look news india
Every year, lakhs of youth across the world spend their days and nights preparing for the tough entrance exams like IIT-JEE and NEET for medical institutes. To pass these examinations, students start turning to coaching institutes from class 6th-7th itself and parents also spend a large part of their hard-earned money on these coaching fees. It is generally believed that the biggest obstacle in the way of children’s success is huge coaching fees or excessive competition, but a recent report of a high level panel constituted by the government has completely overturned this notion. This government panel, on the basis of its investigation and data, has made a shocking revelation that it is not the coaching for the students, but the current structure of studies and education in their regular schools is causing the biggest trouble and mental stress.
Student’s life is stuck between school and coaching
According to this detailed report of the government panel, in today’s time the coordination between school education and preparation for competitive examinations has completely deteriorated. On one hand, in schools, children are taught board exam syllabus and traditional methods, on the other hand, in coaching institutes, they are taught shortcuts and competitive approaches on a completely different pattern. Students are forced to mark their attendance and complete formalities in their regular school from morning till afternoon, and immediately after that they rush to coaching. Long school hours, heavy burden of homework, assignments and practical examinations are badly affecting the mental health of students. Moreover, in many schools children are unnecessarily harassed to complete their attendance, due to which they are not able to spare time for their self-study and coaching.
Is there a dire need for change in the school education system in the country?
After the release of this report, a serious debate has erupted among educationists, policy makers and parents on whether our current school education system is any longer compatible with the modern needs of the country and competitive examinations or not. The panel suggests that there is a strong need to create an integrated and flexible system to free students from this dual pressure of schools and coaching centres. If students can get such education and basic preparation at the school level itself that they do not have to spend lakhs of rupees separately and go to coaching institutes, then the stress of children can be reduced to a great extent. The government and the education ministry are now considering how to make school curriculum more practical and in line with competitive exams, so that children can be protected from mental harassment.
What is the most important and right step for parents and students?
In view of this entire situation, education experts and psychologists have advised parents not to put unbearable burden of both school and coaching on their children by just becoming a part of the crowd. It is most important to understand the capabilities of children, teach them time management and take care of their mental health. Schools should also be more lenient in their attendance rules and give students the space they need to pursue their career goals. Unless schools, administration and coaching institutes together make a concrete policy in the interest of students, it will be difficult to save children from being crushed in this dual mill. This report can prove to be a warning to the entire education system of the country and a huge step towards reform.