Limitations in the Contemporary Technical Education System and Ways to Improve them

Abstract

Ancient India had a "GuruKula" system in which a guru (“the dispeller of darkness”) trained his disciples who emanated from different walks of life. The guru knew the strengths and the weaknesses of each of his disciples. For example, the mythological Dronacharya (of the “Mahabharata” fame) made “Arjuna” the master of archery but shaped “Duryodhana” as the ace in mace-fighting. This arcane system has transformed into a commoditized and commercialized present-day education system (thanks to money) that we are witnessing. Technical education (Engineering in particular) still has the charm. Yet, in the ever-changing world of demand versus supply, it is an absolute necessity for us, educators, to prepare our students for the future of the new India and for the benefit of mankind. The students should be industry-ready by the time they graduate from college, regardless of the course they are pursuing. Unfortunately, what we witness today seems largely an “outdated school of thinking” where an instructor is complacent about his/her craft – mainly because he/she has been teaching the same subject usually the same way, for several years. This system has serious flaws. Life is all about new ways of learning and learning new ways - forever and continuously - to keep oneself intellectually motivated and satisfied. The moment we as teachers feel adequate or self-sufficient, we are heading for a slow but sure disaster and make ourselves outdated in the process, like an expired drug. So, better late than never. We, as instructors need to be emotionally closer to the students (many students still see their parents in their teachers) than we currently are, as the expectations from the new generation have changed which wants guidance, mentoring, coaching, and hand-holding. Education has been the only industry in the world where the student – your customer - pays large sums of money and never complains about the quality of the service received. Even this, is changing. We, teachers, learn from our students all the time. The students are more savvy in using modern tools and technology and new ways of thinking. It is the time we align ourselves. Keywords: Complacent; Engineering; Gurukula; Intellectual Motivation; Outdated; Modern Tools and Technology