Rising expectations!

Debashmita Kalita

(dollykalita333@gmail.com)

Students face a tremendous burden in today’s educational landscape to achieve exceptional grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and build impressive resumes. The relentless pursuit of perfection has created an environment in which students are constantly burdened by the weight of expectations. As a result, stress, anxiety, and depression are becoming more common among young students. Academic burden, in particular, exists to varying degrees around the world.

Growing up, we always wanted to score more marks rather than experience and understand concepts, and the education system probably does as well, which is why it always focuses on “scoring good marks” so that students can get admission into a so-called “good college” or “university.” The Indian education system is a “Ratta” education system. The mindless memorization of facts and figures has long been a prominent feature of the Indian education system, with an emphasis on rote learning and regurgitation of information. Rote learning often results in a superficial understanding of concepts. Students may memorise information without truly comprehending its meaning or significance, hindering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The emphasis on memorization and high-stakes examinations can create a highly stressful learning environment. Students may face intense pressure to memorise vast amounts of information, leading to anxiety, mental health issues, and a focus on short-term academic success rather than long-term learning. The system does not allow us to learn what we should. There is no way to assess a child’s ability or interests; instead, he or she is forced to study a pre-determined curriculum and is expected to perform well. Children are frequently forced to mug up in order to advance in this system. Unfortunately, this continues throughout their lives.

Educational institutions inadvertently foster a culture of unhealthy competition and comparison among students. Class rankings, standardised testing, and the constant need to outperform peers contribute to a toxic atmosphere. Students are constantly pushed to measure their self-worth solely based on academic achievements, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This pressure cooker environment cultivates mental health issues and adds to existing vulnerabilities. Students frequently have little time for self-care and relaxation as a result of their intense pursuit of academic success. Workloads, homework, and strict schedules leave little time for hobbies, physical activity, and personal connections. A lack of balance between academic goals and personal well-being has a negative impact on mental health, resulting in greater stress, burnout, and decreased satisfaction with life.

The pressure exerted by educational institutions has taken a severe toll on students’ mental health. To reverse this trend, we must prioritise the well-being of students alongside their academic success. By recognising the negative impact of excessive pressure and adopting a holistic approach to education, we can empower students to thrive academically and emotionally, fostering a generation that is well-prepared for the challenges of the future.