How skill-based learning can solve issues with learning distress

Overloaded curriculum, the pressure to complete the syllabus, and the need to excel in exams – these traits of our education system are often seen as crucial for preparing students for the world of work and life. However, we are well aware of the warnings about how distress and anxiety can impact the self-image and confidence of students and teachers.

These pressures manifest in various ways that are becoming increasingly visible in our educational environments. Addressing these issues is essential, and skill-based practical learning could offer a valuable solution. Let’s look at some of the visible signs of distress in learning:

Visible Signs of Distress in Learning

• High levels of distraction: Easy access to information and entertainment on mobile phones leads to high distraction levels.
• Distraught students and parents: The relentless focus on exams, grades, and ranks creates stress.
• Preference for edutaining learning: Students often seek learning experiences that are entertaining, light, and enjoyable.
• Emphasis on feel-good factors: Sharing academic and extracurricular achievements on social media is prioritized.
• Need for constant self-validation: In a world of fierce competition, there is a continual need for self-validation.
• Limited access to counseling and mental health support: Not all students have access to the mental health support they need.

Complex Challenges with Attention Deficit

Human attention is fast shrinking and becoming scarce. Today, it’s quite normal for anyone to engage in multiple activities at the same time due to our digital lives and smartphones. The result is quite unnerving when we realize how little we’ve accomplished.

Too many distractions often cause confusion, an inability to focus, and mental exhaustion. Isn’t it pretty normal to feel this way? These emerging cognitive challenges need immediate attention to be effectively addressed.

Given this ‘new normal’ how do we expect our students in schools and colleges to be attentive in every class and absorb, assimilate and apply all that they acquire as information and knowledge? One may argue that in the physical environs of a classroom there’s no scope for distraction, students can’t use their mobile phones or they don’t have access to any other source of distraction. It may be true but what needs to be explored is how we’re evolving in the digital era. And, how with easy access to technology and mobile devices we cannot escape or resist getting distracted.

Perhaps, the discipline and decorum expected in formal classroom learning can take care of few issues. Nevertheless, we must admit that the process of learning is undergoing incredible transformation. This is way beyond conventional notions of learning, knowledge acquisition, application and so on.

Addressing the Challenges through Skill-Based Practical Learning

The process of learning is undergoing an incredible transformation. Here’s how skill-based practical learning can help:

• Learning beyond prescribed textbooks: Attracting students to authoritative sources of information is crucial. They might watch videos on platforms like YouTube or Instagram that are incorrect or misleading. Practical learning ensures students get accurate and reliable knowledge.
• Learning for shorter durations: With shrinking attention span, we cannot expect all students to be attentive, motivated and engaged in the classroom. There is need to introduce modularized, smartly-chunked learning aligned with tangible outcomes.
• Learning through application of knowledge: Practical, hands-on learning through playful activities must be integrated into the curriculum to maintain interest and attention, moving beyond rote learning and theoretical knowledge.
• Learning anytime, anywhere: High-quality e-learning or blended learning offers variety and innovative ways of interacting with content, enhancing engagement. This flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace and convenience.
• Learning to keep pace with new developments: Continuous learning of the latest developments, even if they are not in the prescribed curriculum, ensures that students are well-informed and up-to-date with current knowledge.

Also read: How Students can Learn Skills and Explore Careers through MSMEs

The traditional education system, with its emphasis on exams and grades, is increasingly inadequate in addressing the needs of today’s students. By integrating skill-based practical learning into the curriculum, we can help students overcome learning distress and distraction.

This approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of subjects but also equips students with the practical skills necessary for real-world applications, ensuring a more engaging and effective learning experience. Moving forward, it is crucial to embrace and promote practical learning methodologies to prepare students for the dynamic and ever-evolving world.