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Importance of unlearning in higher education

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The process of unlearning in order to relearn demands a new concept of knowledge not as thing but as a process, not as a noun but as a verb. – Prof.

(Author- The New Education: how to revolutionize the university to prepare students for a world in flux)

By Susantha Hewa

Often, education is considered synonymous with learning. It connotes effort, acquisition, gathering, processing, construction, etc. Rarely does anyone think of associating it with unlearning. You are yet to hear of a person who goes to school or university to unlearn. Unlearning seems to be too paltry to deserve a place anywhere near education. Worse, for many people, unlearning may sound the exact opposite of learning. The point is unlearning, which sounds like abandoning or letting go, is a vital and inevitable process in leaning, though generally, remain in the background.

You may bet that one would hardly come across the word “unlearning” in any curriculum or syllabus. In any syllabus, no unit is built on the ‘unlearning’ of the previous unit. In learning, as a general rule, one proceeds from the simple to the complex, from the known to the unknown. Our schools are yet to incorporate a subject which tests whether the student has unlearned what he has previously learned or acquired. After all, it makes little sense to teach something at one level only to negate it at the next level!

However, intriguingly, every study programme embeds a latent unlearning process, no matter what the discipline is. That life is a learning process is no news, but how often do we construe it as an unlearning process, which is inseparable from the former? Isn’t there a tacit implication of unlearning whenever someone says that he “learned a lesson”? The fact is, learning and unlearning, whether in formal contexts or otherwise, is so fused that often the latter goes undetected. When unlearning is made to occur at a conscious level it is obviously seen as unorthodox and disparagingly called “brainwashing” by those who feel exposed or imperiled. This is natural when conscious or innovative unlearning is aimed at challenging ‘authority’ or tradition. In science, humanities or social sciences, unlearning results when existing models fail to explain ‘established facts’, for example, the ousting of the Geocentric theory by Copernicus’ Heliocentric theory, or, the rise of feminism against forms of oppression of women. It is obvious that such revolutionary landmarks in knowledge expansion had to cope with resistance. The fact is, although education is widely defined sans political tinges, it is inseparably tied with global economic and political trends and, obviously, those who are at the levers of power wouldn’t want any deviations to upset the status quo.

In light of the foregoing, it is not difficult to appreciate the views of Prof. Farzana Hannifa, as enunciated in her article titled “Undervaluing Social Science and Humanities teaching in the Sri Lankan University System”, which appeared in The Island of February 1, 2022. The article is interesting in its focus on “unlearning” and in the way she draws attention to the influence of market-oriented thinking dominating the general perceptions about tertiary education. As she says, the latter is evidenced by the smugness with which the goals of university education is often coupled with “employability” and the apparent lack of attention to Humanities (H) and Social Sciences (SS) in formulating even overarching quality assurance outlines. She says, “The AHEAD project is the latest World Bank-funded university improvement exercise and the mantra of “employability”– the contentious ground from which all recent higher education policymaking is done—drives this particular project cycle as well. The workshop we attended was entitled “How to incorporate employability skills into teaching and learning in University Education using the Sri Lanka Quality Assurance Framework (SLQF).” When higher education gets increasingly aligned with producing “employable graduates” for the corporate world, it is not surprising that even quality assurance frameworks are formulated with little or no attempt to bring perspectives of Arts Degree programmes in to such schemes.

The article also emphasises the relevance of “unlearning” that is invaluable in creating a culture of questioning. Prof. Hannifa says, “In our H and SS programmes, we constantly strive to teach students to unlearn what has become “normal” in popular parlance.” Of course, as we have already mentioned, an element of unlearning is embedded in all “learning” processes. For example, science education helps people to unlearn many of the superstitions acquired although it is not specifically intended to achieve this end. However, some Arts stream programmes incorporate modules where the unlearning aspect is more pronounced, i.e. as in feminist studies.

To digress briefly, it is true that outcome-based education is salutary in that it evinces a recognition of preference to a student-centred teaching methodology as against the outdated teacher-centred education. However, it has to be understood that an outcome-based education, which focuses on student performance at different levels, obviously, would not be the ideal teaching paradigm to help students to “unlearn” what they have learned as “normal.” For example, feminist studies incorporated in some Arts Degree programmes challenging the stereotyping of ‘gender roles’ in personal and social life, help students unlearn some of the familiar concepts that have become normalised over generations. It is obvious that such programmes need broader and more flexible criteria for assessing student performance than the more “technical” outcome-based assessment methods. In fact, even the inclusion of “student performance” may be debatable when conceptualizing the relevant evaluation criteria. In such a context, Prof. Hannifa’s comments with regard to the consideration of the content of the workshop conducted under the World-Bank funded AHEAD project are significant: “The years we spend teaching students to recognize different forms of inequality and marginalization, to explain their histories, how they continue to persist, to analyse the material effects of such situations and their prevalence in students’ own contexts, and to design creative strategies to overturn persisting inequality and marginalization, are negated in the trainer’s assumptions.”

Despite the apparent lack of recognition for streams of Humanities and Social Sciences in universities, these disciplines, or at least some of their modules, help students to acquire new insights to critically examine time-honoured ideological structures in society. The Indian sage, Krishnamurti emphasizes the value of “unlearning” when he says, “”

In conclusion, it has to be said that there are other established ideological structures that foster and perpetuate some seemingly unsolvable conflicts in society that seemed to have evaded the radar of humanities and social sciences. It would benefit society if the concerned academics pay more attention to exploring such seemingly innocuous but disruptive divisions among categorises of race, ethnicity, religion, etc., that continue to plague our society, which have become instruments of manipulation in the hands of vested interests.



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Features

Religious extremism set to gain from rising Israel-Iran hostilities

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The costs of extremism; the Twin Tower blasts of 9/11.

Many of the international pronouncements on the current dangerously escalating Israel-Iran hostilities could be seen as lacking in adequate balance and comprehensiveness. The majority of these reactions could be said to be failing in addressing the aspects of the conflict that matter most.

For example, there is the recent UN General Assembly resolution on the crisis which calls for an ‘immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza’ and which goes on to urge ‘Member States to take necessary steps to ensure Israel complies with its international legal obligations.’ An immediate and durable ceasefire is indeed the number one requirement in the Middle East today but could it be ‘unconditional’? Could it ignore the principal requirement of Israel’s security? These posers need to be addressed as well.

Besides, it is not only Israel that should be compelled to meet its ‘international legal obligations.’ All the states and actors that feature in the conflict need to be alerted to their ‘international legal obligations’. While it goes without saying that Israel must meet its international legal obligations fully, the same goes for Iran and all other Middle Eastern countries that enjoy UN membership and who are currently at odds with Israel. For instance, Israel is a UN member state that enjoys equal sovereignty with other states within the UN fold. No such state could seek to ‘bomb Israel out of existence’ for example.

As a significant ‘aside’ it needs to be mentioned that we in Sri Lanka should consider it appropriate to speak the truth in these matters rather than dabble in what is ‘politically correct’. It has been seen as ‘politically correct’ for Sri Lankan governments in particular to take up the cause of only the Palestinians over the decades without considering the legitimate needs of the Israelis. However, a lasting solution to the Middle East imbroglio is impossible to arrive at without taking into account the legitimate requirements of both sides to the conflict.

The G7, meanwhile, is right in stating that ‘Israel has a right to defend itself’, besides ‘reiterating our support for the security of Israel’ but it urges only ‘a de-escalation’ of hostilities and does not call for a ceasefire, which is of prime importance.

It is only an enduring ceasefire that could lay the basis for a cessation of hostilities which could in turn pave the way for the provision of UN humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza uninterruptedly for the foreseeable future. There is no getting away from the need for a durable downing of arms which could engender the environment required for negotiations between the warring parties.

Meanwhile, some 22 Muslim majority countries have ‘warned that continued escalation threatens to ignite a broader regional conflict that could destabilize the Middle East’ and called ‘for a return to negotiations as the only solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.’ This statement addresses some important issues in the crisis but one hopes that the pronouncement went on to call for negotiations that would take up the root causes for the conflict as well and pointed to ways that could address them. For instance, there is no getting away from the ‘Two State Solution’ that envisages peaceful coexistence between the principal warring parties.

The ‘Two State Solution’ has been discredited by sections of the world community but it outlines the most sensible solution to the conflict. As matters stand, the current escalating hostilities, if left unchecked, could not only lead to a wider regional war of attrition but bring about the annihilation of entire populations. There is no alternative to comprehensive negotiations that take on the issues head on.

Besides, all who matter in the current discourse on the crisis need to alert themselves to the dangers of appealing to the religious identities of communities and social groups. When such appeals are made religious passions are stirred, which in turn activate extremist religious outfits that operate outside the bounds of the law and prove difficult to rein-in. This was essentially how ‘9/11’ came about. Accordingly, speaking with a sense of responsibility proves crucial.

In fact, it could be argued that a continuation of the present hostilities would only benefit the above outfits with a destructive mindset. Therefore, comprehensive and constructive negotiations are of the first importance.

The above conditions should ideally be observed by both parties to the conflict. Israel, no less than the Islamic and Arab world, needs to adhere to them. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has no choice but to say ‘No’ to extremists within his cabinet and to ‘show them the door’, inasmuch as hot-headed extremists in the Islamic and Arab world need to be opposed and alienated by the relevant governments.

Meanwhile, the US is on a duplicitous course in the Middle East. Whereas it has no choice but to rein-in Israel and convince it of the need to negotiate an end to the conflict, it is choosing to turn a blind eye to Israel’s military excesses and other irregularities that are blighting the Gazans and the ordinary people of Iran. It ought to be plain to the Trump administration that it is promoting a barbaric war of attrition by continuing to provide Israel with the most lethal weaponry. Currently, it is anybody’s guess as to what the US policy on the Middle East is.

The Islamic and Arab world, on the other hand, should come to understand the imperatives for a defusing of tensions in the region. Decades of conflict and war ought to have made it clear that the suffering of the populations concerned would not draw to a close minus a negotiated peace that ensures the wellbeing of all sections concerned.

As pointed out, the security of Israel needs to be guaranteed by those quarters opposing it. This will require the adoption of a conciliatory attitude towards Israel by state and non-state actors who have thus far been hostile towards it. There needs to be a steady build-up of goodwill on both sides of the divide. If this is fully realized by the Arab world a negotiated solution will be a realistic proposition in the Middle East.

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She deserves the crown

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We had no luck coming our way at the Miss World 2025 contest – not even our immediate neighbour, India – but I’m glad that Miss Thailand was crowned Miss World 2025 as Thailand happens to be my second home … been to Amazing Thailand many times, courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

In fact, even before the Miss World 2025 grand finale, which was held at the beautiful venue of the HITEX Exhibition Centre, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, my colleagues at office all predicted that Miss Thailand, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, would emerge as the winner.

Yes, indeed, Miss Thailand not only won the hearts of millions but also became the first ever Thai to claim this much sought-after title.

Prior to winning the title of Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata was Thailand’s representative at Miss Universe 2024 and took home the third runner-up title.

Her Miss Universe crown, unfortunately, was subsequently forfeited, due to a contract breach, but she did not let that demotivate her, though, and went on to compete and win the title of Miss World Thailand 2025.

Coming from a family that was in the hospitality industry, her upbringing, in this kind of environment, made her aware of her culture and helped her with her communication skills at a very young age. They say she is very fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese.

Obviously, her achievements at the Miss World 2025 contest is going to bring the 22-year-old beauty immense happiness but I couldn’t believe that this lovely girl, at 16, had surgery to remove a benign breast lump, and that made her launch the ‘Opal For Her’ campaign to promote breast health awareness and early detection of breast cancer, which also became the topic of her ‘Beauty with Purpose’ at the Miss World 2025 contest.

Opal Suchata intends to leverage her Miss World title to advocate for other women’s health issues, as well, and sponsor a number of charitable causes, specifically in women’s health.

Her victory, she says, is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the dreams and aspirations of young girls around the world who want to be seen, heard, and create change.

What’s more, with interests in psychology and anthropology, Opal Suchata aspires to become an ambassador for Thailand, aiming to represent her country on international platforms and contribute to peace-building efforts.

She believes that regardless of age or title, everyone has a role to play in inspiring others and making a positive impact.

And, what’s more, beyond pageantry, Opal Suchata is an animal lover, caring for 16 cats and five dogs, making her a certified “fur mom.”

She also possesses a special musical ability—she can play the ukulele backwards.

Opal Suchata is already a star with many expressing admiration for her grace, leadership, and passion for making a difference in the world.

And there is also a possibility of this head-turner, from Thailand, entering the Bollywood film industry, after completing her reign as Miss World, as she has also expressed interest in this field.

She says she would love the opportunity and praised the Indian film indstry.

She akso shared her positive experience during her visit to India and her appreciation for the Telangana government.

Congratulations Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Amazing Thailand. You certainly deserve the title Miss World 2025.

What is important is that the Miss World event is among the four globally recognised beauty pageants … yes, the four major international beauty pageants for woment. The other three are Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International.

Unfortunately, in our scene, you get beauty pageants popping up like mushrooms and, I would say, most of them are a waste of money and time for the participants.

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Features

Wonders of Coconut Oil…

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This week I thought of working on some beauty tips, using coconut oil, which is freely available, and quite affordable, as well.

Let’s start with Coconut Oil as a Moisturiser…

First, make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the coconut oil. This will allow the oil to penetrate the skin more effectively.

Next, take a small amount of coconut oil and warm it up in your hands by rubbing them together. This will help to melt the oil and make it easier to apply.

Gently massage the oil onto your face and body, focusing on dry areas or areas that need extra hydration.

Allow the oil to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before getting dressed.

Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

* Acne and Blemishes:

Apply a small amount to the affected area and gently massage it in. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Remember to patch test before applying it to your entire face to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

* Skin Irritations:

If you’re dealing with skin irritations, coconut oil may be just what you need to find relief. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

Simply apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area and gently massage it in. You can repeat this process as needed throughout the day to keep your skin calm and comfortable.

* Makeup Remover:

To use coconut oil as a makeup remover, simply apply a small amount onto a cotton pad or your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face, in circular motions. The oil will break down the makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation, making it easy to wipe away.

Not only does coconut oil remove makeup, but it also nourishes and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Plus, its antibacterial properties can help prevent breakouts and soothe any existing skin irritations, so give coconut oil a try and experience its natural makeup removing abilities, and also say goodbye to acne and blemishes!

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