In the age of internet and emerging new technologies, the existence of classroom teaching is being questioned over and over again. It is a matter of doubt that the young minds are capable of self learning, as a teacher’s role in the life of a student goes way beyond academics. Teachers play a tremendous role, not only in the academic achievement of students but in the skills, attitudes, and abilities they carry with them beyond the classroom.
With changing demographics, all that we are asking for is ‘A world-class Education system’, where lay a foundation of a teacher-student relationship and an equal attention being given to the urban and the rural population, primarily when education is concerned.
Talking to educationbiz on the same, D.P.S. Rajesh, OSD to the Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, at the 8th Indian education Congress 2018, he shared his views on bridging the gap between student and teacher relationship.
Connect the disconnected
A teacher’s role in a student's life goes way beyond academics. Teachers play a tremendous role, not only in the academic achievement of students but in the skills, attitudes, and abilities they carry with them beyond the classroom. The connection needs to be built, mended and treasured.
Regarding the disconnection, I feel that "It can be bridged not by the policy of the government in India but by certain initiatives the teachers and students. Going by numbers, the students are in a huge bulk in comparison to teachers and this lifts up the difficulty in interacting with all the students”, said the OSD.
He further adds, "I think there is a way out in connecting them together. A small bunch of students, that the teachers can meet and share their difficulty and knowledge with. Accordingly, the tables can be turned. This is one way where teachers can stay connected with the students.”
Two heads are better than one!
“If you wish that the government of India by virtue of its policy can bridge the gap, it is not possible. There should be a social participation and it is only possible by making the people aware of their deeds. Recently, in schools, particularly in Bihar, a monitoring group has been constituted which keeps a watch on these schools and their functioning. It involves enquiring the difficulties of both the teachers and the students and diminishing those difficulties between them. Also, initiatives by the local people are also equally important in bringing about changes in the ground and improving the Education system”, said Rajesh.
Spreading it to the Rural Class
As the days are progressing, more parents in rural area understand the necessity of sending their children in schools. However, for that, they need to have proper number of schools. As studying in private schools is highly expensive, more and more Government schools have to be established in villages. It is true that Government in both state and central level has taken necessary measures for that but they have to take more initiative so that the education can be spread more in the rural areas.
Rural education and education for the underprivileged is a serious concern for the government and alongside the individuals as well. The industry demands quick action in terms of providing the right education to the most neglected sector, the rural. Maybe that is the only way they can get out of poverty.
Rajesh is of the opinion that, "The rural population has been underprivileged, is underprivileged and will remain so if the government is not pro active. There has to be a pro active intervention because the Education itself is in the concrete list. What happens is that the government of India takes certain policy decisions. They can deny the policy and they can just curtail to the extent that is suitable. One education pattern of a particular state may not be suitable to the other state. It is important that the government should put its maximum efforts wherever it is possible.
“Wherever there is communality, it should be applicable across the country. In this way, we can tap the talent of the rural people; also we can put the underprivileged people in the mainstream”, said Rajesh.
