Coaching conundrum: Why are schools failing children?

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: As the education landscape in India continues to evolve, a glaring question remains: why do students need coaching institutes when they're attending school? Isn't it the primary function of schools to provide quality education?

 An alarming reality in the proliferation of coaching institutes across the country is a telling sign that schools are failing to deliver, forcing the students to seek external help to excel in academics, particularly in competitive examinations like JEE and NEET, apart from board examinations.

Where are schools going wrong?

1. Inadequate infrastructure: Many schools lack basic facilities like libraries, laboratories, and technology-enabled classrooms, hindering effective learning.

2. Subpar teacher training: Teachers often receive inadequate training, leading to a lack of subject matter expertise and ineffective teaching methods.

3. Overemphasis on rote learning: The focus on memorization rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills leaves students ill-prepared for competitive examinations.

4. Insufficient attention to individual needs: With large class sizes, teachers struggle to provide personalized attention, resulting in students seeking external help.

The coaching institute conundrum

Coaching institutes have become a necessary evil, filling the gaps left by schools. However, this creates a vicious cycle:

1. Financial burden: Students and parents are made to spend exorbitant amounts on coaching, adding to the financial strain.

2. Increased stress: The pressure to perform well in competitive exams takes a toll on students' mental health.

3. Widening the gap: Coaching institutes cater to those who can afford them, exacerbating the existing gap between the haves and have-nots.

Breaking the cycle

The need of the hour to address this issue is a multifaceted approach:

1. Revamp school infrastructure: School facilities need modernization to provide a conducive teaching-learning environment.

2. Teacher training and development: Regular training and support for teachers is a must to enhance their subject expertise and teaching skills.

3. Focus on holistic education: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in the classroom add to holistic education.

4. Making quality education accessible: The policy implemented should make quality education accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background.

 The coaching institute phenomenon is a symptom of a larger problem-the failure of schools to provide quality education. It's time for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to get into a huddle to revamp the education system so as to break the cycle of dependence on coaching institutes and provide children with the education they deserve.

 Also Read: Assam Cabinet to Enact Law Regulating Coaching Institutes

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