In the last 30 days, I have interacted with the students of at least 38 private coaching centers and institutes. Maximum students were those who were enrolled in government colleges and schools. Many had been to their college or school only once or for few days.
I wanted to know the reasons of these students, who do not attend the classes regularly. How do they cope up with their subjects, understand the various concepts? I really doubt their ability to learn.
But, all my doubts got cleared, when I interacted with the students of the different coaching classes, institutes that hold classes for competitive exams and so on.
Students believed that their teachers and faculty members do not take the proper interest in teaching or taking classes. They are often engaged in those activities which are not concerned with the development of the students.
Anita of Class XII reported that she has never been to her school. Because of the coaching centers, she was able to appear her papers confidently and could pass the examination with flying colors. Well, when I inquired the amount that she is paying at the coaching center, she proudly said that it was very less, only 500 INR per month for the complete five subjects.
In her coaching center, there are over 30 girls from the same college, and the total strength of a batch is not less than 60 students. The concerned teacher uses a mike to be audible to the students and keep explaining the lessons.
On asking, why she has never been to her college?
She just smiled and said, “There are no students who come to attend the classes. Hence, there is no point in going to the school.”
When I asked her, who pays her coaching fees?
She replied, her father.
Well, I was in complete shock. On the name of the girl child, the government pays such a huge amount. They are given books, bicycle, mid-day meals and what not. But, when these students do not go to school or the college every day, what should be the way to introspect the roles and responsibilities of the teachers, schools and the colleges?
Who is responsible for such level of education?
When I asked Mr. Mohan Prakash, a mathematics teacher of an institute, he said that he can take 8 classes on a day. In each class, there is a strength of 80 – 100 students. He keeps teaching and is pretty happy with his performance.
On asking, have the students failed in any of the exams, he said it depends on the center of examination and how strict are the invigilators. According to him, the invigilator should consider the students as their own kith and kin and should be lenient enough. They should understand the problem of the students, the background and other areas of problem.
I asked, do they analyze the background of the students, he said, “My family depends on my earning. If I start the charity, then my children will have to beg on the street. But, I do charge the nominal fee from the students so that they can pay the fees.”
On hearing his answer, I thought, why the parents are so insensible. Do they really have any affection towards their children? If they might have any consideration, they should have at least approached the school or the college. They should have inquired as to why the students are not attending the school or the college regularly.
I believe, there are so many dots that are not well-connected and due to awareness, the schools and colleges are unnecessarily blamed.
Yes, the administration and the management members of the school, as well as the colleges, should think of motivating students to attend the classes regularly. If attendance is regularly maintained as per the ordinance of the board or the university, which has made it as the prime criterion to appear for the examination, for sure the things will transform drastically.
There is lack of concern, among the members of the institute, family and the students. It may be tough to motivate unless the stakeholders realize the real benefit of such resilience.
Protocols are to be made for the betterment of the education system so that the monetary support that the government is providing to the students, duly reaches them and the entitled users should know that these benefits, when availed by them, will turn them as a liable citizen who needs to redeem the benefits and in turn help society to progress.
I’m not against the coaching centers, nor of any other institution. My only request is with the sensible youth and the citizen of this beautiful nation to create awareness and let the right beneficiaries avail the benefit so that as nation we grow and proceed towards development with empowered educated YOUTH
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