Need for the new approach to learning in Globalisation.

Theoretical Education vs Practical Education

Cultural, economic, and societal change creates a need for different approaches to education. Globalization i.e. increasing international interdependence requires restructuring the existing theoretical style of education to practical education.

Let’s evaluate both approaches to learning.

Theoretical Education 

Theoretical Education focuses on in-depth knowledge of any subject or topic without any practical experience. It makes the student a verbal expert on the topic. Any knowledge gained theoretically can be remembered for a limited time – a few days or months. In this type of education, the focus is not on learning or understanding the topic but to secure marks in the exams. It’s the easiest way to pass the exam and to top them. Students study just before the exam and do not gain in-depth knowledge of the subject. This type of education is responsible for unemployment and a lack of skilled labor. When it comes to professional life – practical experience and knowledge together are necessary. In competitive exams also, more than theoretical knowledge, logical reasoning & cognitive skills are evaluated. Hence, minimal pass percentage despite exponential applications made.

Practical Education 

Practical-Learning means knowledge gained by implementing theory in real-life activities. This way of learning helps students to remember the topic for a long time and also master it. Practical-learning makes the study more fun and engaging for students. Practical-learning based exams show the actual intellect of students, unlike the marks obtained by mugging up a night before. That’s why Math, which is a practical subject, is compulsory for most of the competitive exams. It is a myth that Practical-learning is only useful for technical or management students. Like, History students can visit a museum (even virtual museum) or location of the topic to gain more knowledge than textbooks and will also remember longer. They can also identify if History is of interest to them and may pursue a career in History related professions. The same applies to Geography, international languages, and other subjects. Practical-Learning assists students in identifying their real interests and choose a career accordingly. Students are more likely to succeed in the career of their choice. This style of teaching creates more skilled labor and entrepreneurs. 

Practical Education is gaining popularity nowadays and has below advantages –

  • Do not require mugging up
  • Knowledge gained retains for longer
  • A better understanding of the topic
  • Imparts life skills
  • Deals with the real-life situation
  • Motivates teamwork
  • Career planning
  • Emotional Intelligence

Theoretical Education is ‘I KNOW’ while Practical Education is ‘I CAN DO’. Knowing the recipe of samosa is different from actually cooking a samosa. The intellect, skills, and knowledge of students’ world over acquiring practical learning are more or less consistent that makes it comfortable for them to go anywhere in the world and easily adapt to the new environment whether at University for higher education or at work. 

– Sunaina Sharma

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