The Indian education system has its own set of pros and cons. The good thing is that it is elaborate and helps a child with a lot of theoretical knowledge, but the biggest disadvantage is rote learning.

What is rote learning?

Rote learning is a way of mugging up the stuff without understanding concepts. It is surely a great way to get good marks as you just go and write word to word of what is taught by a teacher, but the question is – How beneficial is it in the long run? What are the benefits of rote learning?

I would say none. The Indian education system needs a change as it only teaches you to get marks instead of educating you. It breaks my heart to see my teenage daughter going through the same old way of learning as we did. Our education system surely needs a change especially in regard to rote learning. Most of the kids don’t even know what they are studying as they are not taught in a practical way which makes it easier to understand concepts.

Disadvantages of rote learning –

The process of cramming and mugging up can demotivate the kids who think out of the box. It can kill creativity and lead to low cognitive development in kids. There is so much pressure in higher grades that a child is not able to develop his creative skills or passions.

What’s the use of such teaching which makes the kids mere dummies who are unaware of the real subject?

Ways to skip it and learn in a better way–

  1. Teach kids in a practical way – The emphasis should be on practical work which means tasks in which students observe or manipulate real things or they work with a teacher who demonstrates. A practical way of teaching can be motivating and can help in stimulating interest in kids.
  2. Make learning fun – When kids enjoy something, they always learn better. Rote learning and cramming are a boring way to study which further makes kids lose interest. Teachers and schools should come up with fun methods to teach.
  3. More hands-on activities – Experiments, live projects, demonstrations, and such hands-on activities are all a great way to teach. Anything, where the child is trying something on his own, is always better.
  4. Use technology – Do you know PCs can be used to teach kids new and creative things? With PC use in school; we can bring a change to the current education system. There are many ways in which a PC- enabled study can help as a child can take a quiz online, make and see presentations, watch documentaries and scientific programs, etc.

So, let’s choose practical knowledge over rote learning and help kids develop their passions. Children who are passionate, gain knowledge that stays with them for the long-term.

Dell India has come up with this new initiative of eradicating rote learning from our education system. This new initiative by Dell Aarambh is a great way to shed light on rote learning. The main aim is to spread awareness about the dangers of rote learning in the long run. With #DellAntiRoteDay, they aim to put the spotlight on ​PC-enabled interactive learning ​where students enjoy and get fully immersed in the learning process.

What would you choose rote learning or PC-enabled learning?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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