Modern versus classic: the education debate

Is the future of education found in new methods or rooted in the past?

The debate between traditional and contemporary education methods highlights a clash between the reliability of time-tested practices and the innovation of modern approaches. Traditional education, with its disciplined focus on memorisation, has long provided students with a strong academic foundation. However, contemporary education is rising in our complex world, emphasising critical thinking and the need to be technologically literate. The key to a truly effective education lies in blending the best of both of these worlds.  

Past education methods have been implemented for several years with little change. In this form of teaching, the emphasis was mainly placed on the teacher and rarely on the students. The teaching was based on established norms, wherein the teacher was seen as a person of authority and invoked a sense of fear among students. 

In this system, great emphasis was placed on the concept of oral recitation and rote learning. Students in class were asked to recite a particular poem, or paragraph one after another. All the content taught in the classroom was meant to be memorised and written word-for-word in examinations. Even the examination system involved direct and to-the-point questions, which did not require the student to apply any of the knowledge. In such a manner, students were discouraged from thinking outside of the box.

The few merits of this system include creating a robust foundation in the subjects students were being taught. Although very mundane, this method ensured that every student gained broad knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, in-person interactions among students in between classes are also a crucial contribution to the overall development of pupils. Lastly, in a traditional education setting, rules and regulations are much more stringent, and students are instilled with a strong work ethic from their formative years in school. 

However, this method also has its fair share of limitations, particularly its inability to adapt to the changing times, which is why many educational institutes have shifted towards a more contemporary and holistic form of learning. Providing students with critical thinking skills, creativity, and the capability to think on their feet has become the need of the hour in such a fast-paced economy. Secondly, the idea that one teaching style fits every student’s needs is long gone. A lack of flexibility doesn’t allow students to thrive in school.

On the other hand, more contemporary education styles have gained popularity because of their well-rounded curriculum for students. Each student is treated as a unique individual, and teachers ensure that they implement teaching techniques beneficial to their respective learning styles. Every student receives individual and personalised attention. Learning and understanding concepts is much more important than merely memorising the content. Teachers use real-life examples, hands-on activities, and projects to explain the practicality of a theory in the real world. This method also encourages students to question and enquire about what they learn every step of the way. For example, the flipped classroom was designed to facilitate conversation between teachers and students, making the classroom a more engaging and interactive place. 

Additionally, technological tools like PowerPoint presentations, YouTube videos, and smart boards have developed classes into something that students do not dread attending. With the advent of the pandemic, teaching was forced online. Teachers were exposed to applications such as Zoom and Google Classroom, which were pivotal in teaching. Technology has become increasingly prevalent in modern education, providing access to a wealth of knowledge, interactive learning opportunities, and tools like artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor lessons to their specific needs.​ 

Although the contemporary form of education has been gaining popularity, it also has some disadvantages to its name. Heavy reliance on technology for education limits the in-person social interactions among students and teachers, derailing a crucial part of school life. Real-life applications may not be accessible to everybody due to the digital divide prevalent in many parts of the world. 

An education cannot be focused solely on one teaching method—there has to be a balance and a combination of both styles. Modern students are definitely more adept and better equipped for the future. The reason is that the current teaching system gives students an insight into how the world functions through its subject content. However, the robust foundation provided by traditional teaching methods is unparalleled and essential, as they inculcate a sense of discipline among students. 

Integrating these methods allows students to better grasp the material as well as important life skills like creativity, flexibility, and digital literacy. These abilities are becoming increasingly vital in a world where things are continuously changing and overcoming various obstacles is critical. Hence, students who receive instruction that strikes a balance between conventional and current teaching approaches are better equipped to meet future needs. They will possess not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and situational adaptation skills.