The whole purpose of new patterns in education is defeated if students are provided with excessive help and pre-digested information
“As classrooms across India adapt to evolving learning models, the humble homework assignment is quietly undergoing a transformation – shifting from a dreaded chore to a potential tool for exploration, collaboration, and creativity.” (Gunjan Sharma, ET Education.com)
I came across an article which explained how homework in Indian schools has gradually evolved into a more diverse and learner-friendly practice, reflecting broader changes in education philosophy.
Educators opine that homework, once rooted in rote learning, is now being reshaped by policy shifts, digital tools and new teaching approaches that emphasize creativity, critical thinking and student well-being.
Projects and assignments are an integral part of today’s education scenario. They serve multiple purposes for school students, including reinforcing learning, developing critical thinking and time management skills, and providing a way for teachers to assess student understanding and progress.
Projects and assignments encourage independent research, the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.
Completing an assignment requires students to reflect on their work, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
An assignment is a necessary part of the learning process for students. Assignments not only hold importance for students but also have extreme significance for teachers. It helps them gauge how much students have learnt from their lessons and whether they have achieved the learning goals that teachers have set for them. The modern education system puts a distinct emphasis on students doing their assignments independently.
This approach aligns with pedagogical goals focused on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-discipline, preparing students for lifelong learning and professional environments where independent work and responsibility are essential.
A parent’s role is to create a supportive environment for the child to learn and grow, fostering independence and a sense of responsibility for their own work.
One would expect the parents to guide their children in completing their assignment by discussing it with them, providing a good workspace, and encouraging them to do their work themselves.
However, it is generally observed that parents seek the help of ‘authorities’ on the subject to help complete the projects and assignments given to their children!
The observed behaviour of the parents is contrary to the role expected of them as it would be detrimental to their children’s progress as they learn to navigate the challenges and solutions themselves.
The paradoxical situation highlights a conflict between the desire to support the child and the potential for that support to be counterproductive.
“Education today is no longer about one-size-fits-all teaching. The modern classrooms thrive on diversity - of ideas, talents, and learning styles. The focus of most of the schools today has shifted from teacher-led instruction to student-centred learning, where every child is encouraged to take ownership of their educational journey.”
“When students become active participants in their learning process, they develop not just academic excellence but also emotional resilience, leadership skills, and a lifelong passion for discovery.” (From the website of ‘Ridge Valley School, Gurgaon’)
My educator friend was quite caustic about this ‘trend’ and blamed the parents for ‘stifling’ the creativity of the child for no fault of theirs.
He was strongly of the opinion that there is an urgent need to create awareness on the changing demands of education and children by involving the stakeholders and the civil society.
Of course, as mentioned earlier, the key is to shift towards a learner-centric, flexible, and multidisciplinary system that builds critical thinking and life skills, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
Modern educational trends give the impression that parents become ‘de facto’ students because they are actively involved in their child’s education by learning alongside them, assisting with homework, and staying informed about school activities.
It is thus obvious that children see the parents as natural allies when it comes to ‘entrusting’ their ‘workload’ from school. Children actually thrive when parents act like allies.
But while this ‘association’ is all about bringing out the best in the children, it is usually observed that the children have come to take their parents’ ‘involvement’ in their studies for granted.
In fact, for the parents too, it is a virtual competition with the other fathers and mothers in ensuring that their child outdoes everyone else in the assignment given.
My educator friend narrated an example of a parent rushing to the library of an engineering college in the post-lunch session everyday - just to copy notes for his son who is a student there!
So this ‘formal help’ is just not restricted to students in schools, but even those in professional colleges have come to expect their parents to ‘assist’ them in their educational pursuits.
Moreover, any hesitation on their parents’ part to ‘help’ them is construed as a measure of the parents’ inefficiency. ‘If other parents can, why not my parents!”
With such a line of argument being adopted, it becomes difficult for the parents to counter because the child is using a logical appeal to peer and social comparison, highlighting a perceived disparity in their parents’ support compared to other parents.
On the other hand, such ‘assistance’ from parents in their school or college chores will inadvertently push their wards into a comfort zone from where it would be difficult for them to negotiate the struggles in later life.
The whole purpose of new patterns in education is defeated if the students are provided with excessive help and pre-digested information.
Being spoon-fed all through their academic career hinders their ability to think critically and learn independently. This practice is often seen as a barrier to developing essential skills needed for real-world challenges.
Understanding that education is the cultivation of the child’s mind, a parent should foster independent learning.
