| | 8 September 2020HIGHERReviewFROM DISCOURSE TO DIALOGUE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF SCHOOL EDUCATION METHODOLOGY IN INDIABy Ashish Chaturvedi, Founder, School DiaryFor decades, the Indian School Education system has been driven through fragmented regional board directives and wasmajorly focused on text-book learning,in a classic `chalk and talk' class-room formats. However, over the past few years, this has been steadily changing.Digitisation and access to viable broadband connectivity, coupled with supportive govern-ment policies have been key drivers of this change. Fur-ther, the introduction of international board (IG) schools, and access to smart technology, and digital learning tools are also helping Indian classrooms to adopt integrated, experience oriented teaching techniques. Apart from the above, the key trends in school ed-ucation that have been instrumental in the devel-opment of a holistic learning methodology, can be summarised as follows: IN MY OPINION· Tech-Enabled Applied Learning: Over the past decade, technology advancements in the form of learning aids, tools and assisted learning programs have steadily become a part of the regular school processes. Through initiatives like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) based curriculums that are integrated with regular board syllabus, students are en-couraged to think, innovate and work independently to create solutions for real world problems. Other methods that use AI and ML, supported by digital learning aids, are introduced to promote analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and build overall competence and prac-tical skills that are vital in the real world. · Collaborative, Student Led Classrooms: Another shift from discourse to dialogue is driven through the evolution of student led, collaborative classrooms. These encourage group discussions, and brainstorming sessions among smaller groups of students, motivating them to share their opinions and ask questions, instead of just passive intake of information. Apart from creative an open and supportive environment to form and express opinions, this method also helps build strong interper-sonal and social skills as students work in groups and need to communicate, collaborate, and work together to achieve common goals. · Connected Guardians and Schools: Over the last few decades, the Indian social fabric has undergone a massive transformation, with more number of nuclear families, increased emphasis on education for both, girl, and boy child, focus on development of additional skills, and the new norms of equal parenting or shared respon-
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