TECHNICAL EDUCATION

                             TECHNICAL EDUCATION

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Technical Education - A Historical Perspective

Engineering and Technological Education -

The impulse for creation of centres of technical training came from the British rulers of India and it arose out of the necessity for the training of overseers for construction and maintenance of public buildings, roads, canals and ports and for the training of artisans and craftsmen for the use of instruments and apparatus needed for the army, the navy and the survey department. The superintending engineers were mostly recruited from Britain from the Cooper's Hill College and this applied as well to foremen and artificers; but this could not be done in the case of lower grades- craftsmen, artisans and sub-overseers who were recruited locally. As they were mostly illiterate, efficiency was low. The necessity to make them more efficient by giving them elementary lessons in reading, writing, arithmetic, geometry and mechanics, led to the establishment of industrial schools attached to Ordnance Factories and other engineering establishments.

While it is stated that such schools existed in Calcutta and Bombay as early as 1825, the first authentic account we have is that of an industrial school established at Guindy, Madras, in 1842, attached to the Gun Carriage Factory there. A school for the training of overseers was known to exist in Poona in 1854.

Meanwhile in Europe and America, Colleges of Engineering were growing up, which drew to their men having good education and special proficiency in mathematical subjects. This led to discussions in Government circles in India and similar institutions were sought to be established in the Presidency Towns.

The first engineering college was established in the Uttar Pradesh in 1847 for the training of Civil Engineers at Roorkee, which made use of the large workshops and public buildings there that were erected for the Upper Ganges Canal. The Roorkee College (or to give it its official name, the Thomason Engineering College) was never affiliated to any university but gave diplomas considered to be equivalent to degrees. In pursuance of the Government policy, three Engineering Colleges were opened by about 1856 in the three Presidencies. In Bengal, a College called the Calcutta College of Civil Engineering was opened at the Writers' Buildings in November 1856; the name was changed to Bengal Engineering College in 1857, and it was affiliated to the Calcutta University. It gave a licentiate course in Civil Engineering. In 1865 it was amalgamated with the Presidency College. Later, in 1880, it was detached from the Presidency College and shifted to its present quarters at Sibpur, occupying the premises and buildings belonging to the Bishop's College.

Proposals for having an Engineering College at Bombay city having failed for some reasons, the overseers' school at Poona eventually became the Poona College of Engineering and affiliated to the Bombay University in 1858. For a long time, this was the only College of Engineering in the Western Presidency.

In the Madras Presidency, the industrial school attached to the Gun Carriage Factory became ultimately the Guindy College of Engineering and affiliated to the Madras University (1858).

The educational work in the three Colleges of Sibpur, Poona and Guindy has been more or less similar. They all had licentiate courses in civil engineering up to 1880, when they organised degree classes in this branch alone. After 1880, the demand for mechanical and electrical engineering was felt, but the three Engineering Colleges started only apprenticeship classes in these subjects. The Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, which was started at Bombay in 1887, had as its objective the training of licentiates in Electrical, Mechanical and Textile Engineering. In 1915, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, opened Electrical Engineering classes under Dr. Alfred Hay and began to give certificates and associateships, the latter being regarded equivalent to a degree.

In Bengal, the leaders of the Swadeshi Movement organised in 1907 a National Council of Education which tried to organise a truly National University. Out of the many institutions it started, only the College of Engineering and Technology at Jadavpur had survived. It started granting diplomas in mechanical and engineering course in 1908 and in chemical engineering in 1921.

The Calcutta University Commission debated the pros and cons of the introduction of degree courses in mechanical and electrical engineering. One of the reasons cited from the recommendations of the Indian Industrial Commission (1915), under the Chairmanship of Sir Thomas (Holland) against the introduction of electrical engineering courses, is given in the following quotation from their report: "We have not specifically referred to the training of electrical engineers, because electrical manufactures have not yet been started in India, and there is only scope for the employment of men to do simple repair work, to take charge of the running of electrical machinery, and to manage and control hydroelectric and steam-operated stations. The men required for these three classes of work will be provided by the foregoing proposals for the training of the various grades required in mechanical engineering. They will have to acquire in addition, special experience in electrical matters, but, till this branch of engineering is developed on the constructional site, and the manufacture of electrical machinery taken in hand, the managers of electrical undertakings must train their own men, making such use as they can of the special facilities offered for instruction at the engineering colleges and the Indian Institute of Science."

The credit of first starting degree classes in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and metallurgy goes to the University of Banaras, thanks to the foresight of its great founder, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya (1917).

About fifteen years later, in 1931-32, the Bengal Engineering College at Sibpur started mechanical and electrical engineering courses in 1935-36 and courses in metallurgy in 1939-40. Courses in these subjects were also introduced at Guindy and Poona about the same time.

Engineering Education in India –

Short & Medium Term Perspectives

It suggests that the world is in its third wave of globalization. The book recommends a perceptual shift required for countries, companies, and individuals to remain competitive in a global market in which historical and geographic divisions have become increasingly irrelevant. To this effect, globalization has made both developed and developing countries think about the effective and efficient strategies that can advance their economies and societies2 .On the other hand, recent technological developments, especially the increasing computing powers and the declining costs of computing and storage along with commercial internet and communication technologies, have deconstructed several value,chains and opened a new era of information/ knowledge economy. Given that technology and globalization are radically accelerating the pace of change and raising the long-term risks, it is clear that success in knowledge-based economies depends largely on then capabilities of the people.This implies that higher education, in general, and technical education, in particular, is responsible for preparing the next generation of business leaders, government executives,and educators. Engineering education, in particular, plays a central role in knowledgedriven societies.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was set up in 1945 as an advisory body and later on in 1987 given the statutory status by an Act of Parliament. The AICTE grants approval for starting new technical institutions, for introduction of new courses and for variation in intake capacity in technical institutions. The AICTE has delegated to the concerned state governments powers to process and grant approval of new institutions, starting new courses and variations in the intake capacity for diploma level technical institutions. It also lays down norms and standards for such institutions. It also ensures quality development of technical education through accreditation of technical institutions or programmes. In additional to its regulatory role, the AICTE also has a promotional role which it implements through schemes for promoting technical education for women, handicapped and weaker section of the society promoting innovations, faculty, research and development, giving grants to technical institutions.

The technical institutions under the AICTE include post-graduate, under-graduate and diploma in the whole spectrum of technical education covering engineering/technology, pharmacy, architecture, hotel management and catering technology, management studies computer applications and applied arts and crafts.

The AICTE has its headquarters in New Delhi and seven regional offices located at Kolkata, Chennai, Kanpur, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bhopal and Bangalore. A new regional office at Hyderabad has been set up and is to be operational soon.

EMPLOYABILITY OF ENGINEERING GRADUATES

Engineering education has been transforming significantly in India in the past two decades, initially witnessing a meteoric rise in the supply of engineering graduates and recently a decline in the approved capacity. This period also saw a progressively widening gap between the industry requirements and the capability of engineering graduates, indicating an increasing gap between industry and academia and the siloed functioning of these two important stakeholders.

According to 2016 National Employability Report for Engineers by Aspiring Minds, which releases periodic reports based on an auditory mechanism for higher education.

There is no significant improvement in the employability of engineering graduates in the preceding four years of the report. The report based its findings on the survey of more than 150,000 engineering students (graduated in 2015) from 650+ engineering college across multiple Indian states. The analysis and findings are based on the results of these students on AMCAT: Aspiring Minds Computer Adaptive Test, an employability test (conducted in proctored and credible environment) that covers objective parameters such as English communication, quantitative aptitude, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of domain areas.

Training is being provided every year to teaching and non-teaching staff working in Diploma Level Polytechnic Institutions of the state regarding the development and latest technology in the field of technology, industry and management. Training is being provided to staff by the Staff Training Cell of Institutions through lectures of subject experts of Higher Technical Institutions every year. Besides this, training programme are also organized by the institutions on technical education, computer knowledge and communication skills. Training programmes are also organized at higher education institutions and specialized industries along with the institution level.

Our other associated Higher Training Institutions(U.P) are:-

1   1.       IIT, Kanpur and Roorkee
2.       HBTU, Kanpur
3.       Advance Training Institute, Lucknow
4.       Electricity Training Institute, Lucknow
5.       Central Leather Research Institute, Kanpur
6.       Institute of Financial Management Training and Research, Lucknow
7.       National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh
8.       Footwear Design and Development Institute, Noida
9.       Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Jhansi
10.  National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology
11.  Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. Kanpur
12.  Non-Conventional Energy Development Agency, Lucknow
13.  Prasar Bharti (Akashvani and Doordarshan, New Delhi)
14.  Hindalco, Renusagar, Mirzapur

From 2017-18 session onwards, except four courses semester examination system is being implemented simultaneously in first, second and last year.
1.        Answer books are being evaluated through Digital evaluation.
2.   Special attention is being given on Personality Development, English Speaking and Communication Skill Development and Computer Education.
3.      Websites were developed for each Institution.
4.       Job Fair was organised on 29 and 30 June, 2017 in Gorakhpur, in which total 868 students from various Polytechnic Institutions of Gorakhpur district participated. Out of these students, 241 students are recruited in various companies.
5.       Online arrangement of Examination Application, Issuance of Scan Marksheets, Online availability of Admit card and issuance of online verification card is being done by the Board of Technical Education.
6.       Review meeting is being organised every month at government/directorate level so that the construction works can be executed in a qualitative way.
7.   To increase the participation of women and to fill the gender gap, construction of women hostels for female students, and 20 percent Reservation is being provided to all female candidates during entrance.
8. Online Application system is being implemented for admissions in Joint Entrance Examination Council.
9.    Students are benefitted by broadcasting of live lectures in institutes through E.M.R.C centres established in Government Polytechnic, Ghaziabad and I.R.D.T and also available on departmental Website for use of students under Virtual Class.
10.  To promote technical education and to provide technical education-training to maximum people, 07 new Polytechnics have been established.
11.  To encourage participation of women, “Saksham Balika-Sampann Parivar Yojna” has been implemented.

Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) - Introduction

Ministry of Education, Govt. of India has established an ‘Innovation cell’ with the purpose of systematically fostering the culture of Innovation in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country in 2018. Since then the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) has taken multiple policy and program initiatives to systemically establish the world’s biggest open innovation model at global stage.

MIC has brought the Tectonic shift in Innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem of our Higher Educational Institutions and School Education through outcome and output-oriented policy and program efforts. The Innovation Cell works on its four pillars of excellence i.e. Policy Intervention; Handholding of HEIs and schools, Faculty & Students; Impact Assessment; and Facilitating National & International platforms for Indian and global students. Website- https://mic.gov.in

CULTURAL EDUCATION

 

Cultural Education

Awareness and scope of Cultural Education:-

1.Diversity and Multiculturalism in the Classroom 

There are several ways teachers and administrators, such as principals and coaches, can ensure that both the classroom environment and curriculum are responsive to the increasing cultural diversity of our society. These strategies will encourage all students’ cultural awareness, enhancing each student’s sense of identity, and foster inclusion in the classroom community.

2.Get to Know Your Students

Ensuring that cultural awareness is promoted in the classroom starts with the teacher understanding each individual student. Take the time to learn about each student’s cultural background, hobbies, learning styles, and what makes them unique. Demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about each student and their culture will help establish trust and allow you to form a bond with them so they feel valued. If students feel appreciated by and comfortable with the teacher, there’s a better chance they’ll feel comfortable talking with and respect their peers in the class – and communication is the core to a culturally aware and inclusive classroom.

3.Maintain Consistent Communication

Aside from getting to know your students, teachers should also continue to maintain ongoing communication throughout the semester or school year. Scheduling 1-on-1 meetings with students to “check in” every so often will allow you to consistently improve how accessible the classroom is to everyone. Students can talk about whether they felt included in the classroom culture. This can help identify issues or ways to improve the overall experience. It’s also an opportunity to discuss their progress in the class and offer guidance on how they can improve, based on their individual needs as a student.

4.Acknowledge and Respect Every Student

It’s also important for students to celebrate and respect their own diverse backgrounds, as well as each other’s. When appropriate, teachers should encourage students to research and learn about their own ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This allows them to better understand their own culture as well as the differences and nuances with their peers. As a bonus, this can be a great ice breaker assignment, allowing students to give presentations about their family traditions and culture to help expose the class to concepts outside of their own familiar comfort zone. Acknowledging these differences and creating a safe space for discussion helps promote understanding in the classroom and beyond. Also, as you encourage students to learn about their diverse backgrounds, remember to take the time to highlight what’s offensive and the distinction between cultural celebration and appropriation. Learning how to talk about other cultures in a respectful, mature way is essential for success in life outside the classroom.

5.Practice Cultural Sensitivity

While it’s important to keep an open dialogue amongst students, it’s equally as important to make sure you’re being sensitive to everyone’s culture, beliefs, and language concerns. Take the time to understand each student’s cultural nuances – from learning styles to the language they use – and use these insights to design your lesson plans. For example, provide English language learners with appropriate and relevant resources that help them improve their English comprehension skills. Rather than teach with a traditional lecture style, create learning experiences that are more interactive and require collaboration. These considerations will help ensure that every student feels included, is given the space to learn in their own way and is given a chance to succeed.

6.Incorporate Diversity in the Lesson Plan

The classroom environment is important for fostering cultural awareness, but you also should ensure diversity is represented in your actual lesson plan. For example, broaden history lessons so that they encompass the world beyond United States history and culture. Or, use references and analogies to other cultures in your lessons and assignments to help students with diverse backgrounds personally connect. Another great strategy is bringing in diverse speakers to add varying points of view and real-life context to different subjects. There are several ways you can ingrain cultural awareness and diversity into your lesson plan, and it will vary depending on the cultures represented in your classroom and the course you’re teaching. Regardless of the subject, always try to present and connect lessons to real-world issues. It’s easier to promote cultural awareness within your lessons when there’s a real example for students to relate to.

7.Give Students Freedom and Flexibility

Teachers often feel like they need to take on a strict, authoritative approach when it comes to managing their classroom. The most valuable lessons are often learned through a student’s own experiences, so giving them some freedom in the course encourages more connection to the curriculum. Allow students to read and present their own materials that relate to the fundamental lesson so they can approach the topic from their own perspective. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and encourage conversation and healthy debate between diverse opinions. Group assignments are also a great way to expose students to diverse perspectives, allowing them to work together to explore and solve a problem. This will also help prepare them for a diverse workforce where they’ll have to partner with a range of people to accomplish their professional goals.

Importance of Culture-Based Education

Culture is basically the customs, beliefs and the way of living shared by a particular society/community/country. It refers to the values and norms shared by a specific group of people.

Culture influences how we see the world, how we see the community that we live in, and how we communicate with each other. Being a part of a culture influences our learning, remembering, talking and behaving. Therefore culture determines to a great extent the learning and teaching styles also.

How is culture important for the chil

 1. Culture teaches values, beliefs and traditions.

 2. It influences the social interaction with parents, siblings, peers and teachers.

 3. It influences their language and communication.

Culture-based education is an approach in which teaching and learning happen based on the values, norms, beliefs and practices that are the foundation of any culture. Harvard Professor Jerome Bruner notes “Culture shapes mind, it provides us with the tool kit by which we construct not only our world but our very construction of ourselves and our powers”.

This is why culture-based education gains importance.

In education, students with diverse backgrounds and cultures are often marginalised because they are exposed to a curriculum with one predominant cultural bias. It does not cater to the culture that they are familiar with and are a part of. This is why it is important to create a curriculum that incorporates diverse perspectives. The teaching and learning process must respond to physical, social and cultural preferences of the children.

Teachers are the most important aspects of culture-based learning as they should work towards motivating students to achieve not only academically, but also socially, culturally, psychologically and spiritually. The influences of cultural environment are necessary for the educators because of its role in learning. They need to find mechanisms to incorporate cultures and languages in their teaching practises.

Culturally-responsive educators should recognise the full potential of each student irrespective of their cultural background and provide the challenges necessary for them to achieve their full potential. They must be aware of their students’ primary languages, background, and culture to construct a curriculum that will be relevant to their students’ lives. They need to modify their curriculum to include their students’ different cultural backgrounds to create a more positive and productive school experience for them. Building upon students’ culture and heritage not only benefits students’ academic progress but also empowers them as individuals. Teachers need to engage their students in team-building activities in the class rooms where students can learn about each other’s different cultures and learn to respect them too. Children are able to reflect upon not only their culture but culture in general.

A culturally responsive class room is one where the students feel respected and safe to learn and participate. It is a place where they develop a sense of pride and self-esteem. When they view their cultures being promoted at school they feel included in their school community empowering them and creating a sense of pride for their cultural heritage. Students here perform better academically and also grow up to be more independent and active citizens when they learn in an environment where their language and culture are valued.

Now that nearly all universities across the world have international students, educators are now becoming increasingly aware of how different cultural backgrounds of the students affect their learning and hence the urgent need for culture-based learning is now felt more than ever.

Benefits of cultural education

1- People will have a better idea of the world

Our world is made up of a lot of interesting and unique people and cultures. More cultures our students observe, the more open they are to people and cultures that are different from them. Getting familiar with more and more cultures will automatically add in their knowledge and understanding about them.

2-Value and respect for other cultures, as well as our own

Not only is it important to know about other cultures, but also to value and respect them. First, look at your own culture. This is one way to get a better sense of how other people live. Many of us don’t even think about the fact that our traditions and perceptions might be weird to someone else. If you assume of your own way of life as the norm and everyone else’s as a weird alteration, it’s hard to treat them with respect.

3.Reducing stereotypes:

The more the students will learn about cultures and races, the less probably they are to make classes of individuals in schools based on stereotypes. Because they will get to know that the truth for one person may not be the truth for another.

4.Encourages effective communication:

Language isn’t the only thing that makes communication work. Culture can have an effect on a lot of different things. Culture can show how people speak, including how quickly they speak, how they use figurative language, and more. It can also have an effect on body language and how people move their hands and arms. The students will acquire different languages from different cultures and will be capable of communicating with each other effectively.

5.Increases chances of meeting new and interesting people:

The students will have more chances to meet new and exciting people if they participate in different ceremonies, visit people from different cultures, and try new things. This will make room for even more new friends from different cultures to join their group of friends. In this way, the chances of progress in the future will be increased.

6.New experiences

Stories, traditions, and new foods can all be new experiences. New art techniques or musical instruments they’ve never seen before are great things for people to see. The more you teach kids about different cultures, the more they will be able to see and learn about the world.

Cultural Value and its Vital Role

Students in a culturally relevant classroom feel supported and safe to learn and actively engage. It is a place where they can grow in confidence and self-esteem. When they see their traditions being encouraged at school, they feel included in their school environment, which empowers them and makes them proud of their cultural roots. When students learn in an environment that values their cultural identity, they do better in school and grow up to be more independent and lively individuals.

With nearly all universities around the world now having international students, teachers are becoming more conscious of how different cultural backgrounds of students influence their studies, and thus the urgent need for culture-based learning is felt more than ever.

Culture plays a vital role in every individual’s life. It brings together numerous elements to create a unique way of living for different people. Some of the major elements that exist in every culture and many change with time as the society progresses are symbols, language, values, and religion. The first element is variety of symbols. A symbolis used to stand for something. People who share a same culture attach a specific denotation to an object, gesture, sound, or image. For instance, Christians use a cross as a significant symbol to the religion. It is not just two pieces of wood attached to each other, nor is it just an old object of torture and execution. To Christians, it represents the basis of their whole religion, and they have great respect for the symbol.

The second factor in every culture is a language. Language is a structure of words and symbols used to communicate with other community. Beside English, Spanish, French there are other unique languages which belong to certain groups of people. Those are slang, common phrases and body language. For example, English is most common and fluent spoken language in America and Britain, however, we see and hear slangs and phrases that mean different things; American cookies are British biscuits; American French fries are British chips, and so on.

 A system of value is a culture which is defined for standard what is good or pleasant. There is a share system of values which is used by member of the cultures to evaluate what is right and what is wrong. In West, people are individualistic, they strongly believe in competition and emphasize on individual achievement. According to the culture whoever gets promotion is appreciated for his/her hard work and talent. However, in East the collectivist values of culture are in oppose to the West. In East there is a strong believe on welcoming the collaboration and an individual’s achievement is only as good as his/her contribution to the group.

Multicultural Education Important to Students

It is important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term. Teaching diversity exposes students to various cultural and social groups, preparing students to become better citizens in their communities. These culturally responsive teaching strategies will help you to promote diversity in the classroom.

With these culturally responsive teaching strategies in mind, it’s important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is so crucial in the classroom and the benefits it can have on students now and in the long-term.

1.Students Become More Empathetic

Promoting awareness and creating a personal connection with diverse cultures in the classroom can prevent students from developing prejudices later in life. It allows them to empathize with people different from themselves since they’re more aware of the experiences someone of a different race or cultural group may face.

2.Students Gain a Better Understanding of Lessons and People

When working and learning with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures present in the classroom, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It also teaches students how to use their own strengths and points of view to contribute in a diverse working environment.

3.Students Become More Open-Minded

Naturally, by exposing students to a diverse range of opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds, you’re encouraging them to be more open-minded later in life. This will make them open to new ideas and be able to attain a greater comprehension on a topic by taking in different points of view.

4.Students Feel More Confident and Safe

Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.

5.Students Are Better Prepared for a Diverse Workplace

With the rise of globalization, it’s more important to be able to work with people from different cultures and social groups. If students are exposed to diversity and learn cultural awareness in the classroom, it sets them up to flourish in the workforce.

Influence of Culture on Education

In a society characterized by globalized culture, education has undergone some changes. They include the increased cultural diversity in the educational system. The globalization of education as a system has raised the number of international students in higher education institutions. At schools, diverse classrooms pose new challenges associated with language use, different learning styles, attitudes toward education, and student-teacher relationships. This results in the increased responsibility of educators and policymakers at different levels to ensure that students can participate in the ever-changing community. As a consequence, it is needed to expand the knowledge of the role of culture in the classroom.

Due to the interplay between culture and education, the latter inevitably influences society. The expansion of knowledge utilizing diverse perspectives brought from different cultures can increase the efficiency of society, allowing it to tackle problems from a logical perspective. When there are large portions of the population that are highly educated and skilled, society can see an influx of new job opportunities, with people putting their shares in uplifting the economy. With a stable economy comes more investment in healthcare, cultural life, social issues, education, research and development, and other areas of social life.

Culture is vital in education because it influences how people see the world, the communities that surround them, and how they communicate with each other. Being a part of a culture impacts people’s processes of learning, retaining relevant information, behaving, and communicating. Therefore, culture will inevitably determine to a significant degree the learning and teaching styles within educational systems. Besides, in the context of increased diversity in education, culture influences the teaching of values, beliefs, and traditions inherent to different groups and shapes multifaceted means of communication. Culturally-responsible educators are challenged with recognizing the diverse perspectives of students to ensure that all of them are involved in the educational process, and no one is left out.

In the Dominican Republic, the interplay between culture and education is illustrated in the dedication of educational institutions to create an environment that responds to students’ diverse educational needs. Due to social and cultural reasons, different students may face barriers in their learning processes, with the policymakers of the Dominican Republic recognizing such challenges and enhancing the educational process to address them. Besides, under the guide of UNESCO, the Inclusive Schools Development Process was developed to focus on underserved schools and facilitate various improvements in teacher training, community support, and resourcing. Therefore, the shifting social and cultural climates in the country are associated with active steps of the government and organizations with which it cooperates to enhance educational capabilities and ensure that they meet the diverse needs of students.

The Importance of Arts and Culture in Education

1) The Transformative Power of Art Education:

It sustains an extraordinary type of articulation, permitting students to investigate and impart complex thoughts    past  the restrictions  of language. Taking  part  in creative undertakings develops critical thinking abilities and urges students to see difficulties according to shifted points of view.

2) Cultural Education and Global Awareness:

Openness to different cultures through writing, history, and the arts furnishes students with a more extensive perspective. Understanding cultural subtleties sustains sympathy and plans people to explore an interconnected world with deference and receptiveness.

3) Encouraging an Inventive Biological system:

Education should not be a transport line of normalized data but rather a rich ground for creativity to prosper. The arts assume a critical part in encouraging an imaginative environment inside educational establishments. Whether through visual arts, music, or theater, students foster the capacity to think innovatively, carrying new viewpoints to scholastic and true difficulties. Rising demand for arts/design courses (40% over 10 years) suggests students and society are increasingly valuing creative fields. That supports your point about encouraging environment for innovation.

4) Art as an Impetus for Emotional Insight:

Art is an emotional language that rises above words. Integrating Art education into the educational program gives students a way to investigate and grasp their feelings. Whether through painting, music, or dance, students figure out how to communicate and direct their sentiments, adding to the development of emotional knowledge — an important expertise for exploring individual and expert connections.

5) Developing Critical Masterminds:

Art moves people to address, break down, and decipher. The method involved with making and deciphering Art levels up critical thinking abilities, empowering students to notice subtleties, make associations, and structure autonomous decisions. These abilities stretch out past the Art studio, impacting students' way to deal with critical thinking in different scholarly disciplines and future professions.

6) Advancing Inclusivity and Value:

Art and cultural examinations act as a scaffold to inclusivity, separating boundaries and giving voice to underestimated stories. A comprehensive arts education recognizes and celebrates different points of view, cultivating a climate where each student feels addressed and esteemed. This inclusivity improves the educational experience as well as adds to making a more fair society.

7) Art Across Disciplines:

Art isn't restricted to an independent subject; it consistently incorporates different disciplines. The implantation of art into STEM fields, making STEAM, recognizes the harmonious connection between the arts and sciences. This interdisciplinary methodology energizes

8) Cultural Competence for a Global Society:

In a time where interconnectedness is fundamental, cultural competence is an essential expertise. Arts and cultural education ingrain a comprehension of different points of view, customs, and accounts. This cultural competence gets students ready to explore a global society, cultivating correspondence and collaboration across borders.

9) The Imperative of art Education Advocacy:

Notwithstanding its heap benefits, art education frequently faces difficulties, including financial plan requirements and educational program prioritization. Advocacy for art education is imperative to guarantee that students keep on profiting from its transformative power. Perceiving and supporting the sign`ificance of art in education is an aggregate liability that teachers, guardians, and policymakers should maintain.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, the coordination of arts and culture into education is certainly not a simple extravagance yet a need for holistic development. Art education develops creativity, emotional insight, and critical thinking — abilities that stretch out a long way past the material. By embracing cultural examinations, cultivating inclusivity, and advancing interdisciplinary methodologies, education turns into a powerful power for molding balanced people ready to flourish in a different and interconnected world. The significance of art education isn't a choice yet a fundamental interest in nurturing the personalities and hearts of people in the future.

 

TRAVEL EDUCATION

                                                             TRAVEL EDUCATION

Benefits of Education Through Travel

1. Increase Cultural and Global Awareness:

Children, particularly teenagers, tend to be self-involved, let's be honest. They're not to blame. It's in their nature.

Removing students from their "bubbles" and shaking up their lives a bit by pushing them beyond their comfort zones can have drastic and beautiful results.

It is difficult for students to understand others and the world around them when they are not directly impacted. The teenage brain needs to connect concepts with real-life experiences.

When students view the world from a different angle, their worldview is altered. Education through travel allows them to see the world beyond themselves, which has benefits in its own right, such as building empathy

2. Gaining Content Knowledge:

Content knowledge is part of the "education" in education through travel.

When I travel with students, we travel with purpose. Because I am a biology teacher, my purpose is usually environmental in nature, but traveling naturally integrates subjects, especially when rooted in self-directed project-based learning.

Students that travel with me on school trips go through seminars and complete several student-directed PBL projects pertinent to the designated "purpose" prior to the trip.

​They also work on other projects while ON the trip - group and independent - relevant to the trip purpose. Upon return, each student reflects and shares their work with a public audience.

The amount of content absorbed is astounding, and it's all because the concepts are right in front of them. They are involved. Students are immersed in them. They are actively learning through experience.

3. Develop a Healthy Self-Concept:​

I know the statement that education through travel leads to a healthier self-concept  is cliche, but it's true, and anyone who travels knows it to be true.

The phrase "I'm traveling to find myself" is critical when it comes to kids.

​Teenagers deal with a lot. Getting through the teenage years in one piece requires a strong, healthy self-concept that can be acquired with traveling. By getting away from the daily pressures of life, students can ask themselves who they really are.

This I've seen time and time again. A student travels on a school trip and comes back a changed person with a renewed spirit and ultimate confidence.

They had the unique opportunity to learn about themselves, discover their skills, dreams, talents, and hopes through a fresh lens. A true education through travel right there.

4. Develop Critical 21st Century Skills:

Content is important, but at the rate society is evolving, having the skills to navigate those changes is essential.

Careers will look very different 20 years from now. Technology is changing everything. Traveling puts students in a position to work at those life skills.

If you can, allow students to be a part of the trip planning process. They practice organization, locating credible resources, goal-setting, and managing their time.

While on trips students encounter situations where they need to problem-solve, think critically, work as a team and get creative.

​Adding project-based learning experiences to the mix adds even more skill-building opportunities such as communication and collaboration.

5. Build Lifelong Friendships:

The feeling of belonging is a basic need. It is something that many people spend a lifetime trying to attain with little luck.

Feelings of loneliness are rampant in young people as well as adults. Everyone is a bit vulnerable when they are traveling. They are away from their homes, their friends, family and comfort zones.

With group travel, everyone is in the same boat. My students cast aside their differences on trips and create bonds that last a lifetime because they are experiencing something new and profound together.

With education through travel, only those experiencing the same trip can understand what the other is feeling in that moment.

6. The Ability to Envision a Bright Future:

The ability to envision a future in a positive way is something that educators that work with high-risk populations will see in their students as an outcome of travel.

Having an education through travel program at a school with underrepresented students is powerful because students living in poverty do not have easy access to travel experiences.Travel is simply not an option.

Many of my students don't look further than the moment. They don't consider their future careers. Many of them don't expect to finish high school.

​When traveling, they gain a new perspective on the future. For the first time they can look ahead and envision something positive. They may not know what yet, but for the first time they are open to the possibilities.

7. Open Doors of Opportunity:

Kids, or people in general, need avenues for learning opportunities and life experiences. The exposure needs to be there.

In other words, sitting at a desk in a classroom taking notes or listening to a lecture doesn't set the stage for deep, meaningful, or life-altering learning experiences. The doors are closed, figuratively and literally, for potential.

I took students to work on a ranch for one of my summer high school travel programs. The ranchers were so impressed by one of my students, that this student was invited back the following summer to intern, and the summer after that, and after that.

This student ended up working in agriculture, and as far as I am aware, still does.

Had this student not come on the trip he wouldn't have met the ranchers and scored the internships.

That wouldn't have been because he wasn't good enough. It would have been because the opportunity wouldn't have presented itself any other way.

​Education through travel opens doors that sitting in a classroom just doesn't.

Traveling Is The Best Form of Education:- as below mentioned

1. You learn languages.

English is spoken in almost all parts of the world and it will work for you mostly. Nevertheless, it’s always better to learn the native language of the place you’re going to visit. In a way, travel forces you to learn languages.

After learning the basics through books, apps or videos, you can stretch your skills when you speak with the actual native speakers. By putting your language education into use, traveling mostly develops your listening and speaking capabilities.

Even when you have already studied a language, traveling is the best way to master that language. When you travel, you don’t just test your language skills in a real world scenario but also learn things like accent, intonation and slang in the most practical way.

2. You learn about other cultures.

Not just traveling to a foreign country but also to the different parts of your own country is the best way to discern what it’s all about. You better understand how the cultures around the world vary and where the common ground lies.

Differences exist in cuisines, etiquettes and lifestyle across different cultures. But in spite of the differences, you can find so many commonalities like shared love for art, nature and ancestors that bind all the different cultures together.

Education is not just about learning things to make our living but also contributing towards making it a better place to live in. The understanding of diverse cultures plays a vital role in your education.

3. You learn history.

You studied about the civilizations and major historical events in your history class. All that was really cool. But nothing beats traveling to historic landmarks and exploring your way around a city’s history and culture.

When you stroll through the streets and visit museums, palaces and galleries, the entire nation’s history comes out right in front of you. Learning about different dynasties, conflicts and changes is so much easier when you actually explore a nation.

Most often, what we learn about history through text books is deviated from reality. Entering into a dialogue with the locals you understand history in a more accurate way or at least it provides with you with a whole different perspective.

4. You learn about today’s world.

Travel teaches you not just about the world as it was in the past but also as it is today. It’s probably the best way to truly understand the political situation, economic scenario and social structure of the world we are living in today.

Our views about distant people and cultures are often influenced by what we are fed through the media. Traveling is a way to learn about them for real and not through the eyes of  the media, which are often biased and prejudiced.

When you begin to travel often, you fully begin to understand the underlying reasons behind why the societies of different areas are shaped in a particular way and differ from the societies in other places.

5. You learn about nature.

When you move out of your comfort zone of the concrete jungle and begin to explore the most exotic natural wonders of the world, you will begin to realize the colossal majesty of nature.

Understanding the grandeur of nature is essential to solving most of the issues of the world today such as climate change, air pollution and global warming. When we fully realize what we are going to lose with our conduct, then solving these issues will be much easier.

So better than spending all the funds in organizing seminars and conferences,. It would suit you better to send the people backpacking to the most exotic mountains, lakes, forests and plains of the world.

6. You learn to do new things.

Traveling will test you in each and every step you take. As you’re exploring your way into the unknown, traveling naturally forces you to do so many things which you wouldn’t have done otherwise.

Whether it be while learning to pet the elephants in Cambodia, mountaineering through the snowclad mountains in Nepal or dancing Samba in Brazil, you will experience plenty of new things during your travels.

Traveling is in fact a way of learning to learn. You are out of your comfort zone and so you must learn to be able to adapt to a new learning environment in a very short time. It also helps in your overall learning as well.

7. You learn social skills.

You may be little shy and find it difficult to engage yourself socially. But traveling will change that as things like talking to complete strangers or asking them for favor is not an option but a necessity during travels.

If you are thinking of some personal development courses, you don’t need to do so. Travel your way to a wonderful place somewhere and if possible, on your own. You’ll grow much better than through such courses.

Lack of skills in conversation, presentation and public speaking often limit opportunities for us. Most of us find it difficult to master them how hard we try. If you’re facing difficulty with them, traveling will make your situation much easier.

8. You learn to be independent.

If you have spent your life being reactive, reacting to the circumstances placed upon you and you want to change that and haven’t been able to do so, traveling will teach you to be proactive and control your own fate by yourself.

Traveling forces one to be independent. This is even more the case when you travel on your own. There’s no choice but to make decisions and take initiatives completely by yourself as you don’t have anyone to tell you what to do nor anyone you can outsource the task too.

Independence is a fundamental goal of education. The focus of what we refer to as traditional education may be on financial independence but traveling will also teach you to be independent intellectually and emotionally.

9. You learn compassion for the lives of others.

When you travel extensively, you begin to realize that in spite of all the differences, we all are same somewhere deep down in our hearts. All your prejudices based on race, color and nationality will subside.

You can’t truly hate anyone when you know what they have been through and why they behaved in a certain way in the first place. And when you travel, you have a better understanding of people and their actions.

6 essential ways travel promotes learning and education

1. It broadens your horizons through cultural immersion

Nothing compares to the experience of being fully immersed in a country and its culture.

International travel should be about more than tourism and site-seeing. A trip abroad is an opportunity to witness and participate in life in another country; to connect with local people and learn about the ways in which they experience the world. Thus, when you travel, the world becomes about more than you or your country of origin.

When I travel to a new country or place, I like to give myself time to truly dive into the layers that constitute history, language, belief systems, and everyday life. There is much to be learned by venturing outside the classroom.

2. It motivates you to participate on a local level

Whether visiting the great pyramids and astounding temple complexes of Egypt, strolling the streets of Paris, or adventuring in the Brazilian Amazon, a trip abroad asks you to participate. When you experience distant people and cultures firsthand, you'll naturally feel more inclined to engage.

Whether it's by practicing the local language or simply observing your surroundings, travel leads to a more open and global-minded viewpoint where you understand how people and places are interconnected. Immersing yourself in different cultures will help you adopt a sense of empathy for others who live differently than you.

 

As you learn about other political, economic, and social structures, you'll become more motivated to participate on a local level. Opportunities for participation are boundless and range from volunteer efforts and work exchanges to language groups and eco programs and home-stays with host families. Participating in a country's daily rhythms is an educational experience rich in hands-on and active learning, and demands that you step out of your comfort zone and lead with curiosity and an open mind.

3. It challenges you to grow

Traveling will make you more adaptable. Leaving your comfort zone helps you become more independent, responsible and confident. You'll become better at thinking on your feet, and you'll be a better problem solver, planner, negotiator, and more. My time spent volunteering, working and living in other countries has allowed me to discover strengths, skills, and passions that otherwise may have remained hidden.

While traveling tends to be seen for its glamorous side, the reality is often far from. Life on the road has its own challenges and quickly breaks down the superfluous and extravagant to the essential — patience, an open mind, tolerance, resilience.

Beyond the discovery of new places and breathtaking sights and monuments is the discovery of self, of the layers and fabric you are made of, and what it means to be true to yourself and live well.

Regardless if you are in your own country or abroad, it's easy to connect when we focus on the things we share. Every country has something to offer and teach you.

One of my guiding intentions as an international full-time traveler is to give every country a chance. More often than not, this means being a witness to the positivity of misunderstood and negatively perceived places, and finding a way to learn and connect with people in spite of dissimilar beliefs or attitudes.

Differences exist in lifestyle and etiquettes across cultures, and part of the experience of traveling is finding the commonalities and being humble enough to acknowledge and appreciate the differences as much as the similarities.

Connecting with people in different places around the globe provides you with a whole new perspective and insight about a culture or way of life that previously may have seemed too foreign or alien to understand. It's humbling and eye-opening to see how others live.

Nothing beats the feeling of breaking a preconceived stereotype or seeing past the influence and bias of media and connecting with a country and its people in real time. When you travel abroad, you gain a better understanding of people and their actions. It is inspiring to listen to the stories of people around the world, and this human connection can help you become a more compassionate and empathetic person.

Over time, these cross-cultural experiences pull you out of your cultural bubble and help you empathize and connect with people from backgrounds different than your own.

4. It promotes a deeper sense of understanding

Travel not only teaches you about the world as it is today, but also about the history behind the current complexities of social, political, and economic structures.

Everyone studies history in school, but traveling brings history to life. In addition to seeing some of the world's greatest monuments and museums, you also feel the energy of the people and countries you visit.

What was once a standard school history lesson becomes an ongoing process of experiential learning; you become absorbed by the play of life happening in front of and all around you, and begin to understand the underlying reasons and forces behind why societies and cultures are shaped in a particular way and differ from one another.

The more you travel and engage, your understanding of history grows, and your understanding of the world broadens. Ultimately, this understanding extends inward as well; you learn about yourself and your true potential and become better equipped to be proactive about your goals and dreams.

You feel that you belong to many places, and your sense of "home" expands.

5. It builds community

From cultural immersion to participation to discovery to connection to understanding, travel builds and strengthens community. Whether you go somewhere as part of a university exchange program via student travel or join a volunteer effort, whether you travel solo or go on a weekend trip and end up bonding with a local over shared cuisine or an activity, your idea of community grows.

I used to think of my community as exclusive to my home, or the place I physically inhabit, but my understanding has evolved to include my global community, the people and efforts that exist beyond my own borders. Community is greater than something physical, something tangible; it is created, sustained, and amplified by connection, participation, and understanding.

Traveling — if done with the right intention — can lead to a deeper understanding of global dynamics and power structures, and a heightened sense of responsibility to the greater community.

Seeing yourself as part of the global community is essential to remembering that we are all connected, we are all in so many ways more similar than we are different. The mark of a global citizen is acceptance, tolerance and appreciation, and above all, an awareness of the ways in which countries and people are interconnected and part of an emerging powerful and dynamic world community.

6. It leads to empowerment

The more you travel and expand your worldview, the more you are empowered to embody your authentic self and take action that supports sustainable global development and a collaborative world community.

You become more independent, and cultivate a propensity for self-study and self-improvement. The skills gained through travel experiences are more than worth the effort, and have an impact that reaches beyond life and community as you once knew it.

Travel is The Best Education

Embarking on a journey is more than just visiting new places; it’s an unparalleled form of education that extends beyond the confines of a classroom. From experiencing different cultures to navigating unfamiliar terrains, travel enriches the mind, broadens perspectives, and fosters personal growth in ways traditional education cannot. In this article, we delve into 12 reasons why travel stands as the epitome of education, offering invaluable lessons that shape individuals for a lifetime of learning and understanding. So, fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a journey of enlightenment as we explore the transformative power of travel.

1.Cultural immersion: Travel allows you to explore different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

2.Historical exploration: Visiting historical sites and architecture around the world provides a unique perspective on the past, deepening your understanding of world history.

3.Language acquisition: Being in a foreign country offers an opportunity to practice and improve language skills in real life situations by communicating with locals.

4.Personal growth: Travelling can push you out of your comfort zone and encourages personal growth. Travel allows you to learn more about yourself—strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and passions.

5.Environmental awareness: Exploring from mountains to beaches to forests to deserts, provides an experience to understand the different ecosystems around the world and encourages sustainable practices.

6.Social skills: Interacting with people from different backgrounds enhances social skills, interpersonal skills and builds international friendships.

7.Art and architecture appreciation: Visiting museums and art galleries provides an opportunity to appreciate and learn about historic artifacts and artistic expressions from different cultures and civilizations.

8.Global perspective: Travel broadens your worldview, exposing you to different socioeconomic conditions and political systems, helping you to understand global issues and appreciate diversity.

9.Culinary exploration: Sampling local cuisine introduces you to new flavours and culinary traditions, expanding your palate.

10.Empathy and compassion: Experiencing different cultures and lifestyles allows you to witness firsthand challenges and daily realities. This can help you develop cultural sensitivity and empathy.

11.Problem-solving: Navigating unfamiliar environments and situations hones your problem-solving abilities.

12.Memory formation: The unique experiences and memories created while travelling are more likely to be retained and recalled, enhancing long-term learning.

TRAVEL and EDUCATION Inter-related Skills:-

1. Learn About Other Cultures

Travelling will teach you about different cultures. Open your mind to other people's beliefs and traditions; this will help you to find common ground between you and what others believe in.

It’s exciting finding out about the different ways of life, etiquette, and even local cuisine. You’re bound to discover interests and common ground within your culture. Learning to understand others and respecting their values is a valuable life lesson everyone should know.

2. Become a History Buff

Sure, you can learn about historic events and historic sites in school, but nothing will beat seeing the landmarks for yourself. Reading about a place or events in a textbook is nothing compared to walking in the footsteps of the forefathers, and seeing the whole story unfold right in front of you.

Traveling will open your mind to an alternative point of view; hearing about historical events from a different perspective, even from those who are thought to be the opposing side.

3. Keep up to Date

At school, you likely learned about history and were not taught about the future or subjects involving forward-thinking.

We are strongly influenced by what we learn in school, and we’re taught to think in a certain way and accept things as they present. By traveling, you'll see things first hand and witness life for yourself and even be at the forefront of change.

4. Learn a Language

By exploring the world, you’ll expand your speaking and listening capabilities. The best way to learn a language is to fully submerge yourself in the country and surround yourself with locals who will help you master the local dialect.

Living like a local to learn a language is so much better than what you can learn in the classroom.

5. Embrace Independence

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and travel alone, you will very quickly learn to be much more independent.

Your usual safety net won't be there to book your hostel or find your lost luggage. Therefore you have to take the initiative and control your fate—and in doing this, you grow as a person.

6. Be Compassionate

Travelling teaches compassion by mixing with different races, cultures, and religions; you can see others point of view and often this can challenge your way of thinking and helps to promote understanding.

Embrace traveling—and by doing this, you will meet so many interesting people that the world begins to feel like home.

 

7. Take in Nature

Once you’ve started traveling and are no longer in your hometown, you’ll begin to learn about the natural wonders of the world.

Discover animals, plants, and sites that will seem so exotic to someone who has lived their life through a screen. You may not like what you find as you educate yourself on critical issues in the world, such as global warming, deforestation, and pollution of the seas.

8. The unknown and unexpected

Every step you take, you’ll be learning...and it won't always be what you expect. Chances are, you will have to deal with and do new things and new experiences that you would never have learnt in school—that’s a good thing!

By always being on the move, you will adapt and learn how things work wherever you are in the world.

9. Develop your Social Skills

Traveling means you won't be able to avoid talking to people. Inevitably, you’ll develop your social skills with all the face to face interaction you will experience.

You’ll soon forget about all those speeches and presentations that limited you so much in school; you can just be you—and that’s a fabulous feeling.

10. Self-Growth

The most important lesson you’ll learn is about yourself. Traveling teaches you so many things. By pushing yourself further than you could have ever imagined, you will return home feeling capable of anything and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.

There's little doubt that travel is the most significant educator in life. Why not take the plunge and get on the next flight out...and be ready to learn!