Merging Forward and Backwards Thinking in Education

Institutions are created with a bigger purpose. And it must serve a transformative purpose. But how. It should follow a comprehensive approach - Merging Forward and Backwards Thinking in Education.

Backwards Thinking: Start with the Nation, End with the Child

• Start with Nation: What Citizens Do We Want?

The first step is to envision the kind of citizens the nation needs to be. What skills, values, and character traits should they possess to contribute to the nation's goals, whether it be economic growth, technological advancement, social harmony, or sustainability? 

• Move to Society: What Role Will Citizens Play?

Once we have a clear vision of the ideal citizen, we then consider how these individuals will serve society. Education must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with social responsibility, community service, and civic engagement. 

• Design the School: How Will Education Foster These Goals?

The next step is to design an educational system that supports these larger societal and national visions. Schools must foster an environment that nurtures intellectual, emotional, and social development. 

• End with the Child: Tailoring Education to the Individual

Finally, backwards thinking brings the focus to the child. The educational system should be designed to cater to the diverse needs of students, ensuring that each child receives the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to thrive in the world. 

Forward Thinking: Start with the Child, End with the Nation 

• Start with the Child: Equip for Real-World Challenges

Schools must prepare students not just academically but also for the challenges they will face in society.  This includes developing critical skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration. 

• Move to the School: Implementing the Framework

Once students are equipped with the right mindset and skills, the school must adapt its curriculum to meet future needs, embracing innovative teaching practices, and ensure that schools provide an inclusive environment where students can thrive. 

• Focus on Society: Preparing Students to Contribute

Schools must engage students in community service, global citizenship, and projects that address local and international challenges, ensuring that they are not only ready to succeed but also to make meaningful contributions to the world.

• End with the Nation: Building a Workforce for the Future

The final goal of forward-thinking is to ensure that students are prepared to contribute to the nation's future success. 

To conclude, an institution must adopt an integrated approach that combines backward thinking (planning) and forward thinking (implementation), placing the child at the centre. As Shomie Das, the man who saw tomorrow, said, the meaning of education can be summed up in five words: the child at the centre, whether you look backwards or forward.