Education: ..............

I would like to share some of my views with you on Education as mentioned below:

  If we are to move ahead as a nation then education is a must. Education can be categorised as primary, secondary, tertiary and Quarteriary.

Primary education should be free and compulsory until the Seventh standard.   Secondary should be until the Tenth Standard. Higher secondary should be until the Twelfth standard.  Tertiary should be until the fifteenth standard.  Quarteriary should be until the seventeenth standard.

Primary education should teach all the basics. ie. Value Education, Human relations, Environmental studies, Social Behaviour, Respect of Heritage, basic communication in International, National and Regional language, basic sciences, basic arithmetic. Language, Science, and Arithmetic should not be taught as a standalone subject, but should be integrated with all topics to help the student understand better. The other subjects being Yoga, Sports, Music – vocal and Instrumental, Dance and its varied forms. This will help evolve a better human being. Students should be examined by having them give presentations in their class on chosen topics, and failure by repetition should be avoided. Emphasis on languages should be more on the spoken word and his conversational skills should be at the fore. The student should not be made to learn by rote answers.

On completion of primary one can opt either to continue in secondary or attend vocational courses. viz: Carpentry, Electricians, Plumbing etc.   A two-year course with six months apprenticeship should deserve a Certificate.

Secondary education should permit the student to choose his subjects. He must attempt a minimum of seven hundred marks at the exams.   Of these there should be language, a science and arithmetic for 100 marks each. Languages should be examined with 45% allotted to spoken and expressive power, 35% to reading abilities, and 20% on ability to write. Students should not be made to learn answers in languages or memorise text. The passages should be provided at exams and their ability to comprehend and respond should be gauged.   For the remaining Four hundred marks he can attempt more languages or higher level languages, higher sciences, higher mathematics, social and nature studies etc. Of these Environmental Studies and Heritage studies should be compulsory and integrated in Science, History, and Social studies.

Completion of secondary can entitle one to appear for Diploma courses.   Entry level subjects for each course should be defined and students at secondary levels know that their choice of subjects will entitle admission only to select courses.  Diploma courses should be three years academic with one-year apprenticeship

Higher secondary and its choice of subjects entitle one to Degree level courses.   The choice of entry-level subjects in each discipline is clearly defined for the student to choose his career objective.

Tertiary education or the Degree/Diploma level of education should be awarded only on completion of three years academics and one year apprenticeship.

While apprenticeship in vocational courses will be got at in Industry.   The Pure arts, Science and Commerce must also have a year's apprenticeship at the third year level where students have to serve society.  The choice of subjects can be varied and the student can choose his or her affiliation to an NGO or other associations wherein detailed study and contribution is possible.   These students should be asked to meet monthly and share experience.  The fourth-academic year will be a blend of education and practical experience.

Quarteriary education is the next phase at Post Diploma or postgraduate levels.  It is a two-year course with intensified study on a given theme. This too must have a six-month tenure when the student is listed with an N.G.O. and contributes further to the betterment of Society.