Learning - The Differential!

 

Quite recently I wrote a piece on the spirit of volunteering. A friend of mine who had chosen to go and teach English to tribal children in Karnataka had been finding it difficult to connect with the children after her first class. She is an academician herself, and a mother of two was shocked to see the learning levels of students there. She wasn't sure why students of Class IV who have been studying English for most of their lives do not understand the basics of the language.

 

When I started my career, I also volunteered to teach children, who were from relocated slum locations of Delhi. However, I did not face the problem that my friend is facing because even though the students were from  underprivileged sections, the kind of opportunities they had was different vis-à-vis tribal belt of Karnataka.

 

So what is that divide, what makes the learning different for different people? Is it just history or biology or something to do with geography or economics as well?  Geography and Economics are the more obvious determiners of learning differentials.

 

 In the wake of online classes, I did write up the digital divide and gender inequality. (link attached) The findings were, to say the least disturbing with the clear exhibition of how lack of digital outreach was creating challenges for students with limited means to avail classes. This was further exemplified by gender differences. Girls are further down the line to receive a preference for education. If there a phone in the household, it will in all likelihood go to the boy for his classes.  (https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/life-is-a-question/article/gender-digital-divide-uvr18ea3zx6f)

 

However as I mentioned in my previous blog, that learning is a choice, and sometimes we don’t take that choice but what if we do not have that choice. Often tradition, geography, and economy dictate on choices of the individual. Sometimes limiting exposure can also lead to a lack of learning opportunities.

 

For example, if someone born in India, only has exposure to the Indian education system, they will in all likelihood accept that as the all and end-all. Instead, if they were exposed to a broader system or knowledge base, they might find it easier to appreciate the current system and also critically examine it.

 

Having this said what is required to make a change in the learning curve of a nation? I believe the catchphrase here is intent- political intent, economic intent, developmental intent, and of course individual intent. Nations need to invest on learning as a priority and growth and learning should be a mindset. 

 

Learning is a mindset change, it requires to move from we know best to we have to become the best and it is a gradual process so please be patient.