An Ideal Curriculum

Introduction

The biggest collective illusion of the current human civilisation is our assumption that humans have evolved greatly and that we are almost perfect. The truth is far from it. We still have a long way to go before we can call ourselves an accomplished species. The reasons are obvious. The unequal distribution of resources among humans and the exploitation of other species for our benefits are the most glaring ones. If we ever wish to evolve into a peaceful and content populace, our only chance is the right education.

 We generally agree on the fact that education is of prime significance in social life. The Western mode of education is followed currently wherein the focus is on warping skilled labourers who can propagate the present world order. Our textbooks and media tell us that the running of the world depends on the economy, stock market, global cooperation in trade/ maintenance of peace, value of currency, diplomatic ties, and most importantly, production and consumption. The social matrix around us keeps saying that one should make more money to live happily. The singular worth placed on money in turn diminishes our chance at attaining contentment. This is because wealth is like a mirage in front of a desert traveler for the majority of the masses. The satisfaction level of the rich is also questionable for the bulk of them are obsessed with amassing wealth they can never use up in a lifetime. Simply put, the current system of education teaches one to get skills suitable for jobs, which will bring money, and through it, the necessities of daily life. The whole process is supposed to bring happiness or satisfaction, once the goal is achieved. Hence, one question we must pose frequently towards the current system is, how many turn successful in this mission in our learning mechanisms.

Another objective of schooling is to ensure harmonious living among communities. The mission and vision statements of many institutions profess extraordinary ideals of human goodness as the driving force in running the academies. Ironically, we find individuals who cannot even tolerate a fellow student from another Department or neighbouring institution amidst us. The pervasive sectarianism, based on minor to major differences, is a direct backlash against the harmony ideal. It is in these contexts that we must assess the efficacy of the current systems of education and bring favourable changes.

Given below is a list of items which I think would make a part of an ideal curriculum for our schools:

Conditioning of the Human Mind

A contemporary theory in psychology termed 'The Predictive Mind' posits that most of the functions of the brain happen through automatic processes. This automation is a result of genetic and social conditioning. We are genetically wired to survive in unfavorable conditions. This prompts one to stay vigilant against or thwart any potential threat (this is where fear is born), to stay a part of one's own group and categorise different people into separate groups. Social conditioning too has many layers based on parameters given by religion, family, constitution and more.

We are hardwired to group the people we meet based on gender, religion, caste, race, or any other divisive factor. It is the way the brain processes the thousands of people it comes across. This leads to the differentiation between in-group and out-groups. The brain is automated to treat out-group members as a threat or competition. We find this misplaced fear in racism, sexism, or any other form of sectarianism. An ideal education for our young must inform them of this instinct in humans to perceive different ones with suspicion. Understanding the working of the mind and attempts to deliberately come out of the conditioning may give us a better chance at harmonious living.

Posthumanism

The current world order is greatly influenced by Cartesian philosophy and Enlightenment Humanism draws greatly from it. The anthropocentric nature of the perception of the world comes from Humanism. This can be changed with the teaching of Posthumanism. The pitfalls of seeing the world only in terms of the advantages and disadvantages to humans are many. The ill-treatment of other species and the abuse of natural resources can be curtailed with this view.

 Nutrition, Farming and Cooking

The ability of a person to live a fulfilling life is directly proportional to the nutritious food s/he takes. Providing excellent infrastructure to a population who has no access to healthy food is like decorating a dilapidated house. The quality of food consumed determines the hormones and the biochemicals released in the body. These in turn determine the behavior of individuals. Hence, it is biologically explainable why an impoverished person ends up raping or murdering another human. People who are aware of the significance of nourishment through the right choice of food may have a better chance at finding lasting satisfaction in life.

 The art of farming crops suitable for soil and climate should be a part of an ideal curriculum as it can bring self-reliance and food safety. Since one must eat as long as one lives, cooking should also be a part of education. The lopsided distribution of cooking-duties to one gender curbs them from attaining full social productivity. Formalising the learning of cooking may help change the gendered stereotypes like 'kitchen is for females'.

Conservation of Resources

As most of the resources on earth are nonrenewable, each individual should learn techniques to minimise his/her use of things. Learning to save water, electricity, food, biofuels or any other resource may help in making a huge difference in the long run. The notion of Carbon Footprint and how one must minimise it should be a part of the curriculum.

 Caution against Fake News and Ads

Advertisements have a great impact on the decision making and lifestyle choices among individuals. Young people should be taught to discern what is useful and what is not for them. This is perhaps the only way to put an end to the consumerist loop where so many are lost. They should also be informed as to identify fake news so that we can prevent issues caused by misinformation.

 Self Care

Self-harming behaviours like addiction, lethargy, hyperactivity, overeating or stressing are developed by individuals due to the lack of knowledge in self-care. Individuals must be taught how to take care of their physical, emotional and psychological selves from a young age. The current systems of learning emphasises on making individuals suitable for economic production. Making efficient methods to address personal issues a part of the syllabus can do wonders in the life of individuals. This will obviously reflect in the productivity of the persons too.

 Sex Education and Childcare

Sex education is essential because it informs the youngsters about reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases. Knowing about reproductive health is of great significance as only a physically healthy person can give birth to a healthy offspring. Sex education would also help in removing the stigma associated with sex in certain communities.

Childcare is traditionally passed down through generations and mostly, females are involved in it. A gender-neutral approach towards childcare can start with formal education. Moreover, the counterproductive cultural practices of childcare can be replaced with more scientific methods. Hence, Childcare would make an ideal elective subject for those who wish to learn the technicalities of caring for a newborn or walk with an adolescent through that tumultuous journey to adulthood.

Art- Creation or Appreciation

Art can be an elective in an ideal curriculum. I feel that healthy minds will be naturally drawn to learning art. Research proves that those who read are more likely to empathise with others than non-readers. Art classes can show the learners how to express themselves, how to use it as a tool for change, and how to add many layers to their individual identity. Other advantages include increased observation and problem-solving skills, stimulation of imaginative faculties and understanding of the self.

 An ideal curriculum should also allow one to learn any subject of his/her choice.

Conclusion

Education is supposed to teach the young how to come out of genetic and social conditioning; not complicate the situation further. Classrooms can be better than rooster-coops designed to breed industry-ready individuals. While skill enhancement and technical education have their own significance, in the many years of education, our youngsters must be given a chance to learn to live for themselves too. The list of items in a better curriculum given above is not an exhaustive one. Integrating some of them into the curriculum will have a direct impact on the quality of the life of the learners.

 Ms. Renjitha. K. R, Assistant Professor of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna