Introduction
Modern education in India was introduced by Lord Thomas Babington Macauly. Along with the modern education approach, the English language also came to India. Since then the education system has evolved a lot to include a variety of systems, institutions and approaches to develop a learner based education model.
Modern education system is the one which follows a pragmatic approach aiming to not only give formal knowledge to its students or learner but also develops the cognitive ability among them. Modern education is broad approach which includes knowledge sharing, value inculcation, personality development and all those things which meets the demand of the time.
Characteristics of Modern Education System
Modern education is the current type of education imparted to students. Modern education system is not completely different to the traditional education system but a better and updated version of the latter. Most of the features or characteristics of modern education and traditional education systems are still identical but they are different in many ways as well.
Some of the characteristics of modern education are-
1. Learner-Centred
One of the most evident and distinguishing characteristics of modern education is that the students are learners and the teachers are still the guides. The modern education system is based on the learner centred or need based system catering to the needs of the learners is a better way possible. The curriculums and patterns of teaching are designed in a way to help the students learn and perform better. For example, The recent New Education Policy has reformed the education system significantly.
2. Interactive and Activity-based approach
The teachers structure the teaching process in the most interesting way. They plan out different types of activities that interest the students. Not only activities but students are also encouraged to participate in class discussions through these patterns. Many initiatives like smart classes, AI assistance, and Educational trips have been initiated by almost every school and institution to provide better learning experiences to the students. This increases their confidence and improves their way of interacting.
3. Away from the rote-learning
The modern education system is the one that distances itself from rote learning. Students are examined or tested for their creativity and understanding rather than their capacity to memorise things.
4. Integrative and inclusive in Nature
Modern education is integrative and inclusive in nature. The aim of modern education is to provide education to each and everyone at an affordable price as far as possible. The teachers are focused on polishing their students and to do the same, they connect issues from different subjects together. This way the students learn more effectively and efficiently.
5. Use of technology
The use of advanced and updated technology can be clearly seen in the present education system. This technology assistance is used to develop better tools, approach and curriculum for interactive and personalised learning to meet the needs better.
4. Resource-based
Being knowledgeable and resourceful are different. Teachers today are resourceful. They gather and spread the information that adds to their student’s knowledge. The teachers following modern education need to be resourceful to make their efforts count.
Modern education is just a term that specifies different characteristics. Despite a lot of differences, the role of modern education and traditional patterns remains the same. The traditional education patterns were directly concentrated on the better learning of the students that is still the same.
Advantages of Modern Education System
There have been multiple changes in the education system that can be explained through these modern education advantages.
1. Accessibility and availability to all
Unlike traditional education, the modern education system is open and available to people from all walks of life. It is immune to all types of gender, caste and age. Modern education has helped the country become a “literate one.”
2. Better learning outcomes
With a pragmatic approach and learner based model, the modern education system sought to produce better learning outcomes in society. Further, Integration of technical knowledge with life skills help the students develop their personalities.
3. Flexible and Simplified
Modern education system is more flexible and convenient as compared to traditional education. It allows online and supplemental classes through different mediums. Also, it is not strictly based on the book learning but accepts the real knowledgeable answers too.
Modern education is advantageous in many ways. From preparing the students for future challenges to making them more confident, it has been a great change.
4. Better Teacher-student Relations
Unlike other education patterns, modern education focuses on creating strong and better student-teacher relationships.
5. Skill development and growth
Only with the help of skill development and specialised learning, can a person grow individually and develop his/her career. Skilled person would have better opportunities and employment options then the one with simply good academic scores.
Challenges To Modern Education
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Conformity:
In order to achieve organizational goals or targets, the employees are compelled to follow a set of rules which may impact their individual freedom and creativity.
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Loss of Responsibility:
With the increase in specialization, the individuals feel less responsible for the overall growth of the organization. It has been seen that often organizations blame ‘globalization’ for all their issues despite the lack of proper implementation of training and development programs in employees.
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Student Mental Health:
The pressures to keep up with the academic performance, social dynamics, and the uncertainty of the future contribute to increased stress levels among students taking a toll on mental health. Institutions now recognise the importance of prioritizing mental health support services to help students navigate their challenges but there is more to be done in this segment.
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Less importance to values and ethics
With the growing importance given to productivity and earnings, there has been trends of showing less importance to developing values and morality in students.
Conclusion
Modern education is known to be the best update and reform of the education system. It intentionally inclines towards bringing out the best potential of the students. This helps them do better in the future and handle challenges more sensibly. Students in high school can relate to the changes in the system and work for the solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the aim of modern education?
Ans: Modern education ensures all-round development of a student through different curricular activities like arts, sports, physical education, library activities, community services, etc. The aim of modern education is the development of personality by providing all-round training to a student.
2. What is the advantage of the modern education system?
Ans: Advantages of Modern education systems are many. It develops the sense of learning essential life skills, analytic competencies, decision-making skills, and critical thinking. This phase of education is not completely aloof from contemporary education.