The concept of an open school is relatively new and it is yet to take root in the education system in India. Nevertheless, open schools are an important part of the education system and there are numerous advantages that one can gain from studying under this school system. More and more parents are opting to send their children to an open school where they are exposed to a variety of new aspects. The instruction methods in an open school are dissimilar to those in a traditional classroom and many schools use innovative and new methods to teach their children. Learning takes place in a much more relaxed and stress free environment when compared to a traditional school.
Opening Up a New Range Of Education Techniques
The paradigm shift from traditional to open schooling has enabled more children to indulge in proper studies, away from the rote learning system. Teachers of open schools are also adopting new and interesting techniques of education and these are designed to make the classes more fun and relaxed. Open schools generally have large classrooms and teachers need to make the classes more interesting to keep the children focused. Teachers in open schools opt for a more interactive method of teaching and this two- way communicative process helps children learn better. In such a scenario more emphasis is given for knowledge development rather than text book education. Children are encouraged to give up rote learning, which is the basis of other forms of education in India.
Classes are much more fun and interactive sessions using projectors and other equipment are encouraged in an open schooling system. Teachers can modify and create custom teaching techniques in an open schooling system as well.
Student-Teacher Communication
In an open schooling atmosphere students are motivated to ask relevant questions and provide counter arguments as well. This will stimulate more brain growth and children will understand the topics much more clearly. Students need not fear retaliation if they contradict the views of the teacher in an open schooling system. The possibility for creative expression is manifold in an open schooling atmosphere and this is absent in a traditional school system. Collective knowledge building through innovative learning methods is possible and students tend to learn from each other rather than just from the teacher. Students are active contributors in an open schooling system.
Decreasing the Usage of Restrictive Content
The open schooling system enables good quality content to be taught at school. Teachers can innovate and come up with the content that they feel is essential. Sub standard text books that are written by half baked authors need not be used as the basis for schooling children anymore. Such innovations increase the knowledge quotient in children as well.
The open schooling system is followed successfully in many western countries and students who pass out of this atmosphere have better all round development.
The open schooling system opens up a whole new range of possibilities and the students who come out of this system will surely be able to face the challenges that the world throws at them.
