AVAGAH | अवगाह

In a rapidly changing world, the debate over whether schools should allow students to choose their own curriculum or maintain a standardized one for all is more pertinent than ever. As someone deeply entrenched in the Indian education industry for over a decade, I have closely observed the evolving landscape of education in the country. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of these two approaches and attempt to shed light on this complex issue. 

Our Indian education system is often criticized for being too rigid and inflexible. Since the curriculum is highly standardized, students have little to no choice in what they learn. This often turns out to be a problem for students who are not interested in pursuing careers in traditional academic subjects, or who have different learning styles. 

On one hand, allowing students to choose their own curriculum can empower them to develop their interests and passions, and to learn in a way that is best suited to their individual needs. On the other hand, a standardized curriculum can ensure that all students learn the essential knowledge and skills that they will need to succeed in life. This way also makes it significantly easier for the schools and educational organisations to maintain consistency and carry out assessments with ease. 

Let’s try to understand both the sides of this debate. 

Freedom of Choice in Choosing Curriculum

• Increased student engagement and motivation: When students are allowed to choose their own curriculum, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their learning. This is because they are studying subjects that they are interested in and that they believe are relevant to their future goals. 
• Development of critical thinking: When students are allowed to choose their own curriculum and design their own learning experiences, they are developing important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is because they are required to think about what they want to learn, how they want to learn it, and how they will assess their own progress.
• Tailored Learning Experiences: Every student is unique, with different interests, aptitudes, and aspirations. Allowing them to choose subjects and topics they are passionate about can foster a love for learning and significantly improve engagement. 
• Developing Independent Thinkers: By making choices about their education, students learn to take ownership of their learning. This not only encourages independent thinking but also helps them develop essential life skills such as decision-making and time management. 
• Meeting Diverse Career Goals: India is a diverse country with a wide range of career options. Allowing students to choose their curriculum enables them to align their education with their future career goals. This flexibility ensures that they are better prepared for their chosen profession, whether it be in the sciences, arts, sports, or any other field. 

Standardized Curriculum for All

• Consistency and fairness: A standardized curriculum ensures that all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, are learning the same essential knowledge and skills. This can help to reduce the achievement gap and create a more reasonable education system.
• Accountability on schools: Standardized assessments can be used to hold schools accountable for student performance. This can help to ensure that all schools are providing a high-quality education.
• Preparation for college and careers: Many colleges and employers require students to have a strong foundation in core academic subjects, such as math, science, English, and history. A standardized curriculum can help to ensure that all students are prepared for these challenges.
• Maintaining Quality Standards: Standardization allows educational authorities to maintain consistent quality standards in terms of content, pedagogy, and assessment. It helps guarantee that all students, regardless of the school they attend, receive a comparable education. 
• Streamlining Administrative Processes: A standardized curriculum simplifies administrative processes for educational institutions. It aids in the creation of uniform textbooks, teaching materials, and teacher training programs. This, in turn, can reduce the administrative burden on schools and the government. 
• Measuring Student Performance: Standardized curricula make it easier to assess and measure student performance on a national or international scale. This is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the education system and identifying areas that require improvement. 
• Preparing Students for Competitive Exams: India’s education system places significant importance on competitive exams for higher education and employment. A standardized curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for these exams and can compete on a level playing field. 

There are strong arguments on both sides of the debate over whether schools should allow students to choose their own curriculum, or whether they should have a more standardized curriculum for all students. Ultimately, the best approach will vary depending on the specific needs of the school and its students.

Conclusion

While both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, a balanced approach that combines elements of personalization and standardization can provide the best of both worlds. The key is to prepare students for a rapidly changing world while ensuring a common foundation of knowledge and skills. Ultimately, the future of education in India should prioritize the well-being and success of its students. 

However, I believe that there is a growing need for schools to move towards a more student-led curriculum. This is especially true in the our Indian education system, which has traditionally been very rigid and inflexible. A student-led curriculum could help to increase student engagement and motivation, and to improve student outcomes. 

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think our standard curriculum is sufficient for the students in currently growing Indian market? Or do you think it is more important to have a standard curriculum to maintain fairness to all? Let me know in the comments below!