Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes.
The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.
Q1. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?
1. In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of Learning rather than attainment of competency.
2. Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Q2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in the unorganized sector, India does not need to change its present conventional classroom system of education.
2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces a sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper
Explanation Q1:
1. “In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of Learning rather than attainment of competency.”
This statement is strongly supported by the passage. The text mentions that conventional classrooms emphasize “fixed duration over learning effectiveness” and that they subject every learner to “the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration.” This clearly indicates that the focus is on the time spent learning rather than ensuring each student achieves competency.
2. “Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation.”
This statement is also supported by the passage. The text refers to the “tyranny of the classroom” where every learner is subjected to the same learning experience, regardless of their individual needs or abilities. The passage mentions that this approach results in varied outcomes: “a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind.” This indicates a lack of differentiation in the learning process.
Therefore, the correct answer is: c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation Q2:
1. “As a large number of workers in our country are employed in the unorganized sector, India does not need to change its present conventional classroom system of education.”
This assumption is not valid based on the passage. The passage strongly criticizes the conventional classroom system, pointing out its ineffectiveness in producing employable graduates. It states, “This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education.” The passage also explicitly warns against “Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education.” These points directly contradict the idea that India doesn’t need to change its education system, regardless of the employment structure.
2. “Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces a sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend.”
This assumption is also not valid based on the passage. The passage explicitly states that only 10 percent of graduates are employable after 15 years of formal education. This low employability rate suggests that the current education system is not producing enough skilled workers. The passage criticizes the system for leaving many learners behind and not addressing their needs. This contradicts the idea that the current system is sufficient to realize the benefits of demographic dividend, which would require a large number of skilled workers.
Therefore, the correct answer is: d) Neither 1 nor 2