We often wonder whether the academic success has any correlation with the success in life. I do not know. And nor do you. It is very difficult to establish the correct correlation and causation between the academic success and the success in real life. However, there is enough evidence to show that the conventional education per se is not sufficient to ensure lifetime success. But then, the academic grooming and the real life success should not be externalities in a worthy education system.
Over a period, our education system has creatively evolved, incorporating many positive features. But still, it accords undue preference to functional literacy (i.e., ability to read, write and regurgitate) over critical literacy that encourages originality, analytical skills and creativity. It emphasizes a lot on ‘teaching and preaching’ rather than effectively fostering life skills, thinking skills and constructiveness. It still follows a ‘teach-it-all’ approach in preference to a ‘learn-it-all’ approach. Teachers are still more of masters and less of facilitators. And teaching is primarily aimed at ‘employability factors’ instead of more important human and social aspects. Further, the rigid framework of our education system curbs the originality and creativity. All these factors lead to somewhat stuffy ambiance in the teaching institutions, which stifle the educators and educatees alike. That is why most of us feel our education system is in dire need of overall restructuring.
But then, instead of blaming the education system for the deficient education, we should ask ourselves, what we have done on our part. We need to sincerely consider what we can do individually to deal with the declining standards. Besides, it will be a while before the academic authorities realize the need of an overall overhaul of the present education system and come out with a holistic solution and even longer before, they act on it. Meanwhile, the only recourse is with the educators. While the requisite systemic changes cannot be accomplished at the individual level, our view is that educators can still take steps to stem the rot by taking on the pressing problems personally.