Education can be defined as the process of receiving systematic instruction, especially at a school whereas Learning on the other hand refers to an intellectual process of acquiring new skills and knowledge. In a way, we can say that education is a part of the learning process.

We have started viewing education as a transactional investment rather than a gateway to learning and building important life skills. We need to focus on building more efficient skill sets rather than mugging concepts with no practical understanding. More focus needs to be laid upon the impetus of curiosity and creativity

The first dimension to look into is academics. Although we do a lot of work when it comes to academics, we are pressurizing the students to score marks in the academic exams irrespective of whether they understood the material or not. The student might even succeed in doing so, but these things catch up in the long run. Although grades and results are vital, basing the entire educational system on them would be disastrous. In the future, it would lead to student dissatisfaction and unhappiness. There is less possibility of failure and disappointment if a child is allowed to study at their own pace and in accordance with their individuality.

Next, let us consider the non-academics aspect — which involves skill sets such as ICT, Financial, Problem Solving, Verbal, Reasoning, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and preparing children for their careers. Grooming the kids from an early age for future careers has many advantages. Firstly, it allows children who have a specific career goal in mind, such as becoming a musician, to have ample time to develop the necessary skills and confidence to pursue their dreams. Secondly, if students are motivated to achieve their career goals, they will also work towards achieving their academic goals. Finally, starting early gives students plenty of time to discover their true passion and find their element, leading to a fulfilling and happy life

Finally, let us talk about creativity and curiosity - the aspects that have suffered the most due to the current education scenario. According to Sir Ken Robinson — the speaker of the most viewed Ted talk in the world —“We are educating people out of their creative capacities. I believe this passionately, that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out of it.” With the help of activities and projects, we have to make sure that the kids are getting ample opportunities to showcase and develop their creative side. In the similar way, as we grow older, our level of curiosity tends to decrease gradually. As humans, asking questions and remaining curious are essential for happiness. And we must make sure that we are preserving this quality in the kids by encouraging and rewarding them.

At Flecha, we believe that the role of educators has transformed a lot in the last decade. In the modern era, we need to take the role of a mentor and develop a long-term relationship with all our students. The quality of content available online for free, and platforms like YouTube with so many talented content creators, have revolutionized the whole idea of learning.

For example as a mathematics instructor, I can teach my students in the best possible way I know of. But there can be so many educators who are much better at creating and delivering the same content. As educators, we need to help students benefit from the unprecedented learning revolution that has happened in the last decade.

We need to understand that learning is more about what happens inside their minds and less about what happens outside. So rather than just focusing on creating content with amazing animations, narration, etc., we must also focus on supporting the students and figuring out the learning methodology that suits them the best. We must encourage them in their failures, keep them grounded in their success so that they can achieve their dreams, and become confident, empathetic, social, financially independent, and happy.

The simple fact is if the students are motivated and know how to approach things in the right way, they have more than enough resources available for free that can help them in achieving their short-term and long-term goals. We need to participate in different aspects of students’ lives, be it music, movies, sports, culture, environment, social media, and personal issues that they are facing.

Once we start understanding students from different perspectives, only then will we be able to motivate them and help them realize their full potential. And I firmly believe that each student is unique and has lots of talents. These talents are like natural resources buried deep underground and only come out under the right conditions. It is the role of educators to create these conditions and also preserve and nurture these talents.