Education reform has been discussed a lot but has been seldom taken forward in the true spirit. All too often, this has been discussed in very narrow contexts with a very limited vision.
Education reform, like most social reform, must be integrated ultimately with the creation of a better and safer world. While vision of a better society can differ much among various people, broad agreement can be created on some precepts. Few will disagree when we say that the world will become a better and safer place if there is significantly higher commitment to peace, justice, democracy and protection of environment. Similarly, there can be broad agreement that the contribution and content of education should be improved significantly in such ways that students can achieve significantly higher commitment to justice, peace, democracy and protection of environment. Speaking for the time being of school education, it would be a great achievement indeed if we can expect that most of the students completing their school education have emerged from these schools with a good understanding of and a high commitment to these four precepts of justice, peace, democracy and protection of environment.
While these broad precepts can also be interpreted in different ways again we can say that nevertheless broad agreement can emerge on some basic understandings. Let us try to capture such understanding on which broad agreement should not be difficult to reach. Firstly, it is accepted that very high priority should be attached to justice, peace, democracy and protection of environment for creating a better and safer world. Secondly, we should have a firm faith in the equality of all human beings in the sense of their rights to meet their essential needs and lead a life of dignity. Discrimination and hostility based on narrow identities whether of color, religion, gender, race, nationality, caste etc. should be entirely avoided. Thirdly, there should be high prioritization of resolving all differences and conflicts in peaceful ways and avoiding any wars. Violence against other forms of life should be minimized. There should be great care and concern for protecting environment and biodiversity. For these and other desirable objectives we should learn to work together and in participative and cooperative ways, learning to overcome differences in amicable ways and having patience with those with whom we have differences. We should be sincere, honest and caring in our commitments and social relationships.
Despite various differences of opinion, it should be possible to have broad agreement on this or somewhat similar values and precepts that should be at the core of reforming education, particularly social education, and if those completing school education have absorbed these values, principles and priorities to a substantial extent, this would be a great step forward to creating a better and safer world.
Before school education starts, if there is play school this should be largely a place for having a lot of play and fun, but in interesting ways a foundation of some core precepts and values can be provided even then.
School age can be from age 4 to 14 approximately, although this can differ in various countries, and this can be a time when students are involved in interesting, participative ways with a diversity of humanities, sciences, languages and literature, vocational skills and life skills, health and safety issues and first aid, various arts and sports. While there are many opportunities of learning a lot, there are conscious efforts to avoid any imposition and competitiveness to the extent possible. Any tensions relating to examinations are to be definitely avoided and the progress of students is judged only in very broad terms, more to bring out their special aptitudes and creativity in certain areas than to be judgmental. Students are to be encouraged to be very cooperative to each other and together carry out very creative assignments, instead of being in fierce competition with each other. Conditions should be created to entirely avoid any violence and bullying among students. Safety training should get the due importance.
The government and local authorities should generously fund education so that all schools are well-equipped for education and those who cannot pay any fees can still get the same education as others. Private schools should of course continue but the government schools should function so well that most people and children prefer these schools.
Care should be taken to avoid any alienation among students so that regardless of how much they progress they should not be alienated from their communities.
The aim is to create such a foundation that whatever the profession they adopt, they serve honestly and sincerely and contribute to the creation of a better and safer world.
Similar values should guide higher education also. On the basis of their special creativity and aptitudes revealed at school level, students who go for full time higher education can choose their more specialized subjects and courses. However those who do not choose this also should have other options of continuing education in other ways including online and other options, including self and group education, and education should be seen as something which can continue all through life.
Bharat Dogra is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, When the Two Streams Met and A Day in 2071.
