Time’s up for rote learning

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The latest buzz among Delhi University crowd is about the remarks by Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister, who underlined the need for innovation in Indian education system. “We need to move away from rote learning and introduce new methods of teaching. One cannot move ahead with a ‘19th century mindset’,” Pitroda said, while speaking at the Delhi University’s first Academic Congress.
“In the US classes are held on sea, on railway stations. Why a teacher should take class in a room only, why not in garden or in a restaurant,” Pitroda added.
The remarks have received mixed responses from the professors, students and academicians. Reacting to Pitroda’s comments on need for students to take up jobs along with studies, Kanika Khandelwal, assistant professor at Lady Sri Ram College said, “Our students already work simultaneously while they are studying. So far, they are attending classes regularly. Nobody stops them from pursuing their interests. But if they take up a full-fledged job while they are studying, it will disturb the classroom culture.”
Protests triggered on campus with some teachers and students calling it an attempt by the varsity to push through “undemocratic reforms”. Left-backed teachers and students’ organisations raised slogans outside the Arts Faculty. Dressed in black, the students also acted in a street play. Sharing his views on the same Kaustava Guha, a student from Delhi University said, “There is certainly a need to revamp the education sector and make it a less formal affair, that doesn’t insist on rote learning and academic brilliance isn’t sacrificed at the cost of working intelligence.”
“However, even in doing that one has to be careful that they do not destroy the strong points that Indian education system has to offer. After all, Indian students do figure among the smartest in the world. There must be something that our system has that’s right. Probably making education formal and class based gives it a sanctity and a seriousness that is not easily achievable with the American system,” he added.
Many professors are not seen agreeing to Pitroda. “Delivery of lectures can definitely take place outside a classroom, but students can’t be allowed to take up full time jobs while they are studying. That interferes with the teaching patterns. A professor can’t sit and teach an empty class,” said Silika Mohaptra, another assistant professor at Delhi University.
Adding to this Professor Dr Mukesh Bagoria of Politicial Science at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce said, “If students are allowed to work while they are studying, how will the teacher-student interaction take place? How will a teacher come to know about the position of a student?”