the changes and challenges. It’s time for introducing some drastic, much needed changes in the obsolete education system.
Educators and parents need to understand the need of the hour and prioritise curiosity. Allow the children to move from rote learning to a more brighter, stimulating and challenging learning environment.
A balanced combination of learning and educating are needed to create a more dynamic, adaptable and effective learning experience, something which is more relevant and suitable to the present generation of young learners.
Let them become a part of the dynamic future generation.
