Education should focus on spirit of enquiry: Harvard Prof

Transition from a high school to college is a time of confusion and identity crisis, and education system should help students by promoting "liberal" education and "spirit of free enquiry", an eminent Harvard professor has said.
Professor Stephen Marks from Harvard University, while speaking at a discussion here on 'Challenges of transition from High Schools to Colleges and Universities', said teachers are also morally responsible to provide psychological support to students in their transition from high school to college.
"The education system should lay emphasis on promoting liberal education, spirit of free enquiry and learning for its own sake. We need to teach our students how to think rather than focusing on what to think.

"It is the moral responsibility of the educators to provide psychological support to the students," Marks was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the O P Jindal Global University (JGU).
The discussion was organised yesterday by the JGU here at the launch of Jindal International Summer School.
Welcoming the summer school initiative, former President of the American Bar Association, Bill Robinson has said it will provide students with an opportunity to "promote analytical thinking and problem solving" and will boost self- confidence.
Vice-Chancellor of JGU, Prof C Raj Kumar said, "The establishment of the Jindal International Summer School is a wonderful opportunity for high schools students in India and beyond to participate in critical thinking and reflection along with sports and extra curricular activities that will not only educate them, but also inspire them in unique ways.

"It will also create opportunities for young people to meet and engage with a diverse group of students. There is no better way to provide a sound transition for high school students into colleges and universities in the years to come," he said.