Why switching to skill-based education makes more sense

The academic system in India is heavily reliant on getting high test scores and graduating from school with honors. But is that the only metric to evaluate a person’s potential? Do we use any techniques to assess a student’s proficiency with our curriculum?

Ironically, many students who struggled academically go on to have successful careers in life, thanks to their skills. Our educational system is still restricted to the four walls of classrooms even in the twenty-first century. The majority of schools and colleges share this opinion, however, very few have updated their curricula to include new technologies. We urgently need to move away from education that is solely academic and towards education that is skill-based.

Merely having a degree might not get you a good job. A strong skill-based workforce is what is needed by the global market.

Let us look at the advantages of skill-based education.

– Our educational system holds that students should memorize textual questions and answers, practice them during exams, and receive grades based on their writing. To pass the test, one doesn’t need to be particularly creative.

However, in a skill-based educational system, pupils should have a good understanding of the concepts and be able to think creatively. Thus, it improves their critical thinking and inventiveness.

– The majority of skill-based programs embrace and promote the idea of teamwork. To solve challenges in the real world, collaboration is crucial. The capacity to form alliances is highly valued in the majority of contexts, from industry to academia. This will make it possible to refresh one’s synergistic abilities and get students ready to deal with a variety of circumstances.

-The pupils’ level of thinking is raised through their pedagogy, which combines information and skills. At a very young age, they become increasingly independent and can manage and solve problems in real life.

– Additionally, younger students are better at multitasking and eventually become quick and nimble in a variety of circumstances.

Companies today seek employees who can switch swiftly between tasks that require quick intellect. If skill-based education is implemented from the school stage on, students can recognize their true potential.

Our world is changing, and as a result, technology-related advancements in education and the workplace are also evolving. According to statistics, the workforce of the future will need to be more skill-based. A system of education that emphasizes life skills is necessary to help us deal with the challenges we face daily.

As they say “Learning how to learn in life is life’s most important skill”

She writer Manju Malathy is an Assistant Professor with 12 years of experience in higher education and is a Passionate trainer, Provisional Zone Trainer Junior Chamber International India Zone 20, and social activist.