Fiction as 'reckoning' tool of learning in contemporary world

Fiction isn't about escapism; it's a powerhouse in education, giving us a backstage pass to explore the human experience. You know those moments when a book or movie leaves you pondering life's big questions? That's the magic of fiction at work.

Think about George Orwell's "1984." It's like a wake-up call wrapped in a dystopian nightmare, urging us to question authority and cherish our freedom. And when it comes to movies, Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is a masterclass in suspense and psychology. You watch Norman Bates unravel, and suddenly, you're knee-deep in analysing what makes people tick.

Jumping ahead to modern cinema, Christopher Nolan's mind-benders like "Inception" and "Interstellar" are like a tumultous ride for your brain. They mess with your head in the best way possible, making you rethink reality and the universe. Almost a buffet of psychedelic ideas served with a side of popcorn.

But fiction isn't all serious business. It's also a soft spot for empathy. 

Traditionally, speaking, education focused on knowledge acquisition and passive learning. However, the information age demands a shift towards developing critical thinking skills. By adapting the ability to analyse information, evaluate sources, and construct sound arguments, education empowers students to become active participants in the knowledge economy. This is crucial in a world saturated with information, where discerning truth from bias and navigating complex issues are essential life skills. Moreover, applying knowledge in real-world contexts bridges the gap between theory and practice. This not only enhances student engagement but also strengthens knowledge retention. Through project-based learning, simulations, and internships, students grapple with authentic problems, fostering creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities – all highly sought-after skills in the contemporary workforce. In essence, this approach equips students to not just excel in academic settings but also thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving world they'll inherit.

Just like children explore future possibilities through pretend play, fiction (specifically dystopian) offers a safe space for adults and young adults to imagine how society might react to extreme situations. These fictional worlds act as laboratories, allowing us to explore the potential consequences of various pressures and forces on individuals and societies. By asking ourselves "what would I do?" in these scenarios, we can develop critical thinking skills and prepare ourselves for navigating complex challenges in the real world.

The world is now overflowing with “information” and fiction here serves as this one ‘unique’ approach, that holds your conscience together. It's not about rote memorization; it's about sparking curiosity, igniting critical thinking, and nurturing empathy. Going all swung with complex themes, questioning realities, and stepping into the shoes of others, fiction equips us to not only survive in our complex world, but to thrive as engaged and understanding citizens.