Identity of International Schools

Recentlya report in the newspapers about Indian students finishing second last in the "Programme for International Student Assessment", where 73 nations participated, raised numerous questions on the Indian educational system. Highly flawed and obsolete pedagogy is the primary reason why our childrencannot compete with their global counterparts. We need some path breaking transformations in the educational structure to make it more contemporary and useful for the students.International schools in Indiaare emerging as forerunner which has brought some changes in the approach and outlook in the Indian scholastic community.

Indian educational system is basically "exam oriented"; the actual motive of the pupils (even of the parents and teachers) is to get "good marks". They are not interested in learning new things or explore some offbeat topics (It seems that the real purpose of receiving education – move from darkness to light "tamasomaajyotir-ga-maya" has taken a back seat). Today, many schools, direct their resources and energy to help the students to get "good marks" and not imparting or looking at different methods to give true knowledge. However, International school program is not an exam oriented system; therefore, it aims to provide knowledge, which would lead to a holistic development of the child.

Innovation is one thing that lacks in the pedagogy of a majority of Indian schools; most of them still follow obsolete methods and curriculum, which has no relevance in the current scenario. There is no room for any new or original thoughts to flow in; it in a way kills the creativity of the students. Thus, makes a child handicap (emotionally and mentally dependent). This is certainly not the situation in International schools in India, a large number of them have adopted the latest teaching methodology, which does not confine the students within the walls of a text book.
International school programs do not kill the creative streak of the students as it never over burdens them with unnecessary pressure of getting good marks. Contrary to the normal situation in an average Indian school, the teacher does not discourage the students to ask questions.
International schools in India believe in the doctrine of "Free thinking". The students are allowed to develop their own thought process, ask questions and satisfy their curiosity. The teachers always see that they give maximum encouragement to the children to explore a new subject and not just accept what is taught by the text books.
The reason why students in our country lag behind when they have to compete at a large arena is due to the lack of the "competitive edge". As many educational institutes in the country are following "exam oriented pedagogy", they hardly concentrate on developing the analytical skills in a child. However, pedagogy in the International schools in India helps the student to develop an analytical mind, which could see beyond the normal human mind.
Learning in not only about class rooms and text books; it also involves certain life skills and values like honesty, compassion, confidence, smartness, etc. International school program blends various aspects and thus provides a comprehensive training to the students, who not only gain academic knowledge, but also a cutting edge with their skills in other activities.