Education Reforms

Definition and Background

Education reform is the process of improving public education . Small improvements in education theoretically have large social returns, in health, wealth and well-being. Historically, reforms have taken different forms because the motivations of reformers have differed. A continuing motivation has been to reduce cost to students and society. From the ancient times until the 1800's, one goal was to reduce the expense of a classical education. Ideally, classical education is undertaken with a highly-educated full-time (extremely expensive) personal tutor. This was available only to the most wealthy. Encyclopedias , public libraries and grammar schools are examples of innovations intended to lower the cost of a classical education.

Education reforms in 19th century

Before the advent of government-funded public schools, the primary mode of education for those of the lower classes was the charity school, pioneered during the 19th century by Protestant organizations and adapted for use by the governmental bodies. These schools operated on very small budgets and attempted to serve as many needy children as possible. The history of education in the Indian subcontinent began with teaching of traditional elements such as Indian religions, Indian mathematics, Indian logic. British rule during the 19th century did not take adequate measures to help develop science and technology in India and instead focused more on arts and humanities. By the late 19th century India had lagged behind in science and technology and related education.

Education reforms Post independence

There were only 20 universities and 500 colleges in the Indian subcontinent (including Bangladesh and Pakistan) in 1947, the year of Indian independence. Now there are about 376 universities and 17,700 colleges in India only, many with world class physical infrastructure. To begin with! It has to start from gross root level that is from primary level, have to avoid dropouts. What to be done from secondary education Bringing the gap closer between world of work and world of knowledge. Changes in universities According to an survey we have around 240 universities with 9000 colleges and around 35%-40% are viable, and remaining of them mostly get a substandard education in most ill-equipped colleges. Education and its finance A determined and maximum efforts has to be made if one needs to achieve the target of 6% of the GDP on education

Change in examination system This process must cease to be a mechanical exercise and also an fault finding process.

The training of teachers from gross root to higher levels should be seriously considered for a meaningful reformation
Independent body to govern education It is absolutely necessary to formulate an independent or autonomous body like Judiciary or election commission etc.

Education Issues & Reforms (Present Day)

Now India is the second fastest growing in the world and third largest economy in Asia with huge budget in so-called education and research. But we do not have any world class scientist (who has a slightest chance to get Nobel Prize in science) in India Although our primary and secondary education system, the backbone of our country, is in a pathetic shape. Large % of students who cannot reach the level of graduation. we only produce private tuition and coaching enabled, mugging-up grade technicians who are great to do routine jobs Quality of Indian science education and research is going down at an alarming rate since independence, despite of huge increase in funding.

Reforms
"Education should have a threefold objective

for the sake of imparting knowledge for self-employment and for employment In India our education system is concentrating mostly on passing on information while employability of the students is a distant objective."
Mr. Kapil Sibal 1.) We need to invest much more and have an intensive and proper supervision of primary and high school education than wrongly focusing on higher education and research at the top level 2.) Reforms suggest learning Hindi by all and moots for abolition of X th standard Board Examinations. 3.) Efforts to have a single board exam in standard 12 across the country 4.) Law to set up an autonomous, independent agency for assessment and accreditation in higher education

1.) Change in Traditional Teaching methods More practical approach 2.) Evaluating system 3.) Dedicated Placement cell 4.) Computer Labs 5.)Focus on Self Confidence and Communication skills Personal Development

Thank you