Standardise edu system: Survey

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A study conducted by St. Xavier’s College has revealed that a majority of students are not happy with the standard of education being offered to them. The study shows that even as some students are somewhat content with the current system of education, there are a lot more students who think that the system needs an overhaul. Their expectations are more in terms of practical education that involves interaction and visits to relevant industries. Students have also opined that standardisation of education is required at the Class 10 and 12 level so as to remove the disparity due to the differences in the levels of education being offered by different boards.
Speaking about the study that was conducted over a span of two months and involved around 5,000 students from colleges across the city, Prof. Avkash Jadhav, in-charge of the study and nominated councilor of BMC, said that the study while not critical of the higher education system intended to bring the students’ opinion to the notice of the concerned authorities.
“Many students were relieved while responding to the survey forms, as they felt that at least they are heard or got a chance to express what they feel about the system,” said Prof Jadhav.
According to the survey, when asked whether the education system was practical in its orientat-ion, while 40 per cent said that it was fairly relevant, 13 per cent said it was not at all practical. Thirty-one per cent felt it was relevant to some extent, while 16 per cent said it was practically oriented.
On the question of whether coaching class teaching had replaced college teaching, 39 per cent confirmed the same, while 51 per cent thought private coaching had replaced classroom teaching to some extent. Only 10 per cent disagreed.
With regards to the question on whether the current education system allowed them to socialise and pursue their interests and hobbies, 50 per cent replied in the negative, indicating that competition and the workload of studies did not permit them to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Commenting on the surprising findings of the report, Prof. Jadhav said that the 13 students who visited nearly 25 colleges found that there was a sense of everyone running after ambitions without giving thought to their own capabilities due to the competitive nature of the educational system.
Prof. Jadhav said, “As a teacher, I feel education should be more of formation, than merely information. The purpose of taking up this activity was to see if the voice of dissent is uniform and if the student today is experiencing the pressure of learning, rather than enjoying the process of learning.” The study, he said, would be presented to the ministers of school and higher and technical education, as well as the CM’s office for making the state realise the need of the students and try and make changes that are
conducive for value education.