From rote to real : Can India’s education system embrace hands-on learning?

The Indian education system is on the brink of a significant transformation as policymakers and educators rally behind experiential learning. Rooted in the idea of “learning by doing,” this approach emphasizes hands-on experiences, critical thinking, and problem-solving over rote memorization. While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has championed this shift, the question remains: Is India truly ready to adopt experiential learning at scale?

What Is Experiential Learning?

Beyond Books

• Experiential learning focuses on real-world applications, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and reflect. From conducting science experiments to community projects and internships, the approach aims to make learning engaging and relevant.

NEP’s Vision

• The NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic education, skill-building, and multidisciplinary approaches, placing experiential learning at its core. It proposes integrating vocational training, project-based assessments, and technology to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.

Why the Push for Experiential Learning?

Bridging the Skill Gap

• The India Skills Report 2023 found that only 46.2% of Indian graduates are employable, citing a lack of practical skills as a key reason. Experiential learning aims to address this by equipping students with problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking

• A World Economic Forum report predicts that skills like creativity, analytical thinking, and emotional intelligence will dominate the job market by 2025. Experiential learning encourages these competencies, making students future-ready.

Making Learning Relevant

• According to a 2022 survey by LocalCircles, 68% of Indian parents believe the current curriculum focuses too much on theory, leaving students ill-prepared for real-world challenges. Experiential learning bridges this gap by linking academic concepts to practical scenarios.

Is India Ready?

1. Infrastructure Gaps

• Only 45% of Indian schools have access to basic science labs, and less than 30% of rural schools have functional computer labs, according to a 2022 NITI Aayog report. Experiential learning requires significant investments in infrastructure, including laboratories, makerspaces, and digital tools.

2. Teacher Training Deficit

• A Ministry of Education study found that 60% of teachers are untrained in experiential learning methodologies. Without adequate training, implementing hands-on learning remains a challenge.

3. Societal Mindsets

• Many parents equate academic success with rote memorization and high grades. Shifting mindsets to value creativity and practical skills over marks will require sustained efforts.

4. Curriculum Overhaul

• India’s education system is deeply rooted in exam-centric assessments. Transitioning to experiential learning demands a reimagining of curricula, with a focus on project-based assessments and interdisciplinary learning.

Success Stories

Delhi’s Happiness Curriculum

• Introduced in 2018, the Happiness Curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through mindfulness activities, stories, and discussions. It has positively impacted over 8 lakh students, reducing stress and improving engagement.

Kerala’s Vocational Integration

• Kerala has incorporated vocational education and skill training into its school system, offering students hands-on experiences in areas like agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Atal Tinkering Labs

• Launched under NITI Aayog, these labs provide students with access to cutting-edge technology like 3D printers and robotics kits, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving. Over 10,000 such labs have been established nationwide.

What Needs to Be Done

1. Government Support

• Increased funding for infrastructure and teacher training is essential. Initiatives like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyancan be expanded to prioritize experiential learning tools and resources.

2. Teacher Empowerment

• Training programs must focus on equipping educators with the skills to integrate experiential learning into daily teaching. Platforms like Diksha can serve as resources for professional development.

3. Policy Reforms

• The shift to experiential learning must include changes in assessment patterns, with a move away from rote-based exams to project-based evaluations and continuous assessments.

4. Community Engagement

• Parents and local communities must be involved to foster a supportive ecosystem for experiential learning. Awareness campaigns can help shift societal attitudes.

Conclusion

The push for experiential learning in India marks a crucial step toward creating an education system that prioritizes skills, creativity, and real-world readiness. While the challenges are significant, success stories from progressive states and schools demonstrate that the shift is possible. If implemented effectively, experiential learning can prepare India’s students not just for exams, but for life. The time to act is now.