Children’s Education in India: Shift towards holistic learning

Insights from educators abroad reveal that Indian students could benefit from practical applications of their theoretical knowledge.

By Praneet Mungali

The Indian education system, with its rich tapestry of ideas, philosophies and innovations and a keen eye on modern advancements, stands as a beacon of knowledge and personal growth. It has effectively tried to integrate values with contemporary methodologies, drawing inspiration from both its roots and Western innovations. The ancient Indian education system advocated for a holistic well-rounded education, encompassing sports to books to art and similarly throughout the globe various countries and innovators have designed and formulated various curriculums that aim and aspire for a well-rounded student and an individual.

Importance of Holistic Education

Holistic education aspires for an overall growth in students cultivating skilled individuals who are adept in critical thinking and conceptual understanding. While we learn theories like Pythagoras, it's crucial to understand their practical applications. A well-rounded education promotes not only academic skills but also emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and physical health, preparing students for adaptability in diverse environments.

This approach transcends traditional old-school classes. It’s a place where students can feel a sense of belongingness and be heard and seen beyond the thick walls of books and education. It nurtures students' intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and artistic space. Implementation strategies include developing inclusive curricula, encouraging extracurricular participation, and fostering parental involvement.

Engaging students in various activities increases motivation and prepares them for the complexities of the modern world. The need for a diverse educational framework is underscored by rising unemployment rates, with nearly 83 percent of the jobless population comprised of young individuals, as reported in the India Employment Report 2024 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD).

Current Trends in Subject Selection

In India, there is often an inclination towards traditional streams of study—science, commerce, or the less popular arts—leading to a compartmentalised view of subject selection. For instance, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), only 10 percent of students pursue arts in higher education, compared to 45 percent in science and 40 percent in commerce. This trend often overlooks the interests of students like Aman or Sanskriti, who may wish to study Chemistry alongside History. Though recommendations have been made to make our curriculum’s more diverse and subject selection more fluid, implementation will still take some time.

However, while the system produces diligent and intelligent individuals, it often needs to improve to foster a well-rounded, holistic education. A recent report by Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasizes the need for improved digital literacy among youth, revealing that a staggering 90 percent of Indian youth cannot put a mathematical formula into a spreadsheet, 60 percent cannot copy and paste files, and at least 75 percent of youth cannot send emails with attachments. This indicates that we need to grow further in training in basic skills that are essential for employability. While preparing for competitive exams like UPSC or NEET, a 21-year-old Aman so well versed in Judicial Activism as a concept might struggle to understand what Adam Smith's theory of wealth is, or an aspiring neuro-surgeon Sanskriti might wonder what else she knows except brain cells and mitochondria.

Despite ongoing discussions about the Indian education system, including calls for significant reform, it is essential to recognise the progress made. Notably, initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have made strides towards fostering holistic education. The NEP emphasizes experiential learning, multidisciplinary education, and vocational training to transform the learning landscape. For instance, the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) has facilitated the integration of skill development into formal education, enhancing employability for millions of students.

Insights from educators abroad reveal that Indian students could benefit from practical applications of their theoretical knowledge. For instance, while Indian students learn about biological concepts, their peers in Western countries engage in hands-on projects that foster creativity and deeper understanding. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries that integrate experiential learning into their curricula see higher student engagement and better retention of concepts. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant shift towards fostering a more conceptual understanding of subjects, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration among students. The NEP aims to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50 percent by 2035, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and diverse educational landscape.

Successful Holistic Development Programs

According to the Ministry of Education's Thematic Session 2022, holistic and multidisciplinary education is likely to benefit employment. It improves the ability to approach problems with a broader perspective and prepares students for new jobs in emerging fields. Other activities like a guideline to transform HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) into multidisciplinary institutions, curriculum and credit framework for undergraduate programs, regulations prescribing a minimum standard and the procedure for the award of the first degree and master's degree, have been designed keeping in mind the issues pertaining holistic education in India.

While acknowledging the existing strengths of the education system, addressing the shortcomings that lead to stress and a lack of diverse intelligence among students is crucial. Innovative institutions, such as Wycombe Abbey in Hong Kong, have pioneered holistic curricula that combine core subjects with career-oriented topics, inspiring creativity and technological engagement in young learners. The effectiveness of such models is reflected in global rankings; for instance, countries like Finland, which emphasize holistic education, consistently rank high in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests, often outperforming India. Many organisations advocate for new evaluation methods that prioritise learning outcomes over rote memorisation, but these changes require support from parents and the education system itself.

Moreover, various states have successfully implemented programs that focus on holistic development. For example, the "Happiness Curriculum" introduced by the Delhi government aims to foster emotional well-being, mindfulness, and critical thinking among students from nursery to grade 8. This initiative has positively impacted over 1 million students, showcasing a commitment to nurturing emotional intelligence alongside academic learning.

Learning from Global Educational Practices

Even though the country is progressing, we need to learn and grow more, and we should be able to understand what our well-rounded future individuals need. According to a study by the OECD, countries prioritising hands-on learning have higher student engagement and retention rates. Schools could implement project-based learning (PBL) initiatives where students tackle real-world problems, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research from the National Sample Survey indicates that only 10 percent of students pursue arts, highlighting a need for a more inclusive approach. Schools could offer interdisciplinary programs that allow students to explore subjects such as Environmental Science alongside Mathematics and Arts, promoting a broader perspective and encouraging creativity. A report by the World Economic Forum emphasizes that by 2025, emotional intelligence will be among the top ten skills needed in the workplace. Thus, Integrating SEL into the curriculum is vital for developing emotional intelligence.

As we move forward into a much more complex world, we need to utilise technology and its innovations positively. Educational platforms that utilise artificial intelligence (AI) can analyse student performance and provide customised resources. A study by McKinsey & Company indicates that personalised learning can improve student achievement by as much as 30 percent. Schools should invest in digital tools that allow for adaptive learning, enabling students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need improvement.

The need for well-rounded students in India is not just an ideal but a necessity for fostering a resilient and innovative workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Aman and Sanskriti are the future and aim for the best for themselves and the best value they can add to our country. With over 1.5 million students graduating annually in fields ranging from engineering to arts, the future demands individuals who possess technical expertise, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Research shows that well-rounded education enhances academic performance and promotes lifelong learning, equipping students to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Thus, we need India's positive demographic dividend to be utilised fully and produce youngsters capable of achieving anything while being happy and fulfilled.

(Praneet Mungali, Trustee & Secretary, Sanskriti Group Schools.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.