Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
An important skill we all need to learn, in my opinion, is not to have preconceived notions
about anything. Having said that I also know how difficult a thing it can be!
To drop the burden of preconceived notions, we need to unlearn a few things, which again is
a tough thing to do. Very early on, we start cramming our brains with ideas and opinions.
These notions might have entered our mind from our family, parents, society or some of the
books we might have read. We need to understand the fact that everything in life keeps
changing and we just cannot stick to something only because that thought might have
entered our brains years back!
I always thought ice-creams or chilled items were bad for a child having a cold or a running
nose. I was terribly surprised when a GP in London told my four-year-old grandson with a cold
to go ahead and have a popsicle. Later I found out that there is no scientific evidence to prove
that an ice-cream or a popsicle can aggravate a cold!
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The term ‘personalised learning’ has been in vogue for a long time. Earlier, it referred to a
one-to-one tutoring system, mostly for the privileged. Today, it refers to learning that prioritises
an individual student’s requirements and uses flexible instructional practices in terms of
content, pace and materials. Learning need not be linear as, sometimes, learners may have
to take a step back if not equipped with the necessary schemata to understand the content.
The entire learning process becomes student-centric and the students are encouraged to
design their own learning pathways.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics play a major role in online and hybrid learning
platforms. Globally, HEIs are introducing programmes where AI provides the platform to
launch personalised learning. Technology provides a variety of materials in various formats to
suit different students and monitor and assess their progress. However, it does not undermine
the teacher’s role. There are areas such as communication and collaborative skills, and
emotional intelligence, which require human intervention. Therefore, the role of teachers in
personalised learning remains as important as it is in traditional learning. AI can never replace
educators; it can only enhance and support personalised learning by providing automated
tasks, assessment platforms and feedback.
Many paths of study emerge and all ultimately merge with the curriculum’s common learning
outcome. Thus, the pattern of education becomes student-centric. This systemic change
gives a new dimension to the teaching-learning process where teaching becomes counseling,
and the teacher becomes a mentor. The students are motivated to take control of their
learning and become autonomous.
