Ideals of teaching and learning in 3 Idiots

A case for critical pedagogy in higher education

Abstract

This research paper looks at the higher education learning ecosystem by examining the tropes of teaching and learning in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots released in 2009. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film dealt with the academic and psychological conditions of students enrolled in higher education institutions in India. As educators, we are concerned with the various mental, emotional, interpersonal and academic areas that need attention to offer stress-free and a wide range of choices to students in the pursuit of higher education. This paper maps youth aspirations, dilemmas, and situations like unhealthy competition and student suicides that form part of the narrative of the film too. It further poses questions to all educators and administrators in higher education to reflect upon their practices and
their relationships with students.