Shillong, Oct 19: Tura Lok Sabha MP and NPP chief, Conrad K. Sangma suggested that education system should be less mechanical and holistic in its approach with a focus on practice oriented learning.

Addressing the 9th National Conference on Education on the theme — “Redefining education in 21st century leading change through management skills and innovative leadership practice” for school principals and education administrators at Don Bosco Institute of Management, Guwahati, Assam, the MP said that teachers and administrators need to be empowered so that they can come up with practical solutions to the problems plaguing the education system.

The conference was attended by school principals, teachers and administration from different parts of North East and Bhutan.

He also elaborated problems faced by most educational institutes in the region in terms of financial constraints and curriculum which is exhaustive and leaves less space for a child to master the basic concepts.

He said that it was imperative for schools to be innovative and ensure that the audio video lessons are made compulsory, so that a child actually gets to see and learn and pointed out that the role of a teacher is crucial to overall development of a child.

Highlighting the importance of digital space, which provides ample opportunities for learning, Conrad said that the pros and cons of internet should be properly understood.

“Teachers should make the best use of the current technology and enable the students to learn faster and better”, he said.

He urged principals, teachers and education administrators to work together and device strategies to make learning more interesting and creative. “Technology has enabled us to access a wide variety of information and pedagogical tools. This has to be used to its optimum for lesson planning and concept familiarization in schools”, he emphasized.

On poor education scenario of most state in the North East particularly in rural and hilly areas, where access to education and facilities are minimal, the Tura MP stressed that government must work with like-minded organisations, stakeholders and ensure that the best of education facilities are provided for the holistic development of children.

The thrust should also be on enabling our teachers with the best of training and regular orientation programmes, he added.

He also thanked Fr. Johnson, Director Don Bosco Institute of Management for organising the National Conference on Education for school principals and education administrators.