Every year, we are witnessing a significant increase in the number of highest grade achievers in the SSC, HSC and equivalent examinations but these numbers lack significance in terms of quality of our education system. Almost three-fourths of the top grade achievers failed to even obtain the pass marks in university admission tests in the recent years.
This indicates that although we have been greatly emphasizing the quantity of high school graduates, we are falling behind in terms of quality. No denying, our country has come a long way in terms of achieving literacy for majority of the population and also ensuring that children have access to education.
However, we must not become complacent while celebrating these victories. We need to analyze the quality of education that our high school graduates have and help them become better equipped for higher education and the job market.
We need to stop putting greater importance
on achieving good grades; instead encourage
creativity and curiosity.
Education reform is urgently needed and in order to achieve that we must first train the teachers to become better equipped to teach the creative method of education.
One of the biggest problems in our education system is the students’ over-reliance on memorizing instead of understanding basics. Moreover, there is very little scope for creative endeavors. Problem-solving and critical thinking are also areas where the country’s students are lagging behind.
There is also a discrepancy in quality of education based on where the students live. Students in urban areas have access to more resources and training compared to those living in rural areas. This problem must be addressed to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities.
We need to stop putting greater importance on achieving good grades; instead encourage creativity and curiosity. Students should be encouraged to pursue subjects and areas that they individually prefer instead of forcing everyone to pursue science and mathematics.