Education and Skills
Posted : June 25, 2005 at 10:19 pm [IST]
A highly educated labor force added between 10 to 16 % of the economic growth over past 40 years, says a Harvard University study.
An analysis of math and science scores across 80 countries showed that higher test scores, a standard deviation improvement, would push up annual GDP growth by1%.
All the surveys and study prove that education is a big help for a better quality of life or to remove poverty. But then why so many educated people remain unemployed? Why should one get or give education if it does ensure a decent livelihood? What should be the content of the education to earn a minimum middle class income?
In todays context, education must provide a minimum of the three skills:
1 Soft skills of effective communication: The ability to effectively talk on one-to-one basis as well as to a group in language of business, English in case of India. The skill to make good written presentation of your points becomes additional requirement. Naturally it includes the art of listening too. We, Indians are extreme. Either we keep mum and dont express at all or go on interrupting.
It is English language that we are using for commercial communication and for all business purpose. It has given India a global recognition. Education must provide the skills to communicate in English with ease and with correct pronunciation. With huge lot of audio and video aids, the task is simpler. Unfortunately, the formal education gives too much emphasis on literature. That is hardly required.
2. Knowledge of computer use: Computers are in use for every purpose in all kinds of businesses and services. With Internet, it is a great provider of knowledge too. The country requires computer literacy for hundred percent of its people, even for those who are illiterate with respect to formal education. And it is possible and useful too. With large number of computer education institutes, one can easily learn to any level of proficiency.
3.Some universal skills: Education must provide an outlook for innovation and improvement in every activity, impress upon the need of productivity, and build skills in problem solving, both as individual and more so in team working. Easy-to-understand courses for brainstorming, benchmarking, team working, problem solving. Japanese 5S system for housekeeping, and creativity must be part of our education system.
With these skills, it will not be difficult to get into an occupation that provides the minimum need of life. The society must provide encouragement and recognition for self- employment rather than to those who can go to any extent of lowering their morale to get into some or the other type of jobs in private or public organizations or institutions.
- Indra
Category: Employment/Education |
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