Couple of months back in January Annual Status of Education Report 2014 revealed that the children from rural India is not learning well. www.asercentre.org. After 68 years of independence such dismal picture of the primary education is really thought provoking. Even after five years of Right to Free and Compulsory Education 2009 the problem is worsening year after year. What are the causes which are coming as obstacle in front of children learning.
- Following Syllabus : It may appear odd to many people that how a well structured syllabus can be a hindrance in children's learning. Let me explain, our elementary education system is mostly centralized and the teachers are instructed to complete the syllabus with in a stipulated time frame. If the children are not able grab the initial lesions then also the teacher is bound to go forward as they have to complete the syllabus on time. It creates a great problem for the slow learners. they could not catch the pace.
- Rote Learning: Current education system is favorable for rote learning. Our children are burning midnight oil to memories their lessons rather than understanding the content. Most of the children who are bit slow in learning tries to mugged up all the things to get a good grade.
- No Retention Policy : This has been criticized by many, in different platform. I personally feel that the policy was designed to boost the confidence of children. But it has been wrongly interpreted at implementation level and now it is becoming a Frankenstein.
- Lake of teachers : Still a healthy number of school are running without meeting the Pupil Teacher Ratio(PTR). It is very hard to control a large class at elementary education as children needs personal attention at this level. The picture is more dismal when we see a school where PTR is meeting, but a single teacher is controlling all five classes in Lower Primary School. It will be more clear with an example, suppose in a primary school total enrollment in five classes is 30, according to RTE this school is adhering to PTR, but just imagine how one person will control all the five classes simultaneously and deliver quality education to the children
- Job of Teacher as a Career : Teachers job at elementary school is not a lucrative career for the talented people. Yes there are some exception but I am talking about majority. In teachers job there is a very small room for promotion and personal development. But in other jobs people has choice and opportunity to grow. In primary teachers career if a person join as a assistant teacher he will either retire with the same position or he will become a Head Master.
