Euthanasia For Our Education System

I have a big problem with this education system and I believe I have a right to comment on it because I am product of this system. We have continued to churn out brilliant students who make us proud, yet we read grim news reports of how a graduate is forced to opt for menial and less deserving jobs. Why this great divide exists? For once, it has nothing to do with the child being schooled in a private or public institute. As a student for the past nineteen years, I have been able to figure out a bit about what ails our system.

Problem No. 1: Lack of proper environment
It is difficult to concentrate when the fan above you is whirling in a precarious manner and at the same time endure the stink from nearby toilet. You cannot expect kids to be mature and adjust to such circumstances, especially when they know they are better off at home. Believe me; the scenario I am describing is not that of a public school, it’s a reality even in private institute which charges hefty fees. For kids, schools should be something colourful and not drab and dull like the chuna on walls. Unfortunately not much has been done to create a conducive environment to stimulate their minds. Don’t you think kids would be much enthusiastic about sitting in a room complete with colorful benches and beautiful graffiti?

Problem No. 2: Too syllabus oriented
We can’t blame the teachers when they have a deadline to adhere to. The syllabus is defined so that the school may be able to cover the topics suited to the aptitude of students. But when did it become such a grave necessity? From what I know most of the professors are in such a big hurry to complete the syllabus that they take out the fun of learning. I can understand for board exams where uniformity is expected, but surely the other classes can be spared this treatment.

Problem No. 3: Disinterested professors
I don’t mean to disrespect the profession, but most people think teaching is a piece of cake. Nowadays, it has become increasingly difficult to find professors who have a passion for teaching. And the situation is worse in colleges because most of them are not answerable to anyone. In schools, if a teacher is not found performing as expected, the management tends to take corrective action on basis of feedback by parents. But in colleges, the opinion of students is rarely taken into account and even if they do complain, the management has its hands tied up because it is increasingly difficult to find a replacement. So life goes on and we stick back to sanskars taught by elders- learn to adjust.

Problem No. 4: More qualification = Good professor
Now this is the most nonsensical equation ever devised in the history of mankind. Institutes accept people for position of a teacher on the basis of the number of degrees they carry. What they fail to realize is that a large number of degrees does not make one capable to connect with students. It requires certain skills which are grossly overlooked during interviews and the result is a disinterested audience during lectures.

Problem No. 5: Too many choices and too many decisions
We all boast about the large number of choices available for the young generation, but I believe it only leads to more confusion. What is worse is that we are compelled to make the choices and that too the right ones at a very young age. How can you expect a teenager to decide whether to opt for Science or Commerce or Arts stream? Rather than getting influenced from our relatives and peers, I believe if we introduced a bit of every stream in portion, the student will get a brief idea about what to expect. That will make the decision making process a less headache inducing thing.

Problem No. 6: Less co-curricular activities
You must all be familiar with changes that accompany the transition from ninth grade to tenth ‘board’ standard. The first thing to be banned is participation in extra and co-curricular activities. And I am not talking about restrictions imposed by parents; I mean the rules laid down by school. They will conveniently use the time assigned for sports, art and crafts for completing the syllabus of some boring subject. Students will be banned from attending any sports events and field trips on the pretext of board exams. I agree academics are essential but don’t we risk losing a budding footballer in our midst if you ban him from the ground?

Problem No. 7: Too textbook oriented
All we have to do is mug up the contents of a thin textbook and we are sure to ace the exams. The result is that when we move to higher studies, it’s a bit of shock because we are expected to finish off a big book in a matter of few days. It is very important to inculcate the habit of reading in students because it is one asset which will help them sail through.

With this I end my thesis. I do have a lot to rant about but this post sums up the major points of my observation and experience of being a part of a rotten education system that continues to chug along happily while taking in hopeful students at one station and offloading a disgruntled bunch at the next station. I hope this train derails soon; we are in dire need of better modes of transport for students.