By making learning fun, we have Rajesh Bhatia, a pioneering educational entrepreneur, who discusses the global educational trends and his vision for the future of education in India.
K. Ramya Sree
As a pioneering educational entrepreneur, Rajesh Bhatia is revolutionising the education sector in India and has introduced new teaching methodologies at the kindergarten level as well as life skill modules in senior classes. He has also strived to create an inclusive learning environment by welcoming differently-abled children at TreeHouse.
In an interview with The Pioneer, he shares with us his insights on global educational trends and his vision for the future of education in India.
Beginning with talking about the challenges faced by students in India today, and how can they be addressed, he shared, “Identifying a good school is the primary challenge for parents and students. An institution has to be inclusive, focused on holistic education, affordable, empowering, safe, and nurturing. It also must have the infrastructure to facilitate the physical, emotional, psychological, numerical, and linguistic development of the child. Not to mention educators who can instill life skills as well as values like social responsibility, empathy, and environmental awareness. Schooling can be challenging, and it is important that both teachers and students exercise patience. There is a great deal of anxiety, impatience, and attention deficit in young people today and only a good educator can help children navigate and manage their emotions responsibly.”
With the rise of e-learning and online education, the future of traditional classroom-based education, according to him can be done with vibrant interaction between students and teachers, replete with creative discussions and active participation makes classroom learning unique. “Post-pandemic, especially, E-learning however has become an integral part of how syllabi are taught and learnt the world over. I see technology supplementing the chalk-and-talk model rather than replacing it, and technological tools like projectors, virtual lessons, etc becoming essential components of education. Advanced technology will continue to help students by enhancing their learning experiences,” he said.
NITI Aayog, the public policy think tank of India, recognises the importance of AI literacy within the country and has designated it as a national priority, evident in the National Education Policy of 2020. He says that this policy underscores the integration of AI into the education system. The education report for India 2022 by UNESCO also highlights the potential of AI-powered educational tools in various domains such as learning and teaching, assessment, school administration, and skills mapping and matching. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges and risks associated with AI, given its potential for both positive and negative applications. Additionally, Google has emerged as a go-to resource for students seeking clarification and study materials. It is also important to remember that the results provided by Google are based on the information it receives. And that heavy reliance on tools like Google can sometimes diminish students’ motivation to memorise information independently.
Every child is unique in their own way. In the case of students with special abilities, welcoming them to regular schools is a significant step towards inclusive education. “It is important to create a learning environment where every child feels empowered and demonstrates empathy for his/her peers. Singling kids out just because they are different can scar them for life, and this is why we need trained educators in diverse classrooms. Finland is a shining example of a progressive and inclusive approach toward children with special needs, and it offers them not just support but also individualized care. With time, the differently-abled child very organically becomes a part of the classroom and the school,” he shared, also adding some of the most important skills that students need to develop to succeed in the job market of the future, “Academic degrees can no longer guarantee the employment skills required by the job markets of the future. They will demand a blend of personal, educational, and technical abilities. Soft skills such as creativity, empathy, patience, perseverance, compassion, problem-solving acumen, and self-motivation will be needed, as well as digital literacy and technical proficiency. Educational institutions must equip students with skills that transcend academic knowledge and provide them with real-world workplace experiences via internships and practical modules.”
