India:
A Comparison and Contrast
with US Education
Darcy Elizabeth Church
EDU 557 International and Cross-Cultural
Education
(Bhārat Gaṇarājya)
Saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of
renunciation;
White signifies purity and truth;
Green stands for faith and fertility;
The blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and
death in stagnation
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
India is the 7th largest country in the
world
There are 29 states & 7 Union
Territories
It is a federal republic with a President,
Vice-President & Prime Minister
The Supreme court has one chief justice
with 30 associate justices
*Justices are appointed by the
President and serve until they are 65
years old
India has the 4th largest GDP at $4.99
trillion US Dollars (purchasing power)
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/india-political-map.htm
Population
Pyramid
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/population/IN_popgraph%202014.bmp
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/population/US_popgraph%202014.bmp
The Taj Mahal & The Taj
Mahal Palace
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ94NUC_FEs/UBvDS_K_mYI/AAAAAAAAAFg/jxDQIMC6K0/s400/Taj%2Bhotel%2Bmumbai%2Bindia.jpg
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/in/images/IN_003.jpg
The Taj Mahal
“Bias-relief floral design in
marble at the Taj Mahal”
“A floral marble design at the
Taj Mahal”
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/in/images/IN_015.JPG
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/in/images/IN_018.JPG
Varanasi
Varanasi – “One of the oldest
continuously inhabited cities in
the world is located on the west
bank of the river Ganges in Uttar
Pradesh”
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/in/images/IN_001.jpg
Dhamek Stupa
Dhamek Stupa – found in Samath, Uttar
Pradesh, “location of Buddha’s sermon to his
five disciples after attaining enlightenment”
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
A brief History of
India
Iron Age 1200-26 BCE;
Indus Valley Civilization 3000 BCE-1600 BCE
Aryans immigrate into the Ganges Valley (Sanskrit: आर्य, meaning
"noble" or "noble one“) and intermix with the Dravidians 1500 BCE
(Trautmann, 1997, p. Xxxii)
Vedism 1400 BCE-400 BCE; Veds – “knowledge”; Sutri – “that which is
heard”
– Rgveda Saṁhitā (Sanskrit: संहिता) – “put together, joined, union" and
"a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses”
– Sāmaveda (Sanskrit: सामवेद) – "melody" and veda "knowledge”
– Yajurveda Saṁhitā (Sanskrit: र्जुवेद) –"sacrificial formula" and Veda
"knowledge") - "Knowledge of Sacrificial Rituals“
– Atharvaveda Saṁhitā (Sanskrit: अथवयवेद) – "Knowledge of
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Incarnations"
Sen, 1988, pp 1-11
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 1-22
A brief History of
India
Classical Period 21-1279 CE
Maurya Empire 320-550 BCE – 1000/1100 CE literature, poetry and art;
peace and prosperity Puranas (Hindu text)
Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian
science, art, and culture (Golden Age )
Prince Siddharta Gautama was born approx 563 BCE (later known as
Buddha, or "Awakened One"). “The Buddha died in 483 B.C.E., after 45
years of traveling and teaching.” It is believed that his last words were
"Strive on with awareness"
Late Medieval Period 1526-1858 CE
Turks and Afghans (1000/1100 CE) establish the Delhi Sultanate
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/8d.asp
http://www.history.com/topics/taj-mahal
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 1-22
India
Early Modern Period – Babur (Afghan leader) invades India, Mughal
Empire rules until 1858
1632 Taj Mahal construction begins, built by the Islamic Shah Jahan
as a mausoleum for his deceased wife, Arjumand Banu Begum (also
known as “Chosen One of the Palace”)
It was built across the Yamuna River from the royal palace at Agra.
The construction was accomplished by approximately 20,000 men
and 1,000 elephants
1758-1858 many parts of India controlled by the East India Company
Colonial Period
1858 British imperialism conquers the Mughal Empire
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948 CE) & Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964 CE)
prominent leaders in the Indian Independence movement (1930’s1940’s CE)
http://www.history.com/topics/taj-mahal
1989, pp 3-5
** Indian independence from Britain August 15, 1947 Kitagawa,
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 1-22
Educational System in India (before
colonization by the British Empire)
Guru Kula System – the teacher “Guru” accepted those he
thought worthy
– Student would move into the home of the Guru
– Student(s) helped with all household activities
– Structure was fluid; subjects included household tasks,
Sanskrit, holy scriptures, mathematics, metaphysics…..
– Timespan was mutually agreed upon
– Some rote learning
– intimately linked to nature
Ellis, 2009, pp 363–375
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 1-22
Educational System in India after
colonization by the British Empire
Thomas Babington, Lord Macaulay (1800-1859)
– Opposed slavery
– Supported education
– Introduced the modern educational system in India (1839)
– Learning was in English
– Topics were no longer tied to nature
– Topics included science and mathematics
– Metaphysics and philosophy were discontinued
– Classes in a centralized school, not the Guru’s home
http://oll.libertyfund.org/people/thomas-babington-lord-macaulay
Educational System in India after
colonization by the British Empire
1921 The Uttar Pradesh Board of High School Education and
Intermediate Education was established
– Jurisdiction was Rajputana, Central India, & Gwalior
1929 The Board of High School and Intermediate Education was
founded
1935 Central Advisory Board of Education (CAB) was founded
– Monitors and changes educational policies and programs
Ellis, 2009, pp 363–375
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 25-98l
Educational System in
India after Independence
1947 Independence from the British Empire; Article 45 of the Constitution,
children ages 6-14 Universal & compulsory education
1952 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) named Determined
curriculum, textbooks & the examination system for all affiliated schools
1965 National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
prepares the National Curriculum Framework & the State Council for
Educational Research and Training (SCERT) – states are not obligated to
follow the national plan
Ellis, 2009, pp 363–375
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 25-98
Educational System in
India after Independence
1976 Constitutional Amendment placed Education on the concurrent list
making it the responsibility of both state and federal governments, but
awarded the federal government supremacy in all matters concerning
education.
– The Indian nationalist perspective on decentralization promoted education in Grama
Swaraj (village self-rule), of which Mahatma Gandhi adamantly supported
1986 The National Policy on Education
1992 The Program of Action (POA) goal of free and compulsory education
for all children ages 6- 14 years is renewed
Ellis, 2009, pp 363–375
Kitagawa, 1989, pp 3-5
Sen, 1988, pp-11-25
Sharma & Sharma, 2004, pp 25-98
India vs USA
Total Population 1,236,344,631 (2nd
largest in the world behind China)
Total Population 318,892,103 (4th largest in the
world)
Ethnic Groups
– Indo-Aryan 72%
– Dravidian 25%
– Mongoloid (and others) 3%
Ethnic Groups
– White 79.96%
Black 12.85%
– Asian 4.43%
Indo-European 3.8%
– Asian & Pacific Islands 2.7%
Other 0.7%
Religions
– Hindu 80.5%
– Muslim 13.4%
– Christian 2.3%
– Sikh 1.9%
– Other/unspecified 1.9%
Religions
– Protestant 51.3%
Roman Catholic 23.9%
– Mormon 1.7%
Other Christians 1.6%
– Jewish 1.7%
Buddhist 0.7%
– Muslim 0.6%
– Unspecified/unaffiliated/none 15%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html
USA
Education Expenditure 3.2% of
the GDP (134th in the world)
Education Expenditure 5.4% of the GDP
(63rd in the world)
Years of Education 12
Years of Education 17
males – 12 years
females – 11 years
43.5% of the children under the
age of 5 are underweight
males – 16 years
females – 17 years
1.3% of the children under the age of 5 are
underweight
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html
Educational System in India
after Independence
Required languages – English, Hindi & their mother tongue
Literacy (definition) – “age 15 and over can read and write”
India is 6th in the world when it comes to internet users, and yet,
– population literacy 62.8%
– male literacy 75.2%
– female literacy 50.8%
United States of America is 2nd in the world when it comes to internet users
– population literacy: 99%
– male literacy: 99%
– female literacy: 99% (2003 est.)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html
Educational System
in India
Education
School/Level
Grade
From
Grade
To
Age
From
Age To
Years
Primary
Elementary School
1
8
6
14
8
Secondary
Secondary School
Tertiary
University/College
Level
Tertiary
Technical Institutes
9
12
14
18
Notes
4
Includes
Standards IX and
XII - Senior
Secondary School
or Junior College
4
Undergraduate
degree
http://www.classbase.com/Countries/India/Education-System
Educational System
in India
Scale
Grade Description
US Grade
60.00 - 100.00 First Division/First Class
A
50.00 - 59.00 Second Class/Second Division
B
40.00 - 49.00 Third Class/Third Division/Pass Class
C
Please note, minimum pass can vary, typically between 30 and 40
Conceded Pass/Grace Marks
D
0.00 - 39.00 Below Minimum Pass (Any grade below the institutions'
minimum pass)
F
http://www.classbase.com/Countries/India/Grading-System
Similarities in
Education: India & US
All lessons structured according to five aspects of education: information,
concepts, attitude, imagination, and freedom.
Multiple intelligences (as outlined by Dr. Howard Gardner)
ICSE School Board Subjects taught in India: English, Mathmatics, Physics,
Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History/Civics, E.V.S (Environmental
Science),Computer, Art, Philosophy, Hindi, English, and an additional language.
Subjects taught in the US: Language Arts/English, Mathematics (Algebra
Readiness and Geometry to AP Calculus), Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry,
Earth Science, Plants, and Genetics), Social Studies/History, Physical Education,
Health, Family and Computer Science, Art (sculpture, ceramics, painting, and
digital media),Music, Business, Computer Sciences.
http://www.csdnb.org/#home
http://www.cisce.org/divisions.aspx
Differences in
Education: India & US
India – Standards connect knowledge to life outside the school, learning
shifts away from rote methods, enrichment beyond textbooks, flexible
exams integrated with classroom activities, and nuturing identity within
democratic polity of the country.
USA – Standards are research and evidence based, clear, understandable,
and consistent, aligned with college and career expectations, based on
rigorous content and the application of knowledge through higher-order
thinking skills, built upon the strengths and lessons of current state
standards, and Informed by other top-performing countries to prepare all
students for success in our global economy and society.
http://www.csdnb.org/#home
http://www.cisce.org/divisions.aspx
http://www.ncert.nic.in/rightside/links/pdf/framework/english/nf2005.pdf
exams
Biology
As the subject includes lots of diagrams, give special attention to
important diagrams and their theory. Make sure you remember the
important terms and their respective functions.
Biology involves learning and memorizing difficult terminology. Write
such terms repeatedly so as to get acquainted with them.
Get thorough with the important definitions as the subject is mostly
theory.
http://www.mapsofindia.com/education/how-to-prepare/high-school.html
India: CBSE vs
ICSE
Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE )
Main board of education for
secondary education All of the
competitive examinations test
based on this syllabus)
All India Senior School Certificate
Examination – completed after
the 12th grade for those going on
to tertiary education
6 subjects/examinations during
the 6th grade
Indian Certificate of Secondary
Education (ICSE)
ICSE examination at the end of
10th grade and an Indian School
Certificate (ISC) examination at
the end of 12th grade
Indian Certificate of Secondary
Education board is recognized
around the world
13 subjects/examinations during
the 6th grade
https://www.urbanpro.com/a/cbse-vs-icse-the-pros-and-cons-of-each-educationalboard?_from=showMessage#
Johnson, Khalil, Peppler, Davey, & Kibble, 2014, pp 315-320
Lall, 2008, pp 103-119
India: CBSE vs
ICSE
CBSE is preferred for movement within the Republic of India. The syllabus is
more focused on mathematics and sciences. It has more scholarships,
aptitude exams for innate skills, and is preferred in the fields of engineering
and medicine. Subjects are purely academic in nature.
ICSE is newer and would facilitate international immigration as its syllabus is
more compatible with international standards. The ICSE covers more diverse
topics, promotes practical knowledge, and fosters analytical thoughts and
skills with laboratory and practical applications.
https://www.urbanpro.com/a/cbse-vs-icse-the-pros-and-cons-of-each-educationalboard?_from=showMessage#
Johnson, Khalil, Peppler, Davey, & Kibble, 2014, pp 315-320
Lall, 2008, pp 103-119
India: 12th board exams (similar to
the CAPT exams in CT)
Tips to prepare:
Know the syllabus clearly: Follow your class lessons properly to cover your syllabus in
a systematic manner. The class lessons are probably the first introduction of the
topics to you. After coming home, revise whatever is taught in the class, as the topics
will be still fresh in mind. In case of confusion, clarify with your teacher the next day.
Solve questions: Try and solve the questions at the end of each topic and also the last
ten years' papers. If you are stuck, make sure you have it resolved by the next day at
the maximum. Take help from teachers and seniors, as needed.
Maintain separate notebooks for each subject: Jot down important notes and
formulae that you come across during your studies. This will help before the exams as
you can just grab the subject notebook and revise the portions you want.
Highlight important points: Highlight important points and formulae on textbooks
and reference books to locate them easily. Revise the points as and when you get
time.
India: 12th board exams (similar to
the CAPT exams in CT)
Tips to prepare:
Plan your studies: Chalk out a time table for board exam preparation and allocate
ample time for each subject. Choose the time that you think is best for study. It can be
early in the morning or late at night. Do not allow distractions to mar your studies.
Select a study space that you feel is most suitable and convenient.
Know your strengths and weaknesses: Hone your strengths but do not ignore your
weaknesses. Concentrate more to improve on them. Take guidance from your
teachers.
Revise Well: Do not study anything new or from a new book right before exams, as
you may get confused. Revise what you have studied and glance at important notes
and formulae. Make note of important formulae and keep them handy so that you
can take a look at them as an when you want. Make a weekly revision plan once you
have completed the entire syllabus.
Keep fit: Eat healthy and take ample rest. Make sure you are also spending some time
playing and re-energizing yourself.
India vs USA
CBSE/IBSC
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
American College Testing (ACT)
▪ Required for admission into
tertiary education
▪ SAT/ACT score cutoffs are
determined by the individual
schools for admission.
▪ Cutoff scores are determined
by each institution of higher
learning
Johnson, Khalil, Peppler, Davey, & Kibble, 2014, pp 315-320
Lall, 2008, pp 103-104
▪ Additional materials can be
required (high school transcript
with written evaluations by
your teachers, teacher
recommendations, school
counselor recommendation,
personal essays, etc.)
http://admissions.yale.edu/what-yale-looks-for
Immigration to the USA
As with any transition, testing/assessments should be the first
step prior to placement in school.
This applies to all children regardless of the place of origin.
We recognize that differences in curriculum from state to state
in the US led to the widespread adoption of the Common Core
State Standards and the introduction of the Next Generation
Science Standards.
All things being equal, a student’s application to learning is a
better indicator of subsequent success in school, not the
country (or state) of origin.
When governments promote
an agenda in education
“The Education policy is an effective means to promote
and spread nationalist ideologies and, consequently,
countries have used their education infrastructure for
political ends.”
Lall, 2008, pp 103-104
References:
Educational Research Indian Educational Review: Half-yearly Journal Of (2010): 46(1), (pp. 22, ). Retrieved
March 26, 2015, from
http://www.ncert.nic.in/publication/journals/pdf_files/indian_education_review/January_2010.pdf
Ellis, C. (2009) "Education for All: Reassessing the Historiography of Education in Colonial India," History
Compass, (March 2009), 7(2). pp 363–375.
"India 1900 to 1947" (2014). HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. Retrieved March 26, 2015, from
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/india_1900_to_1947.htm
Johnson, T. R., Khalil, M. K., Peppler, R. D., Davey, D. D., & Kibble, J. D. (2014). Use of the NBME
Comprehensive Basic Science Examination as a progress test in the preclerkship curriculum of a new
medical school. Advances In Physiology Education, 38(4), 315-320.
Kaul, D. C. (2011). From empire to independence: The British Raj in India 1858-1947. BBC: History,
Retrieved March 26, 2015, from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/modern/independence1947_01.shtml
References:
Kitagawa, J. (Ed.). (1989). The Religious traditions of Asia (pp. 3-5). New York, New York: Macmillan
Pub. Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Department of School Education & Literacy,
retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://mhrd.gov.in/school-education
Lall, M. (2008). Educate to hate: the use of education in the creation of antagonistic national identities
in India and Pakistan. Compare: A Journal Of Comparative Education, 38(1), 103-119. Retrieved March
26, 2015, from http://0eds.b.ebscohost.com.www.consuls.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=77fb9540-a205-4d7b-810b92aedd2287ff%40sessionmgr111&vid=0&hid=119
Mukundan, M., & Bray, M. (2004). The Decentralisation Of Education In Kerala State, India: Rhetoric
And Reality. International Review Of Education / Internationale Zeitschrift Für
Erziehungswissenschaft, 50(3/4), 223-244. Retrieved March 26, 2015, from http://0eds.b.ebscohost.com.www.consuls.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=f9bcce0d-12bb-4943-8ad0f605c56d5b20%40sessionmgr198&vid=0&hid=119
NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK (2005) Retrieved March 26, 2015, from
http://www.ncert.nic.in/rightside/links/pdf/framework/prelims.pdf
References:
New Britain Consolidated School District, (Curriculum comparison) http://www.csdnb.org/#home
Sen, S. (1988), "Education in Ancient and Medieval India", Indian Journal of History of Science, Indian
National Science Academy, 23(1), pp: 1-32.
Sharma, R., & Sharma, R. (2004). History of Education in India. (pp. 1-98). New Delhi: Atlantic and
Distributors.
Thatte, R. L. (2004). Education in the Indian philosophical context. Indian Journal Of Plastic Surgery,
37(2), 94-98.
Trautmann, T. (1997). Aryans and British India (p. Xxxii). Berkeley, California: University of California
Press.