The purpose of education is to prepare learners to become problem solvers, creative thinkers, fearless innovators and collaborators in their lives. The very purpose of education is defeated if they are unable to apply their knowledge outside the four walls of the classroom. Lessons imparted in traditional classrooms are like isolated islands which fail to connect to each other. They do not materialize as an innovation or a solution to any social or economic challenge that real life may present. This dreadful situation calls out for a move away from rote learning.

What is rote learning?

Rote learning is the memorisation of information based on repetition. The thought behind this technique is that whenever required, learners would be able to quickly recall a lesson. Hence, in a traditional classroom, the ability to memorise is almost often confused with intelligence. Though not always delinked, memory is not always a reliable indicator of understanding and retaining knowledge. All learning begins with memorisation. Learning alphabets and numbers is a classic example of rote learning.

Though we begin with rote learning, there is a need to build on it. Remembering few facts is essential, but memorisation should not be an end in itself. It should lead students to concepts and application, so that they can move to higher-levels of learning. An outdated teaching technique, it is increasingly being replaced by methods like active learning.

Digital Classroom

Digital Classroom solution is one of the most effective means to combat the evils of rote learning. They meet the diverse needs of different kinds of learners — visual and auditory where as,rote learning caters only to auditory learners. There are numerous solutions available in the market which are specially designed to cater to the Indian student. Digital content with aptly-paced narration and a neutral accent can form the introduction for any concept. The blend of real-life videos with interactive animation appeals to the inquisitive mind of a child.

A whole range of techniques starting from traditional 2D/3D animation to more contemporary ones like Claymation and paper craft animation are employed to engage learners. We, at Next Education, provide the best hardware along with our customized digital classroom solution and thereby, ensure sustainability of digital solutions.

Openness and implementation of innovative teaching methodologies in the classroom can help learners develop collaborative skills

Hands-on Learning

Hands-on learning is one of the most effective way of making students understand the most difficult concepts. National Curriculum Framework (NCF) guidelines recommends the use of hands-on manipulatives, virtual learning environments and lab plans to help students build conceptual understanding and hone 21st century skills such as higher-order thinking skills (HOTs), technological fluency, collaboration, communication and problem-solving. This way of teaching appeals to kinaesthetic learners. Hands-on learning solutions are available for all subjects.

The story-based approach helps students discover Maths as a part of their daily lives. Hands-on kits, paper cuttings and group activities can knock boredom out of any Maths classroom. Innovative tools can help students develop their LSRW (Language, Speaking, Reading and Writing) skills. These tools can help them with pronunciation and also help them learn all 44 sounds of the English language.

Classroom Activities

No amount of technology can replace a teacher. It is wrong to persecute teachers for the prevalence of rote learning in the Indian education system for such a long time. Openness and implementation of innovative teaching methodologies in the classroom can help learners develop collaborative skills. Teachers can conduct activities in the classroom, where students are required to apply the concepts they have learnt in solving problems or creating something fun. For instance, students could be asked to make a model of the brain using clay and paint and then label the different parts of the brain. The activities could be carried out at both individual l and group level. Many a times, the activities could be in the form of games too. For example, the task could be as simple as identifying all the numbers from 1 to 100 present in a storyboard. This would keep the students occupied, enabling the teacher to oversee the progress made by each group or an individual. Such activities promote collaborative skills in students.

With the focus of education changing from ‘what you know’ to ‘how you know’, learners are also prompted to figure out what to do with the knowledge they have acquired. As opposed to rote learning, where memorization is one of the most important skills that would have earned students credit, today, there are various skills which they can acquire and get lauded for. This helps a child to understand and explore their skills, improve them and find their true calling. Moreover, with dictation and memorization methods packing their bags and making their way out of the classroom, teachers can invest their time in one-on-one interaction with the children.Student-centric teaching can foster new pedagogies like active learning and deeper learning. Hence, the need for this move cannot be overstated.