Need to move away from rote learning approach: Purandeswari

Updated on: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

With too much emphasis still on rote learning rather than on holistic development of a child, Indian education system tends to discourage students who have multifarious talents beyond the academic sphere, Minister of State for HRD D Purandeswari rued.

Contending that her ministry was making earnest attempts to "reflect" on and "revisit" the education system in the country, the minister said school boards other than the central board needed to come onboard to make sure the education reforms reach far and wide.

Speaking at a function after giving away Bal Bhawan's National Bal Shree awards to young students from all over the country for their talents in creative arts and innovative fields, Purandeswari regretted that in a system of numeric evaluation, the true meaning of education has been lost.

"Education is not only about filling a child's mind with facts and information, it is rather a complete holistic development of personality," she said.

Citing the school reform measures introduced in recent times, particularly the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation in the central board, she said these initiatives were part of efforts to move away from the approach of too much emphasis on rote learning and on marks to a system that exposes children to activities that build their confidence and personality.

"We have been trying to reflect on, revisit and see what we can correct in our education system. Our reforms, however, will be limited to schools that are affiliated to the central board.

"I do hope other boards would follow suit and introduce this methodology of giving weight to the talents lying dormant in a child," the minister said.

The minister said in the absence of focus on other activities, it is difficult for parents to decide between extra curricular activities and academics for their children.

"I also appeal to teachers to not only concentrate on academics but also give children the opportunity to explore themselves," she said.

The Bal Bhawan awards honoured 147 children from all over the country in recognition of their achievements in the fields of creative arts, creative performance and scientific innovation.

Emphasising the need to have centres that give value to children's innate talents, Purandeswari said Bal Bhawan that was established in 1965 was envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru as a threshold to bring out creativity in children away from the rigmarole of rote learning in schools.

Need to move away from rote learning approach: Purandeswari

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