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Writer's pictureFR. ARUN MINJ, S.J.

New Ways for Old Ideas: Rethinking Education Today

The phrase "New Cover, Same Story" perfectly encapsulates the dilemma faced by current education systems. Although our schools have embraced new technologies, updated curricula, and modern methodologies, many classrooms still echo the same old practices under a new guise. True transformation in education isn’t about replacing chalkboards with smart boards or textbooks with tablets; it’s about changing the essence of how we approach teaching and learning. The essence of education should not be confined to rote learning and standardised assessments. Instead, it must evolve to embrace creativity, critical thinking, and personalised engagement.


If asked whether I ever went to school, my candid response would be, "No, I was sent to school." This statement reflects the experience of many students today who feel like passive participants in a rigid system. Classrooms are often dominated by a handful of outspoken students, while the rest remain disengaged, their potential untapped. The question is, are these silent students failing, or are we, as educators, failing them?


Often, we fall into the trap of judging students through the lens of our past experiences and biases. When faced with difficulties, our frustrations rise because we focus on what the students cannot do rather than nurturing what they can and could become. This is where the "old mindset," our outdated perceptions and methodologies, take centre stage. We resort to labelling and ranking, failing to see that the child’s struggle is not a reflection of their inability, but a reflection of our inadequacy to connect, inspire, and nurture them effectively. It is not the student who fails, but the teacher. It is an indication that our methods, planning, and strategies have failed. Any test or assignment that a student undertakes is, in essence, a test of our own teaching abilities. 


We need to stop treating education as a one-size-fits-all process and start thinking about how we can adapt our approaches to suit the diverse needs of our students. Hence, if a student is underperforming, it signals a need for the teacher to revisit and refine their teaching strategy. Why do we feel frustrated or lose patience? The answer lies in our teaching methodologies, which are more focused on outcomes rather than on the process of learning itself. Truly effective teachers will question their approach and seek to understand how to adapt their strategy to meet the diverse needs of their students.


To cultivate an atmosphere of genuine learning, the role of teachers must shift from that of a mere knowledge-giver to a facilitator of thought and creativity. This transformation requires a change in mindset and a break away from the comfort zones established over years. Our biggest flaw as educators is staying within our comfort zones. As teachers, it’s easy to fall back on ready-made notes, lesson plans, familiar routines, monotonous lectures and pre-scripted jokes, delivering the same content in the same way, year after year. Real learning happens when teachers themselves remain curious and open-minded, ready to innovate and engage in collaborative learning with their students. Learning is not a product to be delivered; it’s an experience to be shared. It is not about “teaching” a subject but creating a shared experience of discovery and joy. The emphasis should be on creativity and critical thinking. Assessments should not just measure rote memorisation but foster a child’s curiosity and imagination. Formative assessment, which involves supporting a child throughout their learning journey, is more crucial now than ever.


True learning is not something that can be imposed; it happens naturally, just like love "प्यार किया नहीं जाता, हो जाता है," (Love isn’t done; it happens).  It cannot be forced-fed but is cultivated through an environment of encouragement, empathy, and meaningful interactions. The real challenge is to reinvent ourselves, to engage students not as passive recipients, but as active participants. Habits may be hard to change, but if we want to nurture the next generation of creative, critical thinkers, we must break free from old routines.

We focus more on grading assignments than correcting misunderstandings. Teachers need to move beyond merely “teaching” a subject to fostering a sense of wonder, exploration, excitement and joy in learning. To truly educate, we must be willing to step outside our comfort zones and challenge both ourselves and our students.


The language or the words we use in the classrooms as educators matter greatly. It can either uplift or wound.  Many of us can recall hurtful remarks or harsh words from our school days more vividly than the lessons taught in class. Why? Because those words struck an emotional chord and became part of our experience. These negative experiences shape our perception of learning and can create deep emotional scars. Similarly, harsh or negative comments from teachers can deeply impact a child’s self-esteem.


If we want to foster a positive and optimistic learning environment, we must abandon these outdated habits and strive to use language that builds up, not tears down, replacing criticism with encouragement, and rigidity with flexibility. To create such an environment, we need to establish spaces where students feel free to explore, fail, and grow from their experiences. This requires a collaborative atmosphere where ideas flow freely, and creativity is celebrated. It is not merely about reforming the curriculum but about transforming our entire approach to teaching and learning. We must let go of our preconceived notions and become co-learners in the classroom.


Thus, the true meaning of "New Cover, Same Story" in education is not just about repackaging old ideas in shiny new modern formats, but about rethinking and reshaping our teaching philosophy to truly connect, inspire, and empower. Let’s break free from our comfort zones, abandon outdated methods, and embrace the joy of learning together with our students. It is time for us to let go of the "old  mindset" and instead brew something entirely fresh and new—something that resonates with the realities and aspirations of today’s youth where neither the student nor the teacher fails, but create an environment where both thrive and grow. Such an environment requires creativity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the belief that every child has the potential to succeed if given the right tools and opportunities.



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