Summary
Educators in the city want subject streams to get more fluid for higher classes, offering students relief from stress and also a second option
Specialisation or fluid subject streams? One-time choice or the right to “shop”? Pre-decided courses or autonomy?
Educators in the city want subject streams to get more fluid for higher classes, offering students relief from stress and also a second option. According to them, students should be allowed to mix and match subjects in high school.
“Many students take up science but may also be interested in music. If subject streams get fluid right from the school level, students can be in a better position to decide their career choice in future,” said Mukta Nain, director of Birla High Schools.
“It’s important for students to be flexible,” she said.
The educator was attending a conclave at SIP abacus & AthLead present admissiontree.in Conversations 2024 powered by Amity University Kolkata, Birla High School Mukundapur, Knowledge Partner SBIHM.
Speaking separately to The Telegraph, Nain said how the National Education Policy is also encouraging a multi-disciplinary module. The schools are on the threshold of becoming more liberal too.
“I am all for students being flexible, but is the society and the job market ready for it?” wondered John Bagul, director, AthLead International School. According to him, every profession deserves a certain level of expertise and educational institutions have an obligation towards grooming students the right way. But, making a child flexible is also the way forward.
“We have some stereotypical guidelines that all schools need to follow. But, within the limitations, we are trying to offer diverse subjects. Many private universities and colleges are already spearheading the movement by offering fluid academic programmes but till now our approach has been half-baked,” he said. Despite the rigid guidelines many schools are trying to make students flexible till middle school.
“Our schools offer students a second curriculum till Class VIII, along with the main one. A student can choose to study music, art and other creative subjects along with their main curriculum. It’s not just one period in school but a full-fledged course that cultivates children’s interest in a variety of subjects,” said Janet Gasper Chowdhury, president of the St Augustine’s Education Society.
While school educators are taking baby steps towards fluid teaching, many colleges have already started giving students a chance to “shop” in their first year.
“Students of every specialisation have to study General Education. First year is the shopping period for them. They can also change streams or their major after the first year. Even otherwise, if a philosophy student gets to study physics on the side, it broadens their horizon,” said Sukanya Sarbadhikary, an assistant professor of sociology at Presidency University.
She cited instances of how fluid education in various universities has given students the freedom to mix and match just the way they want and ace subjects that they were not even specialising in.
“That way the mind gets less tired and absorbs more.”
According to Chowdhury, keeping students busy with a diverse curriculum makes them better equipped for life.
“Our students can shop over 90 subjects. The flexibility has worked wonders. They end up getting four certificates besides their degree,” said Sanjay Kumar, vice-chancellor of Amity University.
Clinical psychologist Alokananda Mukherjee said she often gets high school students seeking help because they feel stuck after choosing a particular stream.
“Recently, I was approached by a student, who was unable to cope with science after Class X but could not opt out. She was feeling stuck, and even suicidal. This is not an isolated case. If students are given more autonomy in high school, they will not feel such pressure,” she said.
Last updated on 12 Sep 2024
