By Saurabh Saxena
Let’s start with what Pedagogy is. A simple Google search throws up “the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept“. Now with that basic understanding in place, let us revisit the question, why does Pedagogy matter?
Let’s go back to our school days; how often was there a subject where everyone in the class did exceptionally well, while a different section with a different teacher did not come close? How much of it can be accredited to the teacher and how they taught instead of what they taught? After all, the subject, the books and the exams were the same.
This, to a large extent, is also the reason behind graduating and producing inferior talent in the industry. A staggering percentage of freshly-minted Indian engineers are considered unemployable – they don’t possess skills relevant to the jobs they seek. And we produce a massive number of engineers annually – by some reliable estimates, around 1.5 million yearly. The starting salary of most who find jobs is barely enough to get by.
Blame has to be equally shared by the outdated academic curriculum, its sizable disconnect from the industry, taught by teachers without real-world work experience. And the pedagogy follows how we impart knowledge and skills. The evolution of the latter is best explained in India’s National Education Policy 2020, which said, “Education, thus, must move towards less content, and more towards learning about how to think critically and solve problems, how to be creative and multidisciplinary, and how to innovate, adapt, and absorb new material in novel and changing fields.“
Education is 50% Content and 50% Delivery. This approach places a strong emphasis on ensuring that course content enables students to practically apply their knowledge. Each lecture delivered should go beyond theoretical explanations, encouraging students to explore real-world applications of concepts. Additionally, selected problems should be dissected using these principles, fostering students’ ability to write code for such challenges.
At the core, the focus here needs to be purely on education. The teaching methodology can be adapted to various subjects under the guidance of subject matter experts. As I said, 50% of effective education lies in deciding “What to teach,” and this methodology is applicable across a wide range of disciplines.
How to teach extends beyond the classroom. It means using technology to provide tutoring support around the clock, enabling students to solve problems whenever they are trying to. We have both a GPT-4 powered AI teaching assistant and human teaching assistants available 24*7 so that our students can seek help when they need it and are not restricted by the time of the day. The curriculum (content) becomes more relevant because it is based on the teacher’s experience. Industry leaders or other professionals who double up as mentors for the students also provide invaluable insights into the industry they will be heading to and the network to find the right career opportunity after graduating.
In conclusion, the significance of pedagogy in the realm of education technology cannot be overstated. While the focus on what is taught remains paramount, the “how” of education holds equal importance in shaping successful learning experiences. The essence of pedagogy lies in imparting knowledge, instilling critical thinking, and fostering problem-solving skills in students.
The anecdotal contrast between two sections of a class excelling differently in the same subject underscores the role of effective teaching methods. This scenario elucidates that pedagogy, educators’ technique to deliver information, can greatly influence students’ comprehension and engagement. In an age where knowledge is a currency, bridging the gap between academic instruction and real-world application is vital to nurturing a workforce that can readily adapt and contribute to various industries.
The state of education, particularly in the context of tech-driven disciplines like software development and data science, faces challenges brought about by outdated curricula and divergence from industry requirements. The National Education Policy’s emphasis on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and multidisciplinary skills signifies a shift towards more dynamic and adaptable pedagogical approaches.
Several enterprises in the edtech space today recognize that education encompasses not just the content but also how it is delivered. This holistic approach ensures that students have the support to master concepts, apply them practically, and navigate the professional landscape successfully.
Ultimately, pedagogy serves as the compass guiding the evolution of education in the digital age. As technology continues to reshape the way we learn and engage with knowledge, a balanced combination of subject matter expertise and innovative teaching methods will be the cornerstone of practical education. By harnessing the power of pedagogical innovation, we can equip learners with the skills, insights, and confidence they need to excel in an ever-changing world.
The author is the chief operating officers, Scaler and InterviewBit.
