‘Stark difference in edu system in India and abroad’

What are the differences between Indian and foreign school education system? How is India lagging behind in imparting quality education which can be at par with global standards?
There is a stark difference between the education system in India and abroad. A decade ago, world-class education was still considered impossible in India, but now, the educational landscape is gradually evolving. While it is true that prominent differences still remain, we, as educators, are trying to bridge that gap. Indian education focuses more on theoretical knowledge, rather than a practical approach, which ultimately throttles the creativity of the young minds. 
The system abroad is more experiential and practical in its approach, where the creative energy of the students is provided an ideal outlet. The learning is perceived as a process where the curriculum is diverse, and contains everything from academics to arts and sports. The approach to education in India, however, continues to be mechanical.
Along with doing away with old techniques, which are obsolete, teachers should also adopt new useful skills and strategies. But today, institutions like GIIS are attempting to renovate the methods involved. 

Do you think digital education can make a difference in rural and urban set-ups in India?
While a modernised digital education system can greatly help channelise efforts in this direction, there is a huge difference in the proportion of rural and urban enrolment in schools. Not only does most of the rural Indian population lack basic reading skills, there is also a high rate of drop-outs. The use of digital technology can greatly help mitigate these concerns. Education can be digitised in rural areas by providing multimedia teaching tools to teachers, and engaging students through learning methods that utilise digital tools, such as smart-boards, LCD screens, and videos. By making it possible for one teacher to deliver information remotely across several locations, interactive digital media will also help address the shortage of teachers in rural schools. Today, we have mobile-based learning, video-based learning, online educational resources, and two-way conversations in E-learning. 

How can the Indian education system imbibe interactive learning for better conceptual understanding among students?
Interactive learning is a hands-on, real-world approach to education. It can be actively incorporated into the Indian education system by engaging the students in project-based learning. The Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) may be infused into classroom activities through the use of interactive learning objects for instruction, enrichment and remediation. Using ICT would provide fresh approaches to learning. The practice of Google Classrooms and Flipped Classrooms are a few platforms integrated for curriculum delivery that accentuate ICT in classrooms.  

In your opinion, what are the perceptions of teachers towards students in India and abroad?
In India, the focus of education is the breadth or depth of knowledge, whereas education in most foreign countries strikes a balance between the two. We evaluate teaching in terms of the number of periods taken, which exposes the very hollowness of our system and its concept of education. In the West, curriculum and pedagogy, both follow the teacher’s own research interests.
Nevertheless, teacher’s perception of students is quite similar in both setups. Students with high academic achievements are appreciated; but this should not become a factor for favouritism. Educators must acknowledge that their perceptions and expectations can impact a student’s academic achievement as well. 

What makes GIIS different from other schools? How can a Cambridge curriculum shape students and prepare them best for their future?
At GIIS Chinchwad, we offer the Montessori program, CBSE, and Cambridge curriculum, which effectively combine the best of international education systems with Indian values. The curriculum is built around a learner-centric culture. Our teachers are constantly adopting new skills and strategies, and moulding their approaches with relevant teaching-learning methods. The Cambridge Curriculum is specifically designed to make a difference in students learning experience. It believes in high academic standards with a practical approach to teaching and learning. Thus, we equip our students with life skills and knowledge that will make them thrive in the classroom, as well as in the world beyond.