Educators of the future

 Students in India have traditionally focused on 'preparing for exams,' a system that entails years of rote learning, copious note-taking, and strict adherence to a syllabus. The New Education Policy (2022), which boosts vocational education by introducing vocational subjects and training at the school level focusing on problem-solving and critical thinking skills, will assist the next generation of Indians in finally 'preparing for life' and navigating uncertain futures.

The reality imposed by the Covid-19 crisis has put teachers all over India to the test of adaptability and innovation. It is a challenge that our teachers have met with dedication and agility in order to remotely teach students online. The transformation of ‘quality of teaching,’ where teachers will be empowered to lead change, is a key focus area of the NEP.

Here’s what Anoop Singh Bishnoi, educationist, and entrepreneur, has to say about it, “Along with our changing ideas about what constitutes a classroom, our ideas about how teaching is delivered must also evolve. The old adage that “one model of teaching and learning fits all” is out of date and has no place on the future educational agenda. The emphasis should be on individualized learning plans for students, which will allow each student to learn at their own pace and engage with content that is most beneficial to them.

Curriculum teaching and learning already extends far beyond the classroom and will continue to do so, and as education evolves to meet the needs of the future, the role of the teacher must adapt and grow as well. It is the responsibility of each teacher to encourage students to take risks, be innovative, and seize any opportunity that comes their way. Teachers of the future must be prepared to be data collectors, as well planners, collaborators, curriculum experts, problem solvers, and researchers, in light of a shift toward a more personalized learner experience.”

Technology alone will not usher in a new era in education. We must use digital solutions with a community-oriented, connected, and human mindset. The modern educational system is dynamic, and teachers must adapt, learn, and grow alongside their students. “Technology will not replace great teachers,” George Couros once said, “but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational.”