In ancient India, the Gurukul system was a deeply revered institution where education was intertwined with the values and traditions of the time. Under the shade of a sacred tree, a guru imparted knowledge and ashrams were the “centres of excellence”, where students learned through a process of dialogue, inquiry and practical experience. Gurus were not just providers of knowledge but mentors who inspired critical thinking and charted the personal growth of their students. It was a holistic approach to learning that nurtured not only the intellect but also the character of the students.
Fast forward to the present, and the educational landscape has evolved dramatically. The role of educators has transformed over the years: practical skills have been replaced by textbooks, and learning has largely been limited to memorization. In today’s classrooms, teachers are tasked with completing the curriculum and assessing students largely based on their performance on exams.
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, it is important to reflect on this process and ask ourselves what changes our teachers can bring to the classroom. What are the learning methods and skills that teachers can bring to the classroom to make it a hub of creativity and collaboration?
Unlearn to learn
Historically, our learning system emphasized analytical thinking, emphasized creativity, and sparked deep curiosity and innovation in students. But as the world order evolved, educational priorities shifted toward standardized testing and immediate job readiness, often at the expense of cultivating these critical skills.
However, this came at a cost: we moved away from educating students to preparing them for the job market. Ironically, while modern education often overlooks essential skills such as creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and curiosity, these very attributes are highlighted as the top skills for 2025 in the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023.” Therefore, there is certainly a growing need to rethink and integrate these life skills into our educational frameworks to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
The challenge for educators is how to reintroduce these often-overlooked components into modern classrooms. How can educators integrate critical thinking alongside digital learning to ensure that students are not just learning technicalities, but also have an inquisitive mind that asks questions – a mind that is not hampered by rote learning, but fueled by curiosity? This also requires innovative teaching strategies, ongoing professional development, and a commitment to creating a dynamic learning environment that balances traditional academic rigor with modern technological advancements.
Lead by example
The change must begin with a greater emphasis on activity-based learning, problem-solving, and gamification, reflecting a shift towards more interactive and student-centered education. It is pertinent to note that international trends in higher education are introducing diverse pedagogical practices, enriching learning environments with global perspectives and innovative methods. And to effectively facilitate these modern educational practices, educators must not only understand these methodologies but also experience them firsthand.
The transition from traditional to modern teaching methods involves both unlearning outdated practices and adopting new strategies. Educators must adopt approaches that promote active participation and critical thinking. This shift can be achieved through continuing professional development (CPD) programmes, mentoring opportunities and practical experience with innovative teaching methods. Schools and educational institutions should support this transition by providing relevant training, resources and platforms for collaboration between educators. Programmes such as “Teachers of Tomorrow” offer interactive spaces for teachers to collaborate, share ideas and inspire each other, thereby unleashing their full potential. Schools can benefit from mentoring networks and similar collaboration platforms to support their teachers.
GenAI, your modern guru
Speaking of teachers, it’s hard not to mention generative AI, our everyday teacher. It’s emerging as the modern guru, revolutionizing education by automating mundane tasks, thereby freeing up teachers to focus on meaningful interactions with students, improving the quality of engagement. Language teachers around the world seem to be especially engaged with AI tools, as evidenced by a Cambridge study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Bedfordshire, which found that 71 percent of teachers surveyed used GenAI tools weekly or monthly.
As GenAI takes on the role of personalizing learning, educators can go beyond being facilitators of knowledge and engage with students in developing critical thinking skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges. It’s a future where the shift to Gen AI promises to create a more dynamic educational environment where technology and human guidance work together to prepare students to not only be knowledgeable, but also resilient and adaptable.
The road ahead
According to a 2023 report by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), less than 20% of teachers in India currently have access to continuing professional development training. Addressing the need for teacher training requires strong policies and institutional support. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes this need and emphasizes high-quality teacher training and continuous professional development. The introduction of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), as proposed by the NEP 2020, aims to prepare future educators by integrating content knowledge with pedagogy and practical experience.
The rise of online learning platforms also offers an opportunity to democratize access to quality training, overcoming geographical and financial barriers. Flexible continuing professional development courses allow teachers to develop professionally at their own pace.
Addressing current training gaps and making programs more relevant and practical can improve teacher quality, reduce attrition, and ensure greater stability in classrooms. Schools must establish clear standards for leadership and continuous improvement to effectively support their educators.
As we reflect, it is essential to recognise the pivotal role of teacher education in shaping a vibrant and equitable education system. Let us learn from the guru-shishya model of the bygone era, where we combine traditional practices of curiosity and critical thinking with contemporary educational tools to meet the changing demands of modern education, where the AI generation will also make its mark and inspire the next generation of students.
(The author Arun Rajamani is Executive Director of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia. The views expressed are personal.
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