Quality Education: The System and Reality

Education is often called the backbone of a nation but what happens when that backbone grows weak? Across the world, and especially in India, classrooms are filled with students racing to score marks, collect degrees and clear exams. Yet, outside those classrooms, life demands far more creativity, problem-solving, adaptability and confidence. This growing gap between what students learn and what the real world expects has turned education into one of the biggest challenges of our time. So, the question is, are we preparing a generation of thinkers and innovators or are we merely producing degree-holders?

Education beyond books: Education should not simply mean clearing examinations; it must mean preparing individuals with pragmatic knowledge, skills and values that nurtures confidence and clarity about their future. Unfortunately, “spoon-feeding” has become the dominant model. Teachers often provide notes, summaries and expected questions, leading students to focus mainly on marks. As a result, those who rely only on dictated or photocopied material may pass exams but gain only shallow understanding. On the other hand, those who prepare their own notes develop memory, comprehension and analytical skills. Such habits encourage independent learning, a skill far more valuable than reproducing pre-written answers.

Quality education lies in these seemingly simple practices that shift students from dependence to responsibility. Year after year, this cycle produces graduates who may be academically qualified but lack problem-solving abilities, innovation, or effective communication. Employers across industries voice this concern. The India Skills Report 2024 revealed that only 51.25% of Indian graduates are considered employable. In other words, almost half of degree-holders are not prepared for the workforce. This alarming gap proves that education cannot stop at exams; it must build real-world skills.

In today’s expertise-driven world, skills matter more than academic qualifications. Employers increasingly ask: what can this graduate do? Can they communicate effectively? Can they work in teams? Can they adapt to new challenges? According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, the top skills in demand are analytical thinking, creativity, resilience and technological literacy. Yet, these skills are often missing among graduates trained in a rigid, exam-driven system. To bridge this gap, education must shift towards hands-on learning: internships, fieldwork, vocational training, workshops, community projects and multidisciplinary education that bring theory to life (NEP 2020).

When students engage with real-life situations, they gain insights beyond textbooks and develop adaptability, leadership, and confidence. Practical exposure helps them apply knowledge effectively and face modern challenges with originality and resilience. Quality education must go beyond skills to also nurture values, empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. Producing professionals without these qualities may serve the job market but not society. Schools that integrate community service foster awareness of social issues, compassion, and civic responsibility. Such a value-based approach shapes employable, trustworthy and humane citizens.

The Dual Impact of Technology on Education: Technology has greatly transformed education by expanding access to knowledge, making learning more flexible and interactive, and breaking geographical barriers through digital platforms. It enables personalized learning, connects students and teachers globally, and equips learners with modern skills necessary for a rapidly changing world. When used effectively, technology also encourages creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. However, it comes with notable drawbacks. Over-reliance on digital tools can encourage superficial learning, reduce critical thinking, and limit social interaction. Excessive screen time often leads to health issues such as eye strain and lack of physical activity, while the digital divide leaves many students without equal opportunities. Moreover, the ease of accessing vast information sometimes causes overload, making it difficult for students to stay focused and retain knowledge. Another concern is the over-reliance on technology, such as AI tools like ChatGPT, can have unintended consequences, including diminished independent thinking, reduced teacher guidance and increased isolation, ultimately undermining critical skills and social development.

Rethinking the Teaching System: Educators are central to the transformation of education, as their role goes far beyond merely transferring knowledge. The most effective mentors do not simply provide answers but spark curiosity, inspire questions, and guide learners to think critically, challenge ideas, and learn from mistakes. For this to be effective, those in the teaching profession need continuous professional development, which is why the NEP 2020 rightly emphasizes capacity building and recognises them as nation-builders. Yet, in the present system, many instructors still rush to complete the syllabus, repeating the same textbook content year after year, limiting a space for creativity or skill enhancement. While academic knowledge is important, students’ skills are often compressed under this rigid approach. This one-size-fits-all model often resembles “asking different animals to climb the same tree,” as learners with diverse strengths are measured by a single standard while their unique abilities are overlooked. To prepare the next generation for the future, facilitators must create opportunities for exploration and innovation beyond academics, encouraging confidence, critical thinking, and pursuit of individual interests from an early stage. Only then the education system can move beyond rote learning and truly nurture individuals who are skilled, creative, and future-ready.

Parents and Society: The responsibility of ensuring quality education cannot fall solely on schools and teachers. It must be shared by governments, parents, and society as a whole. Parents should nurture independence, creativity, and curiosity rather than pressuring children only to secure high marks. They must also recognise and encourage their children’s interests and talents. Traditionally, our grandparents’ generation emphasised academic excellence and good grades. However, in today’s world, employers increasingly value practical skills and competencies. This makes the role of parents even more crucial, as the family is the first institution where a child begins learning at the grassroots level. Communities too must actively support young learners through mentorship, cultural activities and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring that children are encouraged in their chosen fields without fear of criticism. Governments, on their part as well must provide adequate funding, improve school infrastructure, train teachers and ensure that quality education is accessible and affordable to every child, whether in rural or urban areas. When every stakeholder contributes, education becomes a powerful collective force that transforms both individuals and society.

The Future: Quality education is far more than literacy or academic performance; it is about shaping the very foundation of the society we aspire to create. It is about nurturing leaders who can think critically, entrepreneurs who dare to innovate, and citizens who uphold values of empathy, responsibility, and integrity. True education connects knowledge with skills and skills with values, ensuring that learning is not confined to classrooms but extends into shaping character and purpose. As Nelson Mandela rightly said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Yet, that weapon yields result only when sharpened by quality and vision. Investing in quality education is not merely a policy choice; it is a nation’s strongest commitment to its own future.

The time has come to move beyond rote memorization and exam-driven learning. Education must become a tool of empowerment, preparing young minds to ask questions, think independently and contribute meaningfully to society. Every child has the right to an education that unlocks their potential, fuels their curiosity and prepares them for a rapidly changing world. The next generation deserves nothing less than an education system that creates innovators, peacemakers and visionaries who can carry humanity forward with wisdom and courage.

Visekunu Thol