From Answers to Questions: Why our education system needs a paradigm shift in the age of AI

If you were schooled in Kerala (I can't speak for other states), you probably remember dreading those exam days when you had to memorize formulas like "(a+b)2" and "(a-b)2". Looking back, we could recite these formulas forwards and backwards, yet rarely understood their practical applications. It feels like we were training for memory championships rather than life

I distinctly remember those "Statement Sums" (as we called them, then) or Arithmetic Word Problems. The irony was that marks were deducted for missing steps, even if the final answer was correct. Wasn't the goal to solve problems rather than follow a predetermined path? This approach seemed to create assembly-line thinkers instead of creative problem solvers

In today's world, where AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can instantly spit out perfectly synthesized detailed information on complex subjects like quantum computing including citations, the foundation of education is shifting dramatically. The challenge is no longer about finding answers – they're readily available everywhere!! Instead, it's about knowing what questions to ask and how to frame them effectively. But is our education system ready for this transformation?

For generations, our education has followed the "commit to memory and vomit to paper" philosophy in pursuit of good grades. This focus on "ratta marna"(rote memorisation), particularly celebrated in standardized tests, has often sidelined curiosity and critical thinking. As technology advances, this outdated approach limits students' ability to thrive in a world that demands creativity and problem-solving skills

Last month, I reconnected with my old batch-mate, Professor Sharad Borle, Associate Professor of Marketing at Rice University, Texas, over some Texan barbecue. His insights about the American education system were eye-opening. He explained how teaching isn't about proving you're smarter than your students by setting traps. "It's about facilitating them to ask better questions"

Around the world, progressive education systems are embracing this philosophy. Take Finland, for instance (yes, that education utopia we keep hearing about). Their project-based learning approach focuses on real-world problem-solving. A friend's daughter there recently worked on reducing food wastage in her school cafeteria – learning not just mathematics, but also leadership, environmental science, and social responsibility

To align with modern demands, our education system needs fundamental reforms. Can we replace memory-based exams with inquiry-driven assessments? Can students be graded based on what they know, rather than what they don't know? Instead of solving theoretical problems like "If 3 men can dig a well in 6 days..." why not challenge students to design efficient irrigation systems for their school garden? Why not allow students to submit YouTube video presentations explaining historical events through virtual tours rather than traditional written assignments?

After advocating that all answers are readily available, I must acknowledge that I'm not entirely sure the above questions are the right ones to ask. But perhaps that's precisely what education should be – not about certainty, but about maintaining curiosity and continuing to ask questions. After all, isn't confusion often the first step toward clarity?

What are your thoughts on making our education system more question-friendly? Share your memorable (or memorized!) school experiences in the comments below