As a teacher, Santosh Kumar believes he has seen all types of students.

In his class there have been brilliant students, average students and weak students ? and the usual dose of ?muggers?, who believe that memorising theories are the one-all and end-all of studying.

Both as a teacher and as a parent, Kumar remains wary of the last category. These ?muggers? or students, who albeit under pressure to ?perform? at all levels, memorise for computer classes too.

?Computer science is a topic that requires understanding and practical experience. It is sad to see that even after passing out many students are ?illiterate? when it comes to practical truths. This deficiency is apparent everywhere.

?Theories are memorised, like poems, and practical understanding is thrust into the shadows. Therefore, students with practically excellent academic records often fail when it comes to practical life. And this scenario is repeated everywhere ? school, colleges and university,? he rues.

Kumar feels the problem escalates when those who had banked on this system are required to stand up and perform on the basis of IQ, EQ and common sense.

It seems Kumar believes that common sense is the most uncommon feature in everyday life at present. And he blames the teachers and parents for this.

?The students are told to perform and they are told to study. How many of us tell them how to balance the two? Tutorials give students ?notes? that have been distributed to 10 batches before as well. Pray doesn?t all that ?studying? mean memorising for the best possible result?? he asks with irritation.

For him solution lies in more emphasis on practicals, independent assignments, class projects and discussions.

Students should be encouraged to learn by the trial and error method so that the lessons remain etched in their memories forever.

For those who are pro-theories here?s a new way ? let life teach you over time and the rest you discover.

Arti Sahuliyar