Manorama Correspondent DECEMBER 16, 2018
Dubai ∙ 'Not teaching to learn is the
biggest problem in learning. Children should be trained to learn. They will
then find their own way' - said Dr.TP Sasikumar. Our approach is not to teach
how to ride a bike, but to tell you how to ride a bike. If they are taught to
ride a bicycle, they can choose the way they want to go - he clarified.
This former ISRO scientist, who has
convinced about eight lakh students and five lakh teachers about the chemistry
of learning, after shining in the field for 20 years, came to introduce the new
skies of teaching. He has worked at ADRIN (Advanced Data Processing Research Institute)
in Hyderabad, RAW, and the Directorate of Security in Delhi and is now experimenting
with educational systems like Gurukulam.
He has played many roles as a scientist,
teacher, educationist, and writer and opened his heart to Manorama as a guest. He
had come to Sharjah for a workshop organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural
Forum for students.
What is proper education?
Learning is about using the information in the
right way. Information can come from anywhere. But useful information is called
knowledge. It should be understood where to apply it. It takes wisdom to use it
for the right things. Everything in English is knowledge. But in the Indian
sciences, knowledge, and wisdom are specifically mentioned. The problem with our
education system is the teachers, not the syllabus. They are the least paid.
They learn the least new things. Once you become a teacher, you will continue
with the same thing for many years. It doesn't matter how many years pass. It
goes like one benefit. Only one will see the end. Value only
differs when something can be added to something. In China, teachers have to
take exams every year. From the railway ticket counter to the milk booth,
everything will go electronic. But only in the classroom, you will still see
chalk and blackboard. Teachers should be trained to use the new systems.
Why different syllabi in one country
It cannot be denied that there are
different syllabuses in our education system. They are all like different
dishes that are served at a banquet. The syllabus can be chosen according to
the subject of interest and the ability of the student. Every student gets a
syllabus that suits them. Or it will be like putting only one soap and one
product in the market.
Is the old quality of education in Kerala today?
That is sad. The number of winners is very
high. But in terms of quality, the situation is dire. In the past, the sieving
process was carried out at one stage. Today that sifting process takes place at the BTech level. In education, it is not the language, but the concept that
matters. In the past, Russia and China used to teach in their own languages. Today,
most Chinese people study at famous universities abroad like King's College.
They are coming out knowing the importance of English. Insisting that
everything should be taught in Malayalam is not good. Some Malayalam speakers
once asked how to say local committee secretary in Malayalam.
All these things come together in the
education system
See, in the past when computers came, some
computer institutes used to run small certificate courses. Today it changed.
Various computer courses have come up in our schools. Everything like this will
be integrated into our education system.
The days with former Prime Minister Man Mohan
Singh
He is great at reading and memorizing every
little thing. He would study each and every file. It has been understood in many
cases. In the past, when America forced him to sign the quota agreement, he was
surprised to hear his quick response. He told them that India's per capita
pollution rate is small compared to the total population of India, but
America's per capita pollution rate is much higher. Only those who study things
can answer like this.
'There is a way to make children strong'
The suicide trend has increased among students.
Why do they become so emotionally vulnerable?
A person is composed of 5 levels: physical,
emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Integral growth is growth at all
these levels. Students undergo physical changes during the period of growth,
especially during adolescence. Emotional changes will also happen accordingly.
Teachers should be able to understand this. Today there are counselors in
schools. But how many children will be ready to open up to them? It is only
when there is constant contact that children develop the confidence to open up.
When teachers at school and parents at home are unable to influence children
properly, they are often influenced by their peers. They will control and guide the children.
Their immature thoughts and advice are problematic. All decisions need
intellectual support. Wise decisions are often made in the context of the right
experiences. Children are also missing out on this. A good society always
promotes good growth. But the good society disappears. Along with that, the
parents themselves bring up their children without any contact with society. Children grow up without talking to each other even at home. A lack of
healthy communication between parents and children is a big problem. Next is
the spiritual component. This often fosters value-based thinking. Even there,
the problem becomes serious when things don't go right. But in the last few
years, this situation has started to change.
Discussions are going on about values and the family system. I am an
optimist.
