my thoughts

Changes in Examination System vs. Effective Learning “The purpose of learning is not to give exams in class and forget about it, but to increase the knowledge and being able to apply it…” The issue I want to address in this piece is not only relevant but significantly connects to the idea of the conflict that arises time and again between the examination system and effective learning process. We all know that the   Central Board of Secondary Education   has formally junked the continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) scheme for classes IX and X, which was being followed in affiliated schools since 2009. Replacing it from the academic year (2017-18) is a new format — 'uniform system of assessment, examination and report card' — that aims at standardizing teaching and evaluation across schools. (Source: TOI NEWS) While it could be seen and appreciated as a good initiative as it aims at combating the discrepancies and loopholes of the former CCE patt...

The topic I would be reflecting upon in this piece has an interesting origin. Deciding to explore the field of economics, I picked up Ruchir Sharma's, The Rise and Fall of Nations . It indeed rethinks the -dismal science- of economics as a practical art. Sharma explains how to spot political, economic, and social changes in real time, narrowing the thousands of factors that can shape a country's fortunes. Interestingly, the part that caught my attention was a beautiful introductory tale. It goes like this. A prosperous king wants his young son to learn the importance of details and nuances that is generally missed by a non observant mind. In order to let him accomplish this he sends him to a dense jungle. On his return, the son narrates that he could hear the tiger roaring in the jungle. The father asks him to return to the jungle and observe things deeply. This time the son returns to tell the father that he could hear certain other animals in the vicinity of the forest. On...

The important issue, which requires serious consideration, is the problem faced by children due to parents’ attitude of being ‘exceedingly’ helpful. Well, it is a fact well known, that generally parents try to provide children with all the necessities and in many cases even luxuries. This is often an attempt to fill the void, they might have experienced as kids.  They do not want their kids to feel deprived of these necessities and luxuries. As parents, they do their best missing on the point that they are molding their kids in such a way that they are getting habitual to this abundance. They get comfortable with a scenario where they have to make no efforts to acquire anything they require. In the passion of providing their kids with everything as soon as possible, parents gradually erase the thin line that separates need from want. Everything is provided as if it’s is a necessity and is provided instantly so the kids even forget the value of patience. Which eventually bring...