Conformity to Field of Interest
As a researcher and product designer working in the educational sector, my recent research involved an exploration of various school spaces and their associated products. While delving into the infrastructure, I discovered a notable imbalance: the school primarily possessed science labs, specifically for Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. This observation prompted me to further investigate the range of careeroriented subject options available to senior students. Surprisingly, the offerings were limited to PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) and Commerce streams. I also had the opportunity to engage with the students at the institution. Through conversations and interviews, I discovered a prevailing pattern. Students appeared to be indirectly steered towards conventional paths, irrespective of their genuine inclinations. The most prominent avenues are engineering, medicine, or commerce, with little regard for their individual interests or aspirations. This observation raised concerns regarding the prevailing emphasis on mainstream subjects within Indian schools and this realization shed light on the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to career guidance within the Indian education system.
Students were not been motivated & provided with appropriate counseling to make their hobbies and fields of interest as the careers and professions. In this blog, we will explore the facts of the Conformity trap of the Indian educational system regarding the flexibility in exploring the curriculum and career subjects.
The Conformity Trap
In the present education landscape, career opportunities have become confined to the current trends and parental preferences. Moreover, the limited range of streams provided by educational institutions restricts students’ choices and interests. Regrettably, this approach overlooks a crucial facet of education: “the exploration and cultivation of individual interests and talents”.
The education system has often overlooked learners with diverse hobbies, neglecting to guide them toward exploring courses outside of the mainstream subjects. This failure to recognize that passions and hobbies can lead to successful professions is a significant shortcoming. Across various fields such as art, music, sports, and writing, there exist numerous examples of individuals who have transformed their hobbies into thriving careers. Unfortunately, without adequate guidance and encouragement, many students remain unaware of the potential these possibilities hold.
The first step towards rectifying this situation is providing career counseling in schools and colleges with educators. These programs should focus on identifying students’ interests, strengths, and aptitudes. By providing personalized guidance, students can gain a deeper understanding of the career options available to them and the pathways to pursue their passions professionally.
Furthermore, the education system should incorporate a more holistic approach to learning. It should place equal importance on vocational training and practical skills alongside academic transformed their hobbies into thriving careers. Unfortunately, without adequate guidance and encouragement, many students remain unaware of the potential these possibilities hold. knowledge. This would provide students with a well-rounded education and equip their surrounding with the necessary tools to practice and pursue their passions professionally. Creating an infrastructure where students can explore and polish their hobbies, and personal fields of interest with practical learning and experimentation.