BLIND and DUMB entities

 BLIND and DUMB entities                                                      

Our effort in understanding the real cobweb behind a ‘confused state’ of mind among learners, teachers and the authority regulating the general functions of education is what the title relates to. Yes, most if not all among the stake holders  are basically aware that there is a gap between the expected and the one experienced in the on-going module of education. Our graduates and Post-graduates are looked upon as answers to our demands in future. The authorities invest on education, teachers are recruited, schools and colleges are run by both public and private managements, while parents choose the best ‘looking’ institutions without looking into the best resource in imparting education. Why do I choose to call them blind and dumb? There is a near “who will bell the cat situation”, in that every agency merely winks at the deficiency, while rigidly sticking to collection of fee[ administration], wages [staff], bills electricity, water, property tax , profession tax [government] procuring a seat for the child at all cost . I may sound harsh, but is it not true.

The parents are prepared to pay lakhs of rupees to a kindergarten schooling, but not specific about the true progress in appropriate learning. They set eye on the cosmetic looks of the institution and the prospect of the boy or girl continuing there until the higher secondary stage of education. Have they ever bothered themselves of the quality in instructions, learning skills and holistic development of mind, knowledge and social responsibility of the child?      There is just a bandwagon attitude in choosing an institution. Non-academic parameters drive the decision of choice, say glossy looks, children from rich background, school bus, [if need be helicopter pick up /drop] and a canteen [ideal hideout]. Not a person looks for excellent accessible library, efficient team of teachers, a system that seriously monitors academic profile and progress.

Right away ignoring the critical requirements, all stake holders boast of offering the best education.

Look at the managements. They are keen to ‘claim’ 100% results in the board or university examinations and rigorously drill the wards to write weekly tests, daily tests and even hourly tests , making the child adept in ‘parrot like’ repeat of statements. Teachers too are under the scanner for holding, valuing, reporting tests as prescribed. Between June and December each year classes are held with intermissions of quarterly, Half-yearly exams with holidays that may rob off a month’s time on holidays.

January onwards tests, revision tests, re-revision tests and so on without just any vision. The whole band of teachers and students turn robotic, mechanically performing test after test and the boys and girls are now tuned to write at the stroke of a bell by sheer reflex filling sheaf of papers like electronic devices. Sure all students would ‘pass’ and bring off 100% to the institution. The parents sheepishly keep telling the acquaintance that the boy is in the best school/college, ignoring that the other man’s child also is on the same school/college.       

Managements chase 100% results, parents /wards chase 100% scores, the Staff keep chasing 100% success and there is a100% syndrome.   Yes, 100%, it is a syndrome.

Sure the cycle repeats year after year with redoubled zeal, but with no concern whatsoever for mental enrichment of learners.

To continue…