"The learning methodologies have evolved since man has set foot on this earth."
“I am still learning.” (Michelangelo)
Yes learning is a continuous process and this process will continue throughout the existence of this world. The learning methodologies have evolved since man has set foot on this earth. Human beings have adopted different learning methodologies at different times of their existence. Different ancient or pre-historic civilizations had different teaching methods. Discussing all these methods would not be possible here however, as a test case, here we plan to study the ancient Indian civilization. The pre-historic Indian civilization had a learning methodology which was not only interesting but was also effective during those times, and there are many who believe that it can be effective even today.
"here are many things which make the ancient Indian education system unique"
There are many things which make the ancient Indian education system unique in comparison to modern times. Some key highlights of this education system are stated in the points below.
"Education was focused on culture enrichment as well as personality development"
The basic goal of Ancient Indian education was to train the youth so that they may perform their religious, social and economic duties perfectly. Education was focused on culture enrichment as well as personality development. The main aim of education was to cultivate noble ideas in the minds of the students. Is our modern-day education cultivating any such noble ideas? Does it even focus on it? The question surely requires a serious debate.
Now let’s see some of the learning methodologies that existed in the Prehistoric Indian society:
"Education was focused on culture"
Modern-day teaching and learning techniques are very different to what we have learnt above. Yes, a few similarities do exist, however overall it’s a 180 degree change. Modern- day teachers believe that use of technology is important for modern learning. Similarly, the learning methodologies also differ a lot. Modern-day learning methodology includes things like lecturing, collaborating, debriefing and classroom action research etc.
It does not mean at all that modern-day teaching is not good. The difference between pre-historic and modern life is huge, hence evolvement of education was natural. Learn more about Ancient Learning science by clicking this link by Atihas.