| E&E-STEM |
[
FOLLOW UP FOR THE ARTICLE- NURTURING INNOVATORS- PUBLISHED IN EDGE, DATED
MARCH 19TH]
STEM- a concept that
has taken up the educational field by a storm. The need for Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics are undoubtedly essential. It enhances the
capacity to empirically think beyond the ordinary. At the same time, this
alone is not enough to make education enriching. STEM should be coupled with
E&E- Emotional Intelligence and Ethics, for the educational experience to
be a wholesome one.
In several cases,
especially of the recent past, the growth of science and technology is not in
congruence with the development of ethics and mental resilience to failure.
The integration of
STEM in the Indian educational system might give the students an upper hand
in terms of innovation and creativity, but then comes the question of why we
have IIT students committing suicide for not getting selected in campus
placement? Why did we have Anita
taking such a drastic decision, for not getting medical admission? Why do
many officers holding higher positions choose the same fate? What is missing
here, or what is not being taught?
As students evolve and
advance, the ability to face adversity with great mettle and grit is
essential for them to sustain in whichever field they choose. |
As students evolve and
advance, the ability to face adversity with great mettle and grit is
essential for them to sustain in whichever field they choose.
These cannot be taught
systematically, but much like the concept of STEM, the development of these
qualities can be a hands-on effort that may not come under the purview of the
school syllabus.
Academic skills and
knowledge can be imparted even through Smart classroom technology, but skills
like emotional intelligence can be practiced only through human
interaction.This is where teachers have to play a major role.This kind of
learning has to happen parenthetically. For this to happen, teachers have to
be good listeners, observers, possess empathy, and moreover realise that they
have more to offer to the students than merely the completion of syllabus.
Accepting failure is a major skill and overcoming them with determination
beyond parental or societal pressure is the battle half won. |
On the other hand,Ethicsneeds
to be imparted at a very young age. The recent happenings, be it in sports,
finance, education, politics, or any other sector, it is evident that
enhancement of technical skills alone is not sufficient to be innovative.
Students have to be introduced to the concept of innovation in line with
ethics. For example, they may acquire
the skills needed to start a new project or develop resources through STEM,
but if it is at the cost of the livelihood of the inhabitants of the area,
the ethical clash takes place.
These type of
scenarios, in the form of case studies, models, debates, roleplay, etc., can
be used to set the students thinking and questioning, instead of imparting
these values in the form of moral stories in Value Education classes. Career
related ethics is must at the school and college level. It again has to be
made mandatory and incorporated into curriculum.
Time and time again,
the students are on a rat race to equip themselves for the examinations,
which will lead to higher education that may secure a high earning job or
help start off on their own. STEM puts them a class apart in terms of their
intellectual ability, but the inculcation of ethics and emotional
intelligence serves as the essential root to the stem.
By
Mrs. Jayanthi Ramesh
Corporate trainer & Teacher trainer |
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