Learning Beyond the Classroom: Developing Critical Real-World Skills

                                                                                     Dr Surendra G Gattani

When considering the global population, especially in India, with a population of 1.5 billion

About 5% achieve great success, 10% achieve moderate success, but what about the remaining 85%? Despite all being created equal by the Almighty, success varies among individuals. One of the biggest reasons is learning beyond the classroom, where it stands out as the most crucial factor.

Education is not limited to textbooks, lectures, and exams. Many essential skills and life lessons are learned outside the classroom, through interaction with diverse people, leadership in organizing events, social involvement, connecting with nature, building networks, learning new skills, and more. Embracing these experiences enriches personal growth and future success.

The Value of Time in Our Daily Lives

Each day has 24 hours, and how we utilize these hours determines our professional, physical, mental, social, and economic growth. This applies to everyone—from schoolchildren to seasoned professionals. Overworking without balance often leads to missing important aspects of life.

My Observations from Educational Settings

Many students focus intensely on curricular activities (syllabus, classroom learning, practicals, and exams) but tend to neglect co-curricular and extracurricular activities, which are equally vital for development.

• Students strong in academics often lack in co-curricular and extracurricular engagement, missing out on health, soft skills, life skills, and professional growth.
• Conversely, students who are less focused on academics excel in co-curricular and extracurricular areas, indicating strengths in essential skills.
• A small percentage balances all three aspects—curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular—and experiences holistic growth.

The Risk of Focusing Solely on Curriculum

Relying exclusively on academic curricula is risky for future success. Students must learn to balance their time among various development areas to thrive in today’s dynamic world.

Time Management Concepts: 8-8-8 & 7-8-9

• 8-8-8 Concept: Divide 24 hours into three phases—8 hours for academics, 8 hours for co-curricular/extracurricular activities and personal development, and 8 hours for rest.
• 7-8-9 Concept: 7 hours for college, 8 hours for sleep, and 9 hours for skill development and extracurricular pursuits.

 

Defining Curricular, Co-Curricular, and Extracurricular Activities

• Curricular Activities: The formal academic pursuits—lectures, tests, labs, assignments, and projects aimed at intellectual mastery and academic qualification.
• Co-Curricular Activities: Complement classroom learning through debates, quizzes, clubs, community service, and leadership, promoting life skills and personality development.
• Extracurricular Activities: Voluntary non-academic pursuits like sports, arts, volunteering, cultural events, which foster creativity, confidence, and social skills.

The Consequences of Neglecting Holistic Activities

Focusing only on academics can lead to low confidence, poor communication, a weak personality, stress, and slow progress. Exam phobia is often related to overemphasis on the curriculum without balance.

Embracing the Self-Learning Era

Today’s learners must be self-motivated and discerning to choose the right activities at the right time. Relying solely on classroom teaching risks missing crucial skill sets for a bright future.

Collective Responsibility for Balanced Development

All education stakeholders must prioritize flexible timetables, promote co-curricular and extracurricular activities earnestly, and integrate them meaningfully into student schedules.

Benefits of Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities

• Complement academic learning and foster holistic development.
• Enhance intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth.
• Build leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Boost confidence, self-esteem, and motivation.
• Provide practical application of academic concepts.
• Encourage creativity, resilience, and physical well-being through diverse activities.
• Teach discipline, time management, and organization.
• Foster social connections and multicultural awareness.
• Promote balanced lifestyles, reducing stress and burnout.
• Valued by higher education and employers as signs of well-rounded readiness.

 

 

The following are the methods students can adopt to learn real-world experience for  overall development

 

1. Learning Communication Skills from Diverse People

Interacting with different kinds of people, from rikshawala (auto-rickshaw driver) to district collectors, local to global leaders, helps develop effective communication skills. Such real-world interactions teach adaptability, empathy, and clarity in expressing oneself, skills that classroom theory cannot fully impart.

Example: Engaging with people from varied backgrounds teaches negotiation skills, improves listening, and enhances cultural awareness.

2. Developing Leadership through Organizing Activities

Taking responsibility for organizing college, hostel, or society events nurtures leadership qualities. It involves planning, team management, conflict resolution, and decision-making—skills pivotal in professional and personal life.

Example: Leading a college fest or community drive, seminars, workshops, and conferences hone a student’s ability to coordinate efforts and inspire teamwork.

3. Social Activities Enhance Personality and Happiness

Participating in social activities within society fosters social connectivity, relationship-building, and emotional well-being. These experiences reflect one’s personality and contribute to a fulfilled, happy life.

Example: Volunteering at community health camps builds compassion and social responsibility.

4. Connecting with Nature and Wellness Practices

Engagement with nature through visits to temples, mountains, or involvement in sports and yoga cultivates positive attitudes and promotes stress management. These activities encourage discipline and emotional balance.

Example: Regular yoga practice can improve concentration and reduce anxiety among students.

5. Building Networks Locally and Globally

Creating social platforms and connecting with alumni and international peers broadens perspectives on local and global issues. Networking aids personal development and career growth.

Example: Joining alumni groups or international student forums provides insights into industry trends and opportunities.

 

6. Learning New Skills Aligned to Life Goals

Acquiring new skills tailored to personal and professional aspirations ensures adaptability and growth in a rapidly changing world.

Example: Learning digital marketing or coding, AI, ML, and Blockchain management alongside academic subjects, prepares students for future job markets.

7. Boosting Confidence by Overcoming Weaknesses

Facing challenges and working on personal weaknesses in real-world settings builds resilience and self-confidence.

Example: Public speaking clubs can help shy students overcome fear and improve articulation.

8. Gaining Practical Knowledge in Disaster and Time Management

Real-life experiences such as community disaster drills, reading biographies, and networking teach invaluable lessons in emergency preparedness and effective time management.

Example: Participating in fire safety drills and volunteering during emergencies provides hands-on disaster management skills.

Conclusion

While academic knowledge remains essential, true learning extends beyond the classroom. Practical experiences gained through co-curricular and extracurricular activities are crucial for developing communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, and real-world skills.

Students must plan their time to include these vital activities to unlock their full potential and enhance overall performance, preparing for life’s diverse challenges. This holistic approach fosters well-rounded individuals capable of thriving academically as well as personally and professionally.

 

 

Dr Surendra G Gattani is a Senior Professor and leads the Skill Center at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded