Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
The race for marks spares no one. Moms are often left doing the projects meant for kids! What are our kids learning with the Indian education system?
The race for marks spares no one. Moms are often left doing the projects meant for kids! What are our kids learning?
How many of you have just put down your pens after doing an assignment on behalf of your kids? How many of you teachers out there, have assigned marks to your students knowing that it has been done by their parents?
Almost every mother can relate to this one. Often, we get to work on ‘projects’ which kids find difficult or are unable to do by themselves. In the process, we tend to overlook the congruity of the task assigned with the child’s age or mental capability. Instead, we focus on the marks they would garner, if they succeed in submitting the same. Marks – the one and only decisive factor for academic excellence!
Recently, I got an assignment, on behalf of my eight year old son, studying in the third grade in a reputed Indian school. He (and I) were asked to create an ‘electricity driven gadget’ for his science class project. I had no idea how to ‘create’ one, so we settled for a simple battery operated electric bulb beautifully placed in the model of a house (that was the most sophisticated one I could think of!)
While I worked on it, setting aside all my chores, my son -whose initial drive to decipher the terms anode, cathode , circuit etc, were unsuccessful – opted to relax on his couch entertaining himself with his favorite choice of cartoon.
And I could not help but wonder, who does our education system teach – kids or parents? Assigning difficult projects as a means to enhance the creative and cognitive faculties of children are surely welcome, but what good are they if they are not viable for the students of that particular age? What is the yardstick for measuring the mental capability of students according to our educational system?
As I encountered more and more such projects/assignments on a regular basis, I was startled to know from fellow moms that there were shops that specialized in doing such school projects for them!
I truly believe children of the present generation are biting off more than they can chew. It is not just the veracity of our educational system per se that I am questioning here, but the mode and efficacy in inculcating lessons in the everyday academic life of the students as well.
The Indian education system has always over emphasized on the theoretical aspect of studies – making rote learning, mugging and spitting the criteria to collect the much needed marks. Vocational training and talent tapping still remain a long shot and the success of the syllabus seems to be determined by the size of the back packs.
The recent stress on enhancing the creative skills of children by assigning such projects seem to have hit a chaotic road too with teachers themselves not knowing what to expect from the students. Given these situations and the competition mania prevalent among children, parents and teachers; we doting mothers often tend to step into our childrens’ shoes, each time overlooking it as just another subtle nuance in the educational life of our kids.
But do we need our children to just amass marks for the tag of an academically successful student, and leave them to face a bleak future spoon fed by someone at all times of their lives? or would we rather let them grow up as themselves, moderately successful but having the capability to face any challenge head on and the strength to resurrect from their own failures? I think- if we can’t reform our educational system we can reform ourselves, for carving an intelligent future, can’t we?
Lawyer by profession, specialising in Service Laws in Kerala, India. Hobbies include blogging, poetry writing, write-ups on day to day issues, parenting, relationships, and other socially relevant matters. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
The local artisans excel in crafting beautiful fabrics, each piece telling a story of skill and tradition passed down through generations.
Textiles and handlooms of India embody the essence of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity. Renowned worldwide for their quality, these textiles showcase intricate designs and vibrant colors, woven into fabric using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each region offers its unique weave, from the fine silks of Varanasi to the block prints of Rajasthan and the exquisite handloom cottons of Bengal.
These textiles are not just pieces of cloth but art forms that tell stories of the land, its people, and their beliefs. The craftsmanship speaks of India’s dedication to preserving its ancestral arts, making Indian handlooms a testament to the country’s unparalleled legacy in textile artistry.
Raisen, a hidden gem in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is no different. Being a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness, Raisen is well known for its tales of bygone eras. But it is also a cradle of traditional textiles and art.
Please enter your email address