The Global Perspective : What India Can Learn from International Educational Models
India, a country of more than 1.4 Billion minds, with its growing economy and cultural heritage, is taking substantial steps in education. But challenges like teacher training, quality disparities and impartial access persist. The nation has more than 50 % population below the age of 25 yet, India’s education system faces criticism for its gaps in quality, inclusivity, and accessibility. In last thirty decades the country has made praiseworthy steps in increasing enrolment and literacy rates, still there is huge scope for improvement. By drawing inspiration from the successful, global education models and learning from countries that share socio-economic similarities but perform better in education, India can create a more robust and inclusive system.
Where Do We Stand
As per, the National Achievement Survey of 2021, the average score of students of class 10 in Mathematics was 220 out of 500, where as in Science it was 206 out of 500 and 227 in English. To improve these figures, we need good and well trained educators. As of March 2023, India had 15,896 teacher education institutes, which were offering 22,706 courses in education (according to National Council for Teacher Education).
Challenges persist in teacher quality and digital infrastructure. In Uttar Pradesh in 2021-2022, out of 2,58,054 schools only 54,554 schools had an internet connection, which is less than a quarter of total schools.
India’s annual education budget allocation of 120,628 crores which is 2.5% of total government expenditure. On teacher training programs, the total budget expenditure under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan for financial year 2023 was 96 crores which is 0.0003 % of India total GDP. Compared to countries like Norway, United States and Finland who are spending 5.9%, 6.1% and 6.9% of their GDP on training courses for teachers, according to World Population Review. The profession of teaching commands respect and admiration globally. Countries having developed and successful educational infrastructure also provide better salaries and opportunities for the educators which makes the overall profession ideal for learners to opt for. According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Luxembourg on an average spends INR 72.50 LPA on a salary of a primary and secondary school teacher; whereas educators in regions, suffering from economic constraints or inadequate educational standards, receive less salaries. In India the average salary of a teacher ranges from INR 2.90 LPA – 3.50 LPA.
In recent years, India’s educational initiatives have made progress, inspiration from successful educational models across the borders can drive the regions system further.
Learning from the World:
Following countries have set benchmarks in education, educational infrastructure and overall system, by demonstrating how education models can evolve to meet diverse challenges.
Here’s what we can learn:
1. South Korea : Respect for Educators and Cultural Emphasis on Education
South Korea’s social respect for educators drives the country’s education system and teaching in general as profession. The country is in the top ranking of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) and teachers are regarded highly, with competitive salaries and job security. Initiatives to boost the social status of teachers such as higher pay and recognition programs, can help attract and retain talent in the sector.
2. Singapore and Germany: Vocational Excellence
Singapore and Germany have successfully integrated vocational and academic streams, which is preparing students for the workforce without sacrificing academic accuracy. India can replicate this by embedding vocational training in secondary education, creating a seamless path from school to employment.
3. Finland: Student-Centric Learning
Finnish education system mostly emphasizes on student well-being, creativity and equal access. Teachers and educators under-go rigorous master’s-level training, which ensures educators are highly trained, skilled and motivated. India can adopt similar teacher training models to enhance classroom outcomes. India can also reduce exam centric stress by adopting more flexible, project-based learning. Also, enhancing teacher qualifications through various advanced certifications could significantly help in improving classroom outcomes.
4. Estonia: Embracing Digital Transformation:
Estonia from last decade is focusing on digital education and teacher training, which has made it a global leader in integrating technology into classrooms. India’s push for digital learning through initiatives like PM eVidya can be scaled with lessons from Estonia. Expanding internet access and incorporating digital tools in rural classrooms could bridge the urban-rural gap.
By expanding digital infrastructure and training teachers in tech driven methods, India can replicate this success. Digital platforms promote self learning and learners have opportunity to learn skills they are passionate about independently.
| Metric | India | Estonia |
| Internet Penetration | 55% | 99% |
| Access to Free Digital Tools | Limited | Nationwide |
5. Brazil: Community Involvement in Education
In Brazil, schools and education institutions are leveraging involvement of communities to improve quality and access of education. By engaging parent-teacher associations and involving the community in localized curriculum development, teachers gain better understanding of their student’s needs. According to a report by Brazilian Ministry of Education, more than 60 % of schools have active Parent-Teacher Associations, and localized curriculum projects have been implemented in over 1ooo municipalities as part of Brazil’s education reform efforts.
In India, adopting a similar model of community engagement in education and educating communities can help us improve teacher training in rural and tribal areas by offering contextualized learning and stronger community support for educators.
A regional snapshot of global comparisons:
| Metric | India | Finland | Brazil | Singapore | Estonia | South Korea |
| Literacy Rate (%) | 77.7 | 1oo | 93.2 | 97.3 | 99.8 | 97.9 |
| PISA Ranking | Not Ranked | Top 5 | Not Ranked | Top 10 | Top 10 | Top |
| Teacher Training Requirement | Graduate Level | Master’s Level | Graduate Level | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
India is at crossroads of tradition and transformation hence, by learning from global educational models, leaders in education across the borders and embracing change, we can build region’s education system into one that is fair, reasonable, modern, inclusive and impactful. Non profit organizations like Sterlite EdIndia are at forefront, tirelessly working to combine technology into classrooms, training up-coming and in-service teachers, by collaborating with the government. Our goal is to make teaching as a profession that is desirable, preparing teachers of the future and we believe every child in the country should have access to quality education and to ensure that, it is essential to ensure that those who have the responsibility to impart education are prepared to do the same. Sterlite EdIndia Foundation has been closely working with Teacher Education Institutes and DIETs (district institute for education and training ) across the country to address the problem of quality of teachers by building the capacity of pre-service as well as in-service teachers.
Education shapes the future, gives confidence, makes you aware of your rights, and India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in education starts with our teachers and classrooms. By welcoming, global successful practices we can empower every child with the education that they deserve.
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