Posted by Erik Remsen
What does education look like? During my three weeks in India, I saw a lot of similarities between education in India and the United States. Students are students wherever they are in the world and their curiosity exists regardless of nationality. Subjects like math, science, and social studies are also pretty much universal. On the other hand, I saw a lot of things that looked very different. Class sizes of 40 to 50 were the norm and because of the climate, schools are constructed differently in India. (Cooling, not heating, is the priority.) Teachers in India also have very little discretion about what and how they teach due to end of the year tests that are of great importance for students, teachers, and schools.
While capturing education in images is difficult, I've made a mediocre attempt by gathering together a few sets of images. Below are some pictures of what education at Rutland High School looks like:
What does education look like? During my three weeks in India, I saw a lot of similarities between education in India and the United States. Students are students wherever they are in the world and their curiosity exists regardless of nationality. Subjects like math, science, and social studies are also pretty much universal. On the other hand, I saw a lot of things that looked very different. Class sizes of 40 to 50 were the norm and because of the climate, schools are constructed differently in India. (Cooling, not heating, is the priority.) Teachers in India also have very little discretion about what and how they teach due to end of the year tests that are of great importance for students, teachers, and schools.
While capturing education in images is difficult, I've made a mediocre attempt by gathering together a few sets of images. Below are some pictures of what education at Rutland High School looks like:
At RHS, education goes beyond the core subjects. Art, music, theater, and athletics are considered part of education. Students are also being given increasing voice in what and how they learn. Additionally students, on occasion, take on the role of teacher and educate other students.
In India, I visited schools that are completely publicly funded, schools that are private schools, and schools that are financed through a combination of public funding and private tuition. Below are pictures of schools students can attend if parents can afford the tuition costs.
In India, I visited schools that are completely publicly funded, schools that are private schools, and schools that are financed through a combination of public funding and private tuition. Below are pictures of schools students can attend if parents can afford the tuition costs.
At these schools, students have resources similar to those available to U.S. students. However, class size is often much larger and most classes have the teacher as the focal point, sometimes on a raised platform. Most classes are in the lecture format with great emphasis on memorization so that high results can be achieved on the end of the year tests.
Finally, the following are pictures of public primary schools in India.
Finally, the following are pictures of public primary schools in India.
These schools often lack the resources of private schools, but they function in a similar manner. In all Indian schools, discipline is emphasized and seen in the everything from the straight rows of students during morning assembly to the rules about how students must walk through the halls (hands behind the back, no running). Respect is also of the utmost importance and all teachers are addressed as "sir'" or "madam."
Is either country 'doing' education right? Has education developed, in both countries, based on their culture, history, and economy and therefore uniquely fitted to each place? Are there things to be learned from each other that can improve our respective education systems? My answers to these questions: no, probably, and yes, without a doubt.
Is either country 'doing' education right? Has education developed, in both countries, based on their culture, history, and economy and therefore uniquely fitted to each place? Are there things to be learned from each other that can improve our respective education systems? My answers to these questions: no, probably, and yes, without a doubt.
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