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The best education system in the world: Education, like healthcare and food, is a basic fundamental right of every citizen in every country. No forces of nature should stop anyone from getting an education because simply put, education is power.

Countries fight elections over trivial things like war and religion, but never on education, which is a truly upsetting and unfortunate turn of events. But this should not be a reason for people not to fight to get free and fair education that they deserve

There are many countries in the world that have made education free for their citizens.  Because a well-educated citizen can bring laurels to their country and change the course of the dynamics of our society

But before we start discussing some of the best education systems in the world, let us answer a few fundamental questions

Questions that need to be immediately addressed are:

• Is education just about teaching student’s science and mathematics?
• Is education important only to find a job?
• Is education shadowed by political powers?
• Does getting a degree make you an educated person?
• Is our education system knowledge-driven or marks driven?
• What Constitutes a Good Education System?
• Countries with the Best Education System in the World
  • Education System in South Korea
  • Education System in Hong Kong
  • Education System in Finland
  • Education System in USA

These are some of the burning questions that are haunting academicians and policymakers world over. There is no one proper definition for education and anyone who says otherwise is not educated enough!

In this part of the article, we will try to answer some of the questions mentioned above

Is education just about teaching students science, arts, history or mathematics?

Not necessarily. Of course, a student needs to be thought about geography, history, science and mathematics for them to have a bright and illustrious career ahead. But education is not confined to these subjects. Students need to be thought much more than this.

Ethics, integrity, humanitarian values, the survival of the fittest and many other aspects that help them be a law-abiding honest and wise citizen which helps them in creating a better world are vital aspects of education for a student. Students are gullible and are of a fresh mindset. Anything that is taught in childhood will remain with them forever.

Is education important only to find a job?

Definitely not. Unfortunately the perception of the education systems, especially in countries like India, in that it is important only to find jobs and earn money. The government, academicians, teachers, students and parents are collectively to be blamed for this type of mentality

A good education can indeed fetch you a good job, but that is the secondary intention of a good education. Being a better human being with good acumen and common sense and inculcating humanitarian values in students still is the primary intention of the education system.

Is education shadowed by political powers?

It pains us to say that, the education system is in most parts of the world, including India, is overshadowed by political and social influence. Science and mathematics can be an exception, but curriculum and syllabus in subjects like history and geography vary time to time depending on the political and social situation in the country

History can be blurred and modified by historians giving into propaganda other hidden agendas. This is a sorry state of affairs in our education system, which needs to be addressed immediately. Education systems should be truly independent without the influence of any power in the country.

Does getting a degree make you an educated person?

Do you think anyone and everyone graduating from top universities and institution around the world is really “educated”?
Again, not necessarily. Because education comes from the deeds we do and not a piece of papers. A person might be a topper in all the subjects and might have done well in his or her career, but if he or she does not have humanitarian value and are crooked minded, then what is the pit of education?

Is our education system knowledge-driven or marks driven?

Well, it is supposed to knowledge-driven but due to various faulty reasons, the system has somehow become marks driven. Students are thought subjects in the classroom to top exams, and not to help them gain real knowledge
A part of the blame is on government and a part of school authorities and faculties for this situation of our education system

There are plenty of reasons, other than the ones mentioned above, on why our education system has so many flaws and is not up to the par. The sole intention of an educational institution is to make students truly educated people. But the real truth about education systems in certain countries is far from that. From making money to promoting propaganda, education has always become a scapegoat for evil forces.

Hence, let us answer this fundamental question here

What Constitutes a Good Education System?

• Good curriculum:
  Education curriculum according to the culture and dynamics of the country. It is the academicians and experts that design the curriculum and they need to keep all the local factors of the country in mind.
• Enrolment:
  Getting students to schools in primary and secondary education is a challenge that countries need to address Government and other responsible bodies should conduct awareness campaigns to make sure the less privileged get to go to school without any hindrance.
• Qualified faculty:
  Well trained faculty to schools is the responsibility of the government. There should be proper institutes in place to rain teachers. We emphasise on this because, at the end of the day, it is the teachers that nurture the students. They need to be well equipped with all the required competencies for the job.
• Infrastructure:
  For all-round development of a kid, the proper environment should be built around them. Digital infrastructure to physical infrastructure, a school should have it all to be a true best education systems in the world.
• Humanitarian values:
  Inculcate moral science and other such subjects in the curriculum. Students can grow up to be a doctor or a scientist or an engineer but the education system should also be such that students grow up to be a good human being.
• Coordination:
  Proper coordination between all the stakeholders such as government, parents and teachers. The education system can be improved only if everyone takes part in it effectively.
• Knowledge:
  An education system should be knowledge-driven and not marks driven. A school should not be a certificate-granting institute. Students should be thought to gain knowledge and not grades.
• Intentions:
  Teach students for the intention of gaining knowledge and not jobs. The intentions should be made clear. This holds importance, especially in primary and secondary education. The system should be designed such that students make their own decisions later on about their career. An education system should only be medium for children to grow up to be independent.
• Freedom:
  Freedom from influential powers such as business, politics. The education system and the concerned authorities and schools should be truly independent in functioning.

In this article, we list out the following factors that can make a country’s education systems the best in the world

Let us explain each of the factors by taking examples of best education systems around the world

Countries with the Best Education System in the World

Education System in South Korea

South Korea is considered to be one of the best education systems in East Asian Countries. Many countries across the globe try to imitate and replicate South Korea’s education systems.

So what makes South Korea’s education system good?

• Synchronization of curriculum and examsSouth Korea takes it college and school examination so seriously, so much so that places come to a standstill on days of public examinations such as the university entrance examination and traffic is stopped and planes will be diverted to minimize noise. This is the amount of value they put on their children’s education
  The curriculum is dominated by languages, mathematics and science. English has become a very important element of social mobility.Their education system reflects a strong overlap between the test questions and the exam-driven curriculum that schools focus on, as well as the hard work by the pupils and the strong support/pressure from parents to succeed.
• Culture of diligenceIn South Korea, the education systems give due diligence to every desires and ambition of students. There aptitude and talents are nurtured accordinglyThe customization of education and the importance they give to student’s mindset helps students develop a keen interest in the education imparted to them.

Education System in Hong Kong

Hong Kong was built on hard work, as a refugee society. There was no in-built class system and the way to achieve social mobility was through education.

Some of the things Hong Kong has done to their education system are:

• PedagogyThere’s a mix of academic rigour and structure. There’s a theory of learning behind everything. They don’t do a project just for the sake of doing it – there’s a framework of learning.
• InfrastructureFor all-round development of the child, he or she should study in a healthy and competitive environment. School should have facilities like sports parks, libraries, clubs, digital classrooms, etc so that students nurture their abilities in all fields.
• Enrolment rateHong Kong conducted massive awareness campaigns across many regions that resulted in an increase in student enrollment for primary and secondary education in their schools.

Getting students to come to school and changing the mindset of parents is one of the big challenges that education systems faces and Hong Kong has cracked the code in this area!

Education System in Finland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHHFGo161Os

There is plenty of rating agencies around the world that rate an education system on the basis of various factors and Finland seems to have topped in these ratings for more than 2 years now.

So how did Finland achieve this?

• Teacher to student ratioTeacher to student ratio was kept low so that each student got the required care and attention from the students.
• EnrolmentMass enrollment happened in Finland that helped its education systems make drastic changes to its infrastructure and academics
• Local powerMunicipalities and schools have a lot of power to localize the national core curriculum. They trust their teachers as they have been selected through a careful process. They are given a lot of freedom and responsibility to tailor learning according to the needs of every child. They are not just paying lip service or following a script.
• No examinationsClass sizes are between 15 to 25 across primary and secondary schools. There are no national examinations or rankings. They don’t have that culture of comparing schools. If a school is not doing well, it is not closed down. It is given more resources of they do well. The completion is between schools and not between students.

Education System in USA

The United States of America has great education systems. Some of the top universities in the world are from the USA, such as

• Harward University
• Stanford University
• Warton University
• CalTech

The USA also has the best primary and secondary education in the world.

In a country like India, schooling is seen to be a process of certification. Questions are being asked as to whether the system is producing the sorts of people the economy and society needs. The system does encourage hard work and diligence but the concerns are that it is unduly stressful, does not promote creativity and the ability to be critical.

Policymakers, academicians and school authorities can take a cue from these countries to build a robust education system in countries like India. But it would be wrong for us to blindly replicate all the factors mentioned above.

Each country will have its own culture and population dynamics. An education system needs to be tailored to meet and synchronize with these dynamics.

Lastly, to build a good education system, everyone from the government to the public should put efforts, only then a country like India can have truly the best education systems in the world.

There comes a point in everyone’s life when we feel dejected and lost. Dealing with the neck to neck competition in this modern world can be really difficult and we even want to give up at times. Don’t just give up and uplift your spirits with the Inspirational Movies out there. If you find yourself with a lack of motivation just check out the Best Motivational Movies that can boost your confidence.

Gone are the days when traditional classroom training alone can motivate and inspire the students. All of us are aware children love entertainment and motivating them through Movies can be an easy way. Being a Parent or Teacher you will understand this even better. In today’s era, we are equipped with projectors and smart classrooms. Screening out some movies that inspire you to work hard isn’t that difficult.

We have listed some of the Highly Motivational Movies for Students that can teach them the value of hard work and proper education. Have a glance at the 21 Inspirational Movies every student must watch to keep up the spirit, get motivated.

• Good Will Hunting (1997)
• Lean on Me (1989)
• The Paper Chase (1973)
• 21 (2008)
• Forrest Gump (1994)
• Theory of Everything (2014)
• 42 (2013)
• The Social Network (2010)
• The Breakfast Club (1985)
• Freedom Writers(2007)
• Life of Pi (2012)
• Stand and Deliver(1988)
• Rush (2013)
• Boyhood (2014)
• The Blind Side(2009)
• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
• Warrior (2011)
• Half Nelson (2006)
• The Internship(2013)
• Everest (2015)
• The Great Debaters (2007)

Top Motivational Movies for Students

If you need something to uplift from melancholy, a good movie can always be of help and provide you the jolt you need. We have mentioned 21 Inspirational Movies every student must watch. They will not just inspire you and keep you motivated in achieving your goals but also gives you a powerful message that will stick with you long after watching.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

IMDb Rating – 8.3/10

Cast & Crew: Good Will Hunting boasts an illustrious cast including Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Stellan Skarsgard. This American film was written by Affleck and Matt Damon and was helmed by Gus Van Sant.

Story: Matt Damon played the lead role of a 20-year-old young man. The Hero is gifted with innate potentials in Chemistry and Mathematics and he doesn’t realize his potential. The film will inspire many to discover the hidden talents they have.

Lean on Me (1989)

IMDb Rating – 7.4/10

Cast & Crew – Written by Michael Schiffer and include cast Morgan Freeman, directed by John G. Avildsen

Story: Do you need a second chance at Study or your Career?

Lean on Me is a dramatized biographical film that is based on a true story. An Unorthodox teacher who had been fired as a principal returns to idyllic high school to find the devoid of success. This movie can be of great help to build ou up and get you through the pile of study. There can be nothing other than a true story to uplift your spirits.

The Paper Chase (1973)

IMDb Rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by James Bridges. It is an inspirational Hollywood Movie starring Timothy Bottoms, John Houseman, and Lindsay Wagner.

Story: Sometimes study does not come easily – often we need to learn to “set the mode”.

The Paper Chase concentrates on the hardworking and studious James T. Hart who struggles during his first year at Harvard. This movie can be apt for those who are facing difficulty and struggling to keep the motivation alive.

21 (2008)

IMDb Rating – 6.8/10

Cast & Crew: 21 is a 2008 American movie directed by Robert Luketic starring Jim Sturgess & Kevin Spacey.

Story: The film is inspired by the true story of MIT Blackjack Team said in Bringing Down the House, the best selling book by Ben Mezrich.

A talented student who entered Harvard University demonstrates his unique experience like no other students to get a scholarship. The Scholarship was won by a student from Korea who had no leg and the task is not that easy. The Student is lucky enough to meet a Maths Teacher who finds his talent and gives an unusual deal to him. If you aren’t aware of what to write in the motivational letter for your professors then this movie is definitely worth watching.

Forrest Gump (1994)

IMDb Rating – 8.8/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks

Story: This movie is about an inspiring story of a man having a low IQ and achieves incredible feats. He wins the medal of honor for bravery and becomes an expert ping pong player. He inspires the famous dance of Elvis Presley and makes money by selling shrimps.

It is a truly inspirational story that everyone should watch. It shows nothing is impossible if you are willing enough. The famous line in the movie is – “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get”.

Theory of Everything (2014)

IMDb Rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: James Marsh directed this movie starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones

Story:  The movie is about the story of the greatest cosmologist and physicist of our time namely Stephen Hawking. Being a brilliant student of Astrophysics, he learns that he is suffering from motor neurone disease. Doctors predict that he will be alive for 2 more years.

He remarkably defied medical calculations and stayed up to 76 years of age. In his lifespan, he became famous throughout and made eminent contributions in the world of cosmology and Physics. It is inspirational for the ones with special needs and there isn’t any boundary for what you can achieve.

42 (2013)

IMDb rating – 7.5/10

Cast & Crew: This Brian Helgeland helmed movie featured Chadwick Aaron Boseman in the lead role also starring Harrison Ford.

Story: This Inspirational Story Drama Portrays the real-life story of America’s baseball icon Jackie Robinson. He was the first black player to feature Major League in the Modern Era. It tells a lot to students about racism that was in practice in the USA. It helps students understand how difficult it can be to overcome challenges and why they should preserve.

The Social Network (2010)

IMDb Rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: “The Social Network” is an American drama movie written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher in 2010. Jesse Eisenberg depicted Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg while Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield played supporting roles.

Story: The story shows the journey of Mark Zuckerberg from Harvard University Student to a multi-millionaire and an inspiring one to everyone. It inspires you to become an awesome genius like the man himself. Social Network developed by him tells every student how they can turn their dreams into reality.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

IMDb Rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: It’s an American comedy-drama directed, written and produced by John Hugges in 1985.

Story: It is about how 5 students from different backgrounds end up together for detention, open up for each other. The movie tells that students can find friendship in the most unexpected ways. It is a must-watch for every student and is regarded as an evergreen teen cult movie.

Motivational Movies for Students Freedom Writers(2007)

IMDb Rating –7.6/10

Cast & Crew: This movie was directed by Richard LaGravenese and featured Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey

Story: It is an inspirational movie that includes a young teacher who inspires her troublesome class to pursue studies even after high school. she has to contend with risk students divided among themselves, opposing marriage and struggling marriage, money shortage. Students who get to see this movie will bound to see their teachers in a new light.

Motivational Movies for Students Life of Pi (2012)

IMDb Rating – 7.9/10

Cast & Crew: The Movie directed by Ang Lee includes both Indian and Foreign Actors. The film stars Suraj Sharma as Pi, Irfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Tabu, and Gerard Depardieu. It won many awards at premiere film festivals around the world.

Story: Movie revolves around the life of Pie-Patel a 16 year lol who was born in Hindu but believes all three religions for the love of God. It is the story of a boy as per the novelist and how he survived during a shipwreck and marooned in the Pacific Ocean along with a Bengal Tiger for companionship on a lifeboat. The movie will teach students how to realize hidden strengths when pushed to a corner.

Motivational Movies for Students Stand and Deliver(1988)

IMDb Rating – 7.9/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by Ramón Menéndez, starring Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Will Gotay and Vanessa Marquez

Story: It is based on the true story of a high school mathematics teacher named Jaime Escalante.

The movie tells about how an idealistic maths teacher supports his “no-hoper” students to study by adopting unusual teaching methods. “Stand and Deliver” is an inspirational movie for students who think they are hopeless in their studies.

Rush (2013)

IMDb Rating – 8.1/10

Cast & Crew: Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Ron Howard. Movie stars Chris Helmsworth and Daniel Bruhl. The film is a racy one that won the BAFTA award for best editing.

Story: The plot of the movie is about two F1 racers of 1970s James Hunt and NikiLauda. Both of them are intense rivals and the film stars their stretch to their limits to show supremacy on tracks. The Movie is for the driving buff with exhilarating race sequences on the screen.

You will get the gruelling conditions during an F1 race and how the rivalry spurred the other to fine-tune their skills.

Boyhood (2014)

IMDb Rating – 7.9/10

Cast & Crew: It is written and directed by Richard Linklater. The Movie stars Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater. The film was admired for being shot for over 12 years.

Story: The unique thing about the movie was it was shot over a course of 12 years and the story renders life over 12 years’ time.  A major part of the film is about MJ’s life when living with his mother after his parent’s divorce. The movie stars the emotional depth of life of a boy during his teens. The film covers the poignant moments of both fatherhood and motherhood.

Children can understand the happenings in their parents’ live in context to modern times.

The Blind Side(2009)

IMDb rating –7.7/10

Cast & Crew: The Blind Side is an American biographical sports drama film written & directed by John Lee Hancock in 2009. Sandra Bullock starred in the leading role.

Story: It is based on the true story of Michael Oher adopted by a loving supportive family the Tuohys. Leigh Anne Tuohy and her husband Sean offer him shelter and extend their welcome. Leigh Ann discovers Michael’s  Strength and helps him understand his strengths better. He has got a positive effect on his football skills. At last, he becomes a successful football player with strong support from the family irrespective of going through rough patches.

Motivational Movies for Students The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

IMDb Rating – 7.7/10

Cast & Crew: Helmed by Gabriele Muccino, this biopic featured Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith as Chris Gardner and his son respectively.

Story: Pursuit of Happyness is an American biographical drama film based on the life of entrepreneur Chris Gardner and is directed by Gabriele Muccino in 2006. Will Smith plays the role of a brokerage house with sheer determination and will power.

Warrior (2011)

IMDb Rating – 8.2/10

Cast & Crew: Directed by Gavin O’Connor and the movie stars Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, and Tom Hardy.

Story: The story of the film is about Two MMA Champions who meet for a fight without knowing the fact that they are estranged brothers. Two brothers fight tournaments for different reasons and end p fighting one another. In the end, brothers reconcile their differences and the movie closes with a smiling shot of the father.

The film has some great shots on the MMA Fighting and the major theme is reconciliation and redemption of the human spirit. Family Bonds and power of forgiveness are well explored in the movie.

Half Nelson (2006)

IMDb Rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: It is an American Drama Film directed by Ryan Fleck in 2006 and written by Anna Boden & Fleck. Ryan Gosling,  Anthony Mackie, and Shareeka Epps played the lead roles.

Story: Movie focuses on the inner-city middle-school teacher who becomes friends with one of his students. Then, later finds out he has a drug habit. Similar to other movies based on good teachers, Half Nelson tells the story of ordinary people struggling with genuine problems and still maintains hope.

The Internship(2013)

IMDb Rating –7.2/10

Cast & Crew: It’s an American Comedy movie directed by Shawn Levy in 2013 and written by Vince Vaughn & Jared Stern. Vaughn and Levy produced the film.

Story: The Internship is about Billy and Nick, two middle-aged salesmen. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn played the characters of two salesmen who lost their jobs due to the arrival of the digital age. The film is about how these two managed to get a chance to do an internship with Google and prove their worth.

Everest (2015)

IMDb Rating – 7.1/10

Cast & Crew: The Biological Adventure Film was directed and produced by BaltasarKormakur. The film was scripted by Simon Beaufoy and William Nicholson. The movie cast includes Jason Clarke, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, and Keira Knightley among others.

Story: The Story is set in Everest and is about the disaster that took place in the mountain in 1996. Two expedition groups survive and face difficulties during climbing and descent. The film portrays the intense peril and thrill of being able to view the Everest.

The movie tells how things can go wrong in a way we wouldn’t hope and what is shown in happy ending movies.

The Great Debaters (2007)

IMDb Rating – 7.6/10

Cast & Crew: It is an Inspirational American Movie starring Denzel Washington released in the year 2007. Denzel Washington himself is the director and the producer is Oprah Winfrey.

Story: It is in reference to an article written about the Wiley College debate team.

Thinking of Teaching & Training Others? It is a dramatic retelling of the story about Melvin B. Tolson a professor who inspired his students to challenge Harvard at the debating championship.

It can be great to lift the study spirit of students, especially if they have been inspired at some point by a wonderful teacher.

FAQs on Motivational Movies for Students

1.  What are some highly motivational movies for students?

You can look forward to the aforementioned article to know some of the best inspirational movies that can lift up your spirits.

2. Which Movie is best for students?

Here is the list of best inspirational movies Good Will Hunting, Lean on Me, Pursuit of Happyness, Blind Side, Rush, etc.

3. Can I get a list of some Motivational Movies for a student?

You can look up to the above-mentioned list of movies that will inspire you to work hard and never give up.

Wrapping Up

At times, you need to unwind and let go off the frustration building within you. Instead of resorting to the wrong means better watch these Motivational Movies for Students on your Laptop. If you like the article on 21 Inspirational Movies every student must watch, share it among your peers and friends to help them motivate and achieve their goals in life.

When we talk about great personalities, we are not necessarily talking about rich and famous people. There are plenty of personalities who have done great service to their country and society at large, without being popular or rich. And children today should know about them and the work they have done.

Children need to be thought, right from the tender age, that greatness is defined by the deeds people do for their society and not the amount of money and fame they have. Inculcation of societal and ethical values is important for today’s generation because the rat race for money and fame is becoming a hindrance for teaching good values and integrity to children.

The personalities that we are going to mention today are those who have affected millions of lives across the world and have become a source of inspiration for generations to come. It’s not only the deeds that they have done, but the way they have to lead their own lives is a matter of inspiration for the society.

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children

We are going to talk about 20 of the greatest personalities who are an inspiration for children in various fields:

Science:

1. Albert Einstein
2. CV Raman
3. APJ Abdul Kalam

Social

4. Mother Teresa
5. Mahatma Gandhi
6. Abraham Lincoln
7. Nelson Mandela

Business

8. Ratan Tata
9. Bill Gates
10. Warren Buffet
11. Jack Ma

Political

12. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
13. Sardar Vallebhai Patel
14. Winston Churchill

Entertainment and sports

15. Oprah Winfrey
16. Amitabh Bacchan
17. Sachin Tendulkar
18. Usain Bolt

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children – Science:

• Albert Einstein– One of the greatest scientists of all time, Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He scored high grades during his school days in Munich and was only frustrated by what he described as the “mechanical discipline” demanded by his teachers. Being a unique kid, he won a noble price in physics and changed the way physics and science are seen around the world. Because of his inventions, various other inventions were given birth to which helped mankind move forward.

• CV Raman– Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist who made groundbreaking works in the field of light scattering. With his student K. S. Krishnan, he discovered that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the deflected light change wavelength and amplitude. Raman also worked on the acoustics of musical instruments and was also the first to investigate the harmonic nature of the sounds of Indian drums. Raman was the paternal uncle of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his discovery of the Chandrasekhar limit in 1931. He was awarded a Bharat Ratna in 1954.
• APJ Abdul Kalam-One of the most famous and loved-by-all presidents of India is also the greatest scientist of our times. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He remained committed to using science and technology to transform India into a developed country. In 2007 Kalam left office and was succeeded by Mrs. Patil the country’s first woman president. Kalam wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999). Among his numerous awards were two of the country’s highest honours, the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997).

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children -Social

• Mother Teresa– She is undoubtedly an epitome of social welfare and sacrifice. She devoted her life to the poor and the needy. Being born in Albania, moved to India in search of spirituality and peace. Looking at the conditions with which people lived their life, she decided to sacrifice her entire life for the cause of upliftment of the poor. In 1979, Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She died in September 1997 and was beatified in October 2003. In December 2015, a second miracle was attributed to Mother Teresa, clearing the way for her to be canonized on September 4, 2016.
• Mahatma Gandhi– Popularly known as Bapu and father of the nation. Mahatma Gandhi was the face of the Indian Independence Movement against the tyrannical rule of British. He left his illustrious career as a lawyer in South Africa and decided to join the freedom struggle in India. He is the mouthpiece for peace, harmony and non-violence, not only in India but across the world. He decided to live a life of simplicity and humbleness, giving up on all the worldly pleasures like costly clothes and houses and dedicated his life for the freedom of India.
• Abraham Lincoln– He was the greatest presidents and leader of America who ended the black slavery in America. He was the face of American Civil war against slavery of the black community. He bought in equality and respect for every American, irrespective of race, colour, ethnicity or religion. He was heroic because he stood up for others that were being treated unfairly. He outwitted his rivals and enemies and brought the United States of America together during a tough time.
• Nelson Mandela– Mandela, a great black personality and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, rose from poverty and obscurity to defeat the white minority rule of apartheid and become the president of South Africa. Known now to everyone everywhere, one of the best men of a bad century, he fills four or five shelves of the world He is a great inspiration for students to learn the concept of sacrifices and fight for what you believe in.

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children – Business

• Ratan Tata– One of the greatest philanthropists and business leaders of our times, Ratan Tata is a man of vision and an extreme patriot. He has sacrificed his earnings for the welfare of both India and humanity. He has built one of the biggest conglomerates of the world, Tata Group, which not only is the business leader but has done great corporate social responsibility works in and outside India that have affected millions of lives.
• Bill Gates– Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, Bill Gates is known more for his Philatroipical works than for his business acumen. After having built the revolutionary company which changed the technological face of the world, Bill Gates dedicated his life to philanthropy. He has spent billions of dollars, through Gates Foundation, to help the poor and developing countries in eradicating poverty, hunger, disease and other problems facing mankind.
• Warren Buffet– One of the most loved and respected investors in the world, Warren Buffet is the richest man on earth. Despite having billions of dollars with, he leads a life of simplicity and humbleness. He has donated more than half his wealth to the improvement of education across the worlds and upliftment of the poor in various parts of the world.
• Jack Ma– Founder and CEO of Alibaba Group, one of the biggest tech companies from China, Jack ma is a perfect example of rags to riches stories. Born in a small and humble family in China, Jack Ma has faced many rejections and failures in his career as well as in his personal life. But he is a man of will power and never gave up. After many failures, he finally built Alibaba, one of the biggest e-retail companies in the world. A man once known as a failure now provides employment and services to millions of people around the world. He has used his massive wealth to help the poor and needy across the world.

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children – Political

• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru– He was the first Prime Minister of India and is popularly known as the architect of India and Chacha Nehru because of his fondness for children. Leading a country which is just born and is in the brink of economic and social instability, Nehru led the country to prosperity with good leadership and strong will power. He is an inspiration to millions of Indians across the country. He is a strong advocate for education and health care for all. The institutions he built, from IIMs to IITs and hospitals to medical colleges are bringing laurels to the country to this date.
• Sardar Vallebhai Patel– Also known as the iron man of India, Sardar Patel is a man of commitment. He helped in national integration in the newly independent country of India which was total and uncompromising, which earned him the sobriquet “Iron Man of India“. He is also remembered as the “patron saint of India’scivil servants” for having established the modern all-India services system. Many of the decision he took back in the 1950s is relevant and implemented even today, such was his vision and patriotism for the country
• Winston Churchill– Widely considered one of the 20th century’s most significant figures; Churchillremains popular in Britain and throughout the West, where he is seen as a victorious wartime leader who played an important role in defending Europe’s liberal democracy from the spread of fascism.

Great personalities who are inspirations for Children – Entertainment and sports

• Oprah Winfrey– dubbed the “Queen of All Media”, she was the richest African American of the 20th century and North America’s first black multi-billionaire, and she has been ranked the greatest black philanthropist in American history. By 2007, she was sometimes ranked as the most influential woman in the world. Being a woman and being from the black community, she has the broken the glass ceiling of success. being a poor, black girl in America in the 1960s was hardly a recipe for mind-blowing success. Yet, succeed she did. From an early age, Oprah showed tremendous strength of personality. Her grandmother often recalled how naturally Oprah took to the stage and performed – whether she was actually on a stage or not. It was this rich personality that led her to join and excel at television broadcasting.
• Amitabh Bacchan– One of the biggest movie star in the world, not only in the 80s but even to this date, Amitabh Bachchan is an inspiration to millions of people trying to cut through struggles, to become great actors. After facing many failures and rejections, Amitabh Bacchan, fondly known as Big B, became a superstar in Indian cinema through sheer dedication and hard work.
• Sachin Tendulkar– The greatest Cricketer in the history of sports, Sachin Tendulkar has a massive fan following all over the world. He is a person of humble origin has grown through ranks with hard work and self-motivation. From being the highest run-scorer in the world to winning the world cup for India in 2011, Sachin Tendulkar is now serving the Indian society as a Rajya Sabha member. He has inspired millions of kids in India to become cricketers, some of whom are Virat Kholi and Yuvraj Singh, who themselves have bought laurels to the country in the sport.
• Usain Bolt– The fastest man alive, Usain Bolt has humble beginnings from Jamaica. From winning gold medals in the Olympics, this sprinter has set many world records. His humble origins have inspired the black community and have instilled a sense of hope in them. Usain bolt has a philanthropic bend of mind and has used his wealth to improve sporting conditions in his home country and helped other developing nations to fight hunger and poverty.

Sundar Pichai Success Story

Bill Gates Success Story

At the risk of sounding like a typical Gen Y person, it is safe to say things are not just the same anymore in the world. The more the world shrinks, the more we forget to actually connect. In the context of a classroom and teaching methods, this effect is more pronounced. 

The world is filled with examples of exemplary teachers who go beyond the subject and teach more about life itself. Nicholas Sparks says in one of his books, “They inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even when you don’t know it”. 

Teaching is 80% connecting with your students and 10% subject expertise because grasping attention is an art whereas subject expertise can be improved over time too. Following this, teachers all over the world are taking a long hard look at the way they teach and if it is still valid to continue on that path. 

Let us take a small example of teaching kids basic manners and the good habits we generally see printed on various charts in a kindergarten school. Everybody makes their throats hoarse by repeating this over and over to every kid until they start doing it on autopilot. But, did we ever stop and check if the essence is getting absorbed? Do they know what we are saying? Why should they do it? These questions need to be answered so that the knowledge behind the instructions also gets shared.

The Experiment in Idaho

A teacher in Idaho, took the seeing is believing conundrum seriously to demonstrate to little kids in her class the benefits of handwashing. Jaralee Annice Metcalf taught a class in an elementary school where the flu season had just set in. Now we all know, what happens in schools when it is flu season. One kid gets sick and ends up spreading it like wildfire sparing none. 

Well, not wanting to work in a bacteria-filled environment this season too, Jaralee designed a small experiment with her students to demonstrate the benefits of handwashing. 

The first step was to bring a test subject – they settled on a loaf of bread. Now, to the experiment. 

Each student was called on to choose a slice of bread from the same loaf at the same time. Different types of contamination were carried out on each slice. 

Slice 1 was wiped on all their Chromebooks, Slice 3 was touched by the easiest contaminant – Dirty hands! Slice 4 was touched by a student after washing his hands with soap and water. Slice 5 was touched with sanitizer applied hands. Slice 2 being the contained example, was carefully placed in a sealed bag using gloved hands.

By using a simple method and making them perform their routine actions, the teacher found an easy way to instill the hand-washing habit into their minds. There was an added advantage in involving the kids in the experiment. The kids now had a memory to associate with the instruction. A very personal active memory that involved all their senses. Now every time, they had dirty hands or even saw a loaf of bread their brain will remind them of this day. 

Now, that’s a strong way to ensure they don’t forget to wash their hands right? 

You can see for yourself as to what happened to each bread after a month. It had more than one piece of learning in it:

Learning #1: Our Chromebooks are dirtier than we estimate them to be. 

Learning #2: Soap and water is the best combination to kill germs.

Learning #3: Kids’ hands are very dirty at any given point of time. The mold grew spectacularly on that slice. 

Learning #4: Sanitizer isn’t that safe, especially if you are going to touch food and other sensitive things immediately after. 

Thanks to Jaralee, it is now imprinted firmly in the elementary school kids’ minds. They saw the mold growing day by day in their classroom and it is quite unlikely they will forget to wash their hands now. 

Learnings for the World

Not only did Jaralee teach the kids in her classroom why they should wash their hands. She also showed the rest of the world that you can say the same thing more interactively and watch the children lap it up. 

Kids have a strong response to visual and interactive cues while growing up and more likely to retain information imparted in those ways. If they can learn about handwashing, they can learn everything from geography, mathematics, science and even language like this. 

In a real sense, the world is every teacher’s oyster. All you have to do is to go and explore. 

Also Read: The Imporatance of Education Essay