Standardization is the buzz word in the current education
system. The curriculum which is taught to the students is standardized, the way
that curriculum is taught to them is standardized, the tests given to the
students are standardized, and the remedial actions taken when the students do
not do well on the standardized tests are standardized. While this
standardization is clearly visible in K-12 where students are required to take
a standardized test at the end of each grade level, the higher education is
also not untouched by standardization. College courses are designed around learning
outcomes which the students are expected to achieve by end of the semester. These
learning outcomes are then measured through tests and assignments through the
semester. These tests and assignments are standardized in that they are the same
for all the students in the class.
Any kind of standardization ignores the fact that each
student in a classroom is unique and different from another student. Each of
the students has different aspirations and comes from a different social and
cultural background. Each student has a different way of leaning and a unique
way of demonstrating their learning. A standardized way of teaching and
evaluating students’ learning might not be relevant to each student. As a
result, some students might not find what they are learning in class to be
useful. This, in turn, kills their curiosity to learn by engaging with the
course material. They instead become passive receivers of knowledge and find
the process of learning boring and disengaging.
As a result of this, the only motivating factor which
students see in a course is the grade which they get at the end of the semester.
Hence, they turn all their attention to getting a better grade instead of critically
engaging with the learning material. This is where they start mindlessly engaging
in the process of learning. Mindless learning is characterized by low attention
to the context of learning, lack of alertness to distinctions, and ignorance of
multiple perspectives. Paying low attention to learning contexts might lead to
a non-understanding of the context, which in turn hinders the process of
transfer of learning from classroom to the real world. A lack of alertness to
nuances might lead to misconceptions in the minds of the learner. Misconceptions
further hinder students’ learning. Ignorance of multiple perspective prevents a
well-rounded development of a student.
To realize the full potential of education, standardized
learning environments should be replaced with customized ones which cater to
the needs of each student and help them engage in mindful learning.
