Indian Students Are Angry At The Education System
It seems like the Indian education system is facing some serious issues, and students are feeling the heat. From exam pressures to the language of instruction, there are many points of contention. This discussion dives into some of the biggest problems and asks some tough questions about where we're headed.
Key Takeaways
- The education system often fails to cater to different learning styles.
- There's a heavy reliance on rote learning, stifling creativity.
- The compulsion of English as a medium of instruction is questioned.
- Cheating and paper leaks are systemic problems.
- Many bright students leave India for better educational opportunities abroad.
- The immense pressure from exams leads to severe mental health issues among students.
The English Language Dilemma
One of the first big questions raised is about the mandatory use of English in education. India has 22 official languages and many more unofficial ones. Yet, how many students actually get to study in their mother tongue? The argument isn't against English itself, as it's a global language, but against its compulsory use as the medium of instruction. Many friends who studied in English medium can't even read their own mother tongue, and a significant portion of the youth face this issue. While studying in a regional language opens doors to local literature, the transition to college often means switching to English, which can be a shock. Countries like Japan, China, and Russia teach science in their own languages, and their scientists are not behind. So, is imposing English an unnecessary burden?
Cheating: A Systemic Issue
Cheating in exams seems to be a widespread problem, with students even cheating in front of teachers. We see creative ways people try to cheat, like using fake police uniforms or parents helping their children climb walls during exams. Paper leaks and cheating are so common that it points to a systemic problem, not just isolated incidents. China's Gaokao exam, known for its toughness, has extreme security measures, including papers printed in jails and transported in armoured vans. This highlights how seriously some countries take exam integrity, understanding that widespread cheating harms the entire nation.
Catering to Different Learners
Research suggests students learn in different ways: visual, auditory, reading-writing, and kinesthetic (VARK model). Finland's education system, considered one of the best, gives teachers the freedom to tailor teaching methods to individual students, allowing for personal attention. This approach is linked to Finland being a happy country. However, in India, the system often sticks to a single method: read, write, and memorise. This can make students who don't fit this mould feel like failures, even if they are intelligent. The system teaches us what to think, not how to think, and it often erases what makes each student special.
The Brain Drain
Another significant concern is why capable Indian students leave the country for higher studies. While it's a personal choice, the lack of sufficient opportunities in India is seen as a failure of the education system. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students leave India, investing substantial amounts of money. Many don't just go to study; they intend to settle abroad and rarely return. This is a personal victory but a national defeat. It's disheartening to see talented individuals working in jobs like pushing shopping carts or driving taxis abroad, finding these options better than studying in India. While figures like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella leading global tech giants are often cited as achievements, the reality is that India couldn't provide them the platform to build their own companies here.
The Pressure Cooker Environment
The pressure to perform in exams is immense, leading to tragic consequences. Statistics show that a student dies by suicide every 42 minutes in India due to exam pressure. The fear of not getting desired marks, or the uncertainty of admission even with high scores, creates a toxic environment. The Kota Factory series highlights the extreme pressure students face in exam preparation hubs, where suicide cases are so common that special helplines are needed. The question arises: is admission to a particular college more important than a child's life? Despite debates about having counsellors in high-pressure institutions, action has been slow.
Finding Solutions
So, what can be done? Several solutions are proposed:
- Ministerial Accountability: Mandate that all ministers educate their children in government schools in India, completing their own higher education here without quotas. This could drive improvements in public schools.
- Supportive Environment: Relatives and family should avoid putting undue pressure on students during exam seasons. Instead, focus on creating a supportive atmosphere and reminding them that exams are a start, not an end. Being a 'support system' is key.
- Respect for Teachers: Teachers are often undervalued, seen as those who couldn't achieve much in life. This perception needs to change. In countries like Japan and China, teaching is a highly respected profession, contributing to their economic success. Teachers are the creators of tomorrow, and respecting them is vital for a good education system.
Ultimately, improving the education system requires collective effort. While we can't change the entire system overnight, we can start by changing the environment at home. Parents should talk to their children, emphasizing that marks don't define their worth. Sharing this video and tagging local representatives can also help raise awareness and push for change. Every small step, taken by many, can make a significant difference.
