By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
IT has been eight months since the educational institutions reopened after the Covid-19 hit the world in the most horrible manner. Almost two precious years were lost. Compensating them is not a one day affair. It will take a long time to fill the void which is widening day by day. Yes, they do go to educational institutions. There they attend classes. However, education is what they are unable to get. As a private teacher, I have been observing students for 8 months. There is no apparent improvement in their overall studies. The past is still on their minds. Erosion of basic skills is visible from a distance. They are uninterested in learning. Fun and frolic has become their main thing.
In 2020, the Central Government came up with a novel NEP 2020. The main objective of this is to make education a life-grooming process; rather than a life destroying phenomenon. It wants to make a student, socially, economically, politically and morally productive. It also emphasizes on doing away with rote-learning and striving for critical thinking and learning. It is a nice initiative to make education sustainable and productive. However, on the ground level, for two years, no real change has been noticed. Barring the shifting of academic sessions, students are where they were. In my opinion, students are unable to comprehend the benefits of the NEP 2020. It is wrong to say that the initiators of the new beginning in the educational system, are themselves unaware of the advantages of innovation.
It is a fact that the model educational system needs many things to prosper. Every sane person has to contribute to it. Both the Government as well as the public has to take pains in making the educational system productive and sustainable. Policies and releasing of funds cannot suffice. Students are going through the grind. In the age of knowledge explosion, they are lost. They are unable to understand themselves and the environment in which they are living. So, in order to realize their full potential, it becomes necessary to think collectively and efficiently. Implementing any innovative idea is fine till all the stakeholders and conditions are taken into account. Ask any student about the shifting of academic session. He or she will be unable to answer. His or her mind is preoccupied with the things that are more fascinating than dry and rote-learning.
The present situation of students is quite disheartening. More than education, they need counseling.
I think teachers too need counseling at the earliest. Behavioural changes have taken place in teachers. Students as well as teachers have become impatient. They have become socially and mentally upset. Their emotional intelligence is at its lowest. Virtual reality has become the order of the day. Uncertain future is staring them in the face. Cut-throat competition in the absence of opportunities has made them depressed. Daydreaming has become a norm.
Everyone should think about students. Treat them according to the present needs. Weighing them on the basis of a shallow grading system must be shunned. Their individual differences must be taken into account. Suicidal tendencies are on rise. Self harm is omnipresent. We must take care of them. Reproaching or rebuking won’t work. Love, care and affection can do miracles. A teacher must teach in an environment friendly atmosphere. They must become a counsellor, teacher, guide, doctor, engineer, parent first. The need of the hour is to save our future generation. They commit mistakes. However, they mustn’t be taken to task on minor mistakes. Don’t humiliate them. Instead, understanding is what they want.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
The author is a teacher
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