‘Education system should go beyond examination’

Panellists at the Puducherry State Consultation meeting on ‘Reducing the burden of School Curriculum’ have proposed a curriculum that is both child-friendly and education-based rather than examination oriented.

In a meeting jointly organised by the Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL) and Satya Special School here recently, TYCL founder Siva Mathiyazhagan emphasised that the consultation meet was organised against the backdrop of the suggestions called by the NCERT and the Tamil Nadu School Education department to reduce the burden of school curriculum. “The main purpose of this meeting is to suggest measures that would help create a child-centred and friendly education system besides ensuring inclusive and affordable education for impoverished and children with special needs.

S. Ramkumar, Director, Entrepreneurship Development Cell said, “It is high time we spoke about a curriculum that is for the education system and not for examination alone. In any curriculum, evaluation is more important than examination. What we have today is an education linked with jobs. Education is far from just obtaining a certificate. Evaluation system should grow beyond examinations,” he said.

He added that the success of a curriculum will be defined by the capability of a child to adapt to new situations. “The role of family and primary school teachers in providing a better education system for children is important,” he said.

Sanjeev, Principal, Isai Ambalam School in Auroville, underlined that curriculum should be meaningful, local and relevant.

‘Don’t rely only on books’

“Textbooks are not the beginning and end of education. Curriculum should be designed in a manner that would help children apply their education to real life and change their perspective,” he said.

He added that there should be self-assessment that will help children progress. “The purpose of education should be clear to the teachers and principal. Teachers should be given the time to reflect,” he said.

Meenakshi from Ilaignarkal Education Centre in Auroville stated that freedom from fear is what is required now. Chitra Shah, Director, Satya Special School, emphasised on inclusive education that would bring help bring children with special needs into mainstream society.