An education that is in sync

An education that is in sync

Article:

1. R.B. Grover and HomiBhabha has discussed the importance of “general and specialized education in India.

Important Analysis:

2. All India Survey on Higher Education reports says, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education has increased to 25.8 % in 2017-18 compared to 10 % in 2004-05.
3. About Gross Enrollment Ratio:

Gross Enrolment Ratio determines the number of students enrolled in school/college at several different grade levels.

It is the ratio of students enrolled in a given level of education regardless of age to the population of the age group which officially corresponds to the given level of education.

In India, for higher education it is calculated for age group of 18-23.

4. According to survey, in India, GER in higher education is 30 % which is quite impressive but still less than the developed nations.
5. According to Author, debate on higher education should be focused on content of Higher Education rather than autonomy and governance.
6. Recommendations of Radhakrishnan Commission Report (RCR) published in 1949-50 on Indian University Education which is still relevant in present scenario.

General and Professional education – advocated that general education (Arts and Humanity) and specialised/professional education should proceed together.

Education of language should be given equal importance to enhance communication skills.

7. Similarly, the National Academic Press (NAP) of U.S in its report “Branches of the same Tree” has talked about the purpose of Higher Education which should include:

The integration of Humanities and Arts with Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Higher Education.

Acquisition of knowledge, skills, written and oral communication skill, ability to work as a team, ethical decision making and critical thinking which helps graduate to make balance between work and life.

8. NAP has also acknowledged few challenges such as

Interdisciplinary Specialization (Academic) has resulted in many developments but problem arising are multi-disciplinary. Such as balancing demand of energy on a large scale with continue supply of energy in an environmental friendly approach.

Due to advancement in technology, professional must study the impact of innovation influencing everyday life such as privacy and technology-driven social changes.

9. Study has revealed, integration of Humanity and Arts with Science has resulted graduates with increased critical thinking ability, deeper learning, higher creativity and improved communication skills.
10. Reality existing in India:

Higher education in India is not yet prepared for integration of general education with Science.

Missing General education plan from most university affiliated Science colleges.

Single stream institutions (Focused on single subjects) further eliminate the possibility of integrated study.

11. Primarily the focus of undergraduate education should be on general education and specialized education can be introduced at postgraduate level.