Until a few years ago, the word 'good school' conjured up the same image in everyone's mind - 'where students score excellent marks in exams and SEE or class 12th results stick across the board.' But with time this concept has changed.

Today's parents must be well aware of the pain of failing the test of life, even if they get 'A+' in many subjects or GPA 4 overall in their certificates. The school that today's parents are looking for is not just a factory of results, but a center for the overall development of children. 

With every new generation comes new ideas, new dreams and new challenges in society. The current 'Jenji' generation, i.e. the youth born between 1997 and 2012, represents an unprecedented change in the context of Nepal. They grew up in the digital age, where there is no dearth of information and the world's knowledge is available at a click. On the other hand, their parents, who are mostly from the 'Gen X' generation, have a slightly different understanding and plan. They struggled with limited resources, a traditional society, and a less competitive educational environment. Due to this different background, there is a big difference in the interests, desires and plans of these two generations. 

Nepal's educational system has been based on theoretical knowledge and exam-centered for a long time. The quality gap between government and private schools is wide. Most of the schools follow a teaching method that encourages students to score high marks in exams. As a result, students acquire book knowledge but are weak in how to apply it in real life. Our education system has more emphasis on 'what?' than 'why?' Students memorize without understanding the deep meaning of anything. This does not allow their creative thinking and critical analysis skills to develop. 

We consider certification as a measure of success. Due to the thought of getting good marks and getting name in a good college, students are forced to study even subjects they don't like. It kills their personal interest and potential. Similarly, many subjects taught in schools are not connected with our daily life and society. For example, in agrarian countries, most of the students have not been able to acquire practical knowledge of farming. This gap has prevented children from connecting with their country and society. 

Different generations, different interests

The Genji generation is often called 'digital natives'. Their interests revolve around mobile, internet and social media. Most Genji youth would rather be a 'content creator' with their own business, YouTube channel or social media than pursue a traditional job. They seek freedom in their time and work style. This generation is very conscious about their mental health.

They are not afraid to talk openly about mental stress, anxiety and depression and are also ready to solve it. They value creative skills more than traditional 'book knowledge'. These include graphic design, video editing, digital art, music production and writing. This generation is more aware of social justice issues, such as climate change, gender equality and racial discrimination. They don't hesitate to voice their opinion on such issues.

When choosing a school, parents look at exam results, school discipline, teacher qualifications and the school's social reputation. For them, school is a factory producing 'excellent results'. On the contrary, Genji youth wants a school where they develop all round. They are attracted to schools that value art, music, sports and social activities. They need an environment where they are encouraged to question and express their opinions.

In addition, there is a huge gap between parents and the Genji generation in terms of subjects and faculty interests. Parents insist their children to study science or management subjects as they believe that these subjects will guarantee a 'good job' in the future.

They think that their children will not be able to do anything in the future if they study subjects like arts or humanities. However, Genji youth show interest in subjects that suit their interests, such as sociology, psychology, film making, graphic design and digital marketing. They understand that creativity and digital skills can create greater opportunities in the future than traditional subjects.

If this gap in the thinking of both generations is not bridged, it can not only stress the family relationship, but also negatively affect the future of the youth.

The need for change in teaching methods

The traditional method of 'teachers speak, students listen' is no longer effective. Today's parents are looking for schools that make students active learners, not passive listeners. Now is the time when the teacher is not active, but the student is active, for which these methods can be important and effective:

project-based learning: students are made to work on a project based on the curriculum, where they get to use theoretical knowledge in a practical way. For example, a student may be given a project on 'Cultural Heritage of Nepal'. In this project they can research a temple, monastery or historical place near them, interact with local people and write about its history and significance. This not only develops their book knowledge, but also their research and communication skills.

Experiential learning: Students should be connected to the world outside the classroom. Various educational tours, sightseeing of historical places and visits to industries or institutions make their knowledge more vivid. Schools can take students on a tour of a tea plantation, a hydroelectric project or an agricultural research center. Through this they can closely understand the development and economic activities of their country.

learning based on feelings: This teaching method encourages students to express their feelings and thoughts about any subject or event. It develops emotional and social intelligence through discussions, role plays and drama. Teachers encourage students to express their feelings and through this they can understand themselves and others. This method also teaches students to respect ethnic, linguistic and religious differences.

Teacher is no longer just a teacher, but also a helper

Teachers should not be seen only as information providers. Instead of instructing the students on 'what to learn?', the teacher of the new age should help them on 'how to learn?' They should inspire students to question, to innovate and create, and to express their ideas. The teacher should not be a source of knowledge in the classroom but a friend of the students in their quest for knowledge. The relationship between teacher and student should be based on trust, not fear. The teacher should be able to listen to the individual problems of the students and give proper guidance for solving them. Therefore, future teachers should become friends and this kind of relationship also increases the sense of belonging to the school in the students. 

A good teacher is also constantly learning. It is the teacher's responsibility to stay up-to-date with new technology, teaching methods and content. The government should conduct regular training programs to develop the capacity of teachers. Teachers should be trained in new teaching methods, child psychology and use of technology and only students can be promoted accordingly. 

The current time is the time of information and technology. Technology is an indispensable part of education today. Classrooms should have access to internet, projectors and computers. Teachers should use these technologies not only as educational materials, but also to inspire students in creative and creative work. 

and, finally,

The gap between the Genji generation and their parents in understanding what a good school is is not just a matter of individual choice, but a reflection of larger changes in society. This highlights the need for future education to focus on creative skills and all-round development from the traditional thinking of getting excellent marks in exams and emphasizing only on certificates. 

Open and honest dialogue between both generations is essential to bridge this gap. Parents should understand their children's interests and encourage them to move forward in new areas, while the Genji generation should also respect their parents' experiences and concerns.