Question

debate on traditional classrooms address contemporary society needs.
against the motion

Answer 1

While the Indian educational system has many shortcomings, the biggest issue is that there is a gap between the theory that is taught in cl#ss and its application in real life. The reason behind this issue includes factors like cl#ss size, focus on rote memory and the limitations imposed on teachers. Put together, the traditional cl#ssroom does not dress the needs of contemporary society.

With too many children in each cl#ss, teaching loses its efficiency. The focus is not on teaching but on the commercial aspect of education.  As a result many students are forced to opt for tuitions outside the cl#ssroom simply because cl#ssroom teaching is inefficient. Not everyone can afford expensive tuitions. So, it is fair to assume that a majority of students are not equipped with enough knowledge.

For the sake of argument, let us assume that effective learning is taking place in the traditional cl#ssroom. When it comes to evaluating the knowledge gained by the students, tests and examinations are held. The examination system however lets down the entire educational system simply because it focusses on testing learners’ memory. Evidently, the focus is on rote learning and not on testing students’ understanding of concepts. How can such students be expected to apply their knowledge to situations in later life when they are not trained to do that in school itself?

Further, there is a lot of pressure on teachers to complete the syllabus. Teachers struggle with the vast syllabus. Even if they want to make cl#sses more interactive and interesting, the time constraints become challenging. As a result, there is a build up of pressure on teachers to teach the subject to students who cannot even relate to the content. Given these circumstances, only the highly motivated students or teachers can ensure that effective teaching takes place in the traditional cl#ssroom. However, it is important to remember that most teachers and students are not in the highly motivated category.

When you consider all these factors, it becomes evident beyond doubt that cl#ssrooms are not shaping individuals to meet the needs of contemporary society

Answer 2

Traditional classrooms need to upgrade their system in order to meet today's educational needs.

• As a result of a transition from whiteboards and books to digital channels and apps, the conventional classroom structure would need even more changes to meet the needs of today's society.
• The first adjustment required is to treat students as individuals with unique abilities and learning curves. To bring out the best in each student, schools should first understand their needs and then fine-tune their teaching methods accordingly.
• The curriculum and teaching methods should be designed to accommodate all students, whether they are visual, kinesthetic, auditory, or verbal learners.
• Different teaching strategies, such as hands-on learning, visual learning with videos, team exercises, verbal and written activities, should be incorporated into classrooms.
• Many schools are well aware of all of these needs of contemporary society, and some have even introduced well-researched thoughtful improvements in their teaching methods.