New Delhi, 6th September 2024: In an exclusive interview, Prof. Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, a distinguished Management Guru and Author, and the newly appointed Director General of IILM Institute of Higher Studies, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of education in India. With over 47 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Chaturvedi spoke candidly about the role of artificial intelligence, the rise of the coaching culture, and the challenges posed by centralized entrance tests.
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Dr. Chaturvedi began by emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education over the next decade. Comparing AI to revolutionary technologies like electricity and the internet, he noted that AI is set to dramatically alter the teaching profession and education systems worldwide. “Teachers and students alike will need to adapt to AI, which will become integral to the learning environment,” he stated. However, he also cautioned that the successful integration of AI depends on how quickly and effectively schools and universities can digitize their systems.
While acknowledging AI’s benefits, Dr. Chaturvedi warned against its potential misuse. He stressed the need for robust guidelines and controls to prevent AI from being exploited by students and educators. “Society, educational institutions, and the government must work together to regulate AI usage to ensure it enhances rather than harms the educational experience,” he added.
The Coaching Culture: A Double-Edged Sword
On the subject of India’s burgeoning coaching industry, Dr. Chaturvedi expressed deep concerns. He pointed out that while coaching centers have proliferated across the country, their impact on students’ overall development has been detrimental. “The rise of coaching institutes has led to students becoming isolated from their schools, peers, and even their families,” he lamented.
Dr. Chaturvedi criticized the coaching culture for prioritizing intense preparation for entrance exams over holistic education. He highlighted the negative consequences, including increased stress, mental health issues, and even suicides among students unable to cope with the pressure. “There is an urgent need for regulatory oversight of the coaching industry to protect students and ensure their healthy growth,” he urged.
Centralized Entrance Tests: A Need for Reevaluation
When asked about the effectiveness of centralized entrance tests, especially in light of recent paper leaks, Dr. Chaturvedi expressed skepticism. He acknowledged that while technology has enabled the organization of large-scale exams, the risks of cheating and paper leaks remain significant. “The current system is vulnerable to manipulation, and there have been numerous instances of exam papers being leaked, leading to widespread corruption,” he noted.
Dr. Chaturvedi advocated for exploring alternative methods of assessment that leverage technology to minimize the risks of paper leaks. He suggested that AI could be employed to create unique question papers for each student, thus reducing the chances of cheating. “We must rethink our approach to entrance exams to ensure they truly measure students’ abilities and talents,” he emphasized.
Skill Development: A Mixed Success
Dr. Chaturvedi also discussed the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on skill development in education. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to introduce skill-based education at various levels, he pointed out that much work remains to be done. “Simply adding skill courses to the curriculum is not enough. We need modern facilities, trained instructors, and a practical approach to make skill education effective,” he said.
He also highlighted the societal stigma associated with certain vocational skills, which hampers their adoption. “We need to change the mindset of parents and students to value skill-based education, especially in rural areas where it can provide much-needed employment opportunities,” he added.
Attracting Talent to the Teaching Profession
Finally, Dr. Chaturvedi shared his thoughts on improving the teaching profession in India. He outlined four key areas that need attention: transparent and merit-based recruitment of teachers, the reinvention of B.Ed. courses, competitive compensation, and improved working conditions. “Teachers must be given the respect, resources, and opportunities for professional development they deserve,” he concluded.
Dr. Chaturvedi’s insights underscore the complex challenges facing India’s education system. His call for innovation, regulation, and a holistic approach to education serves as a timely reminder of the work needed to ensure that the teaching profession and education as a whole remain relevant and effective in the years to come.
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