In the poor countries like those of South Asia,
education is an
examination oriented memory exercise. The
students are forced to
mug up quite a bit and later vomit them into the examination papers. The entire knowledge is conveniently forgotten thereafter.
The academic climate is perfunctory and routine. During their lectures the
teachers repeat what is lucidly explained in the prescribed textbooks which an average student can ‘learn’ ( mug up for examination) all by himself. Many of the teachers dictate notes form the texts ( a mere waste) or from their memories through years of practice. Further the teachers here maintain a special status. They look down upon the students as ignoramuses. They are the final authority in knowledge and even though they do not keep abreast with the developments in their respective fields.
The majority of the schools are poor and the methods of education obsolete. The autocratic teachers dole out knowledge through a black board and a grim stick. The students are expected to memorize what they teach and answer questions as expected.
Punishments are often severe and the atmosphere is that of a prison.
When the bell runs they run with a load of home work. The parents await their arrival to teach them or help mug up what was ‘taught’ in the school. There will be tuitions to see that what is memorized have really sunk in so as to easily recollect them same while sitting for the exams. Home life is also a sort of a
prison for many of them
In the
school a child is not accepted as he is. The emphasis is on his weaknesses and limitations.
There is no chance for self expression. Most of them are compelled to learn the script , grammar and syntax of three or four languages, some arithmetic, and science. Everyone learns the same.
They take part in all sorts of sports, dances and games. They also try their luck in literary aspects, speech and artistic competitions once or twice an year. They get trained to become jack of all trades and no effort is made to streamline children in their line of interest .
The whole educational system is archaic. The thrust is to somehow acquire a degree and manage to land in a respectable job. Political meddling has deteriorated it further.
The present day education does not help one to go deep into one’ subject, do original research and bring about innovations and inventions. Initiative and enterprising ness are nipped from the early childhood. Very few are concerned to appropriate what they learn and go further. Ultimately this will tell upon the growth and development of the individual and the society.
More abstracts about the Education -mere mugging up?