Madikeri: Acquiring knowledge and skill through education is more important than obtaining degrees and certificates, Vice-Chancellor of the Karnataka State Open University, K. Sudha Rao, said here on Wednesday.

She was delivering the keynote address at a national seminar organised on the topic "Learner Centered Teaching — New Paradigms, Dynamics and Dimensions", organised at the Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa College (FMKMCC), a constituent of the Mangalore University here.

Adapting to the changed scenario in education was imperative, she added.

Dr. Rao said creating a conducive environment in which parents, teachers and the surroundings played a key role was a must for furthering the cause of education and to facilitate learning in the modern era, Dr. Rao said.

However, the cost of higher education had been rising over a period of time in the country, but the quality of education had not risen to the expected levels, she noted.

To cite an example, Matriculates of the past were more knowledgeable than those who currently acquired Ph.Ds. Learning instinct was strongly embedded in the people those days which was found wanting in the modern age, Dr. Rao said.

Creating a supportive environment for learning, developing a positive attitude and proper use of language were essential ingredients of modern teaching, she said.

Wary of computers

Dr. Rao said at the same time, a proper technological base should also be created. Computers, in particular, played a vital role in the success of education she said, adding that unfortunately many teachers were wary of touching the "wonder machine". Providing a healthy environment to learn and emphasis on time factor to finish works ahead of schedule were also needed to make the learner-centric education system easy.

Teacher's role

A teacher enjoyed a powerful profile in the scheme of things where she or he determined everything pertaining to education, Dr. Rao noted. Focussing on a dull student was imperative on the part of a teacher.

Responsibility and accountability also played an important role in a successful education system, Dr. Rao said.

Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa (retd) inaugurated the seminar being attended by various delegates from across the country. If teachers had to get the best from students, they needed to give their best, he said.

Mr. Cariappa said students must also be encouraged to take some time off their academic schedule to learn other activities, including cultural heritage of the country.

M.D. Nanjunda, a national award-winning teacher, and Coorg Public School principal Gonicoppa noted that education meant kindling a flame of thought and knowledge in students. Pushpa Kuttanna, Principal of the FMKMCC, presided over the function. M.N. Ravi Shankar, coordinator of the national seminar, welcomed. Convenor of the seminar, T.D. Thimmaiah, was present.

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