We are living in the 21st century but following the teaching methods and education system that have far exceeded their expiry date. It is no wonder that academic progression, as measured in schools, tends to create pressure among the students and their parents. This is why the majority of students set their goal to be first in the class. The first position can only be bagged by one while the aspirants are many. This mathematical discrepancy makes the situation all the tougher and leaves every student, other than the topper, in a losing position. Now, add to that the fact that a student can be the class topper, but there are so many in the district. And more so in the whole state and on and on this loop of competition goes. So, can a student ever win? This is the question we ought to ask as parents and facilitators. Besides, is it worth winning this competition in the first place? We’ll explore such nuances in this blog with Sarala Ramalingam, Process Head @ HLC & Beyond 8.
Time to replace the idea of competition
We tend to assume that winning against an opponent is the hallmark of your success and growth. But it isn’t the case. In a finite game, success is quantitatively defined. However, we never reach a state of constancy in our life and keep on progressing. Plus, a lot of things that give us happiness - relationships, passion, career - are not an end in themselves but an ongoing pursuit that inspires us.
This model intuitively answers many questions like
- Whether I am ready to take the standardised exams?
- With my current state, do I have to seek support or not?
- Should I continue learning this subject for the next step in my learning journey?
- What is my grasping capacity and how can I work on utilising its fullest potential?
Overall, with the CAFE model, students’ level of confidence increases when they have clarity on the learning pathways. When the learning trend is kept transparent to all the stakeholders, facilitation from teachers and parents becomes deliberate and focused. While providing the necessary support, they can keep the check on the learner’s inclination towards the subject. This lifts off the pressure to focus on the complexity of a topic and, in turn, evaluate whether students have learned enough to fill in the learning gap or not.
CAFE model - the future of learning
The CAFE model is the future of learning progression. It makes the standard score comparison, peer-level competition and winning in the exam irrelevant, thereby inculcating the sense of playing an “Infinite Game” among students. And, not to mention, preparing them for professional development and pursuing careers of the future with utmost passion and perseverance. The indication of the students’ current state with respect to their learning trend increases their confidence score. As a result, they tend to have more control over their learning through self-reflection and ultimately strive for more meaning and happiness in life. After all, isn’t the pursuit of happiness what we all seek? The CAFE model makes it happen.
Other than the CAFE model, to know more about innovative tools and techniques like Dream Mapping and Heutagogy, do follow us on our Instagram page. Feel free to connect with us at contact@beyond8.in and check out the websites of Headstart School and Beyond 8 to know how we make learning student-centric and prepare them for a 21st-century workplace by building the perfect skillset as per their interests!