Dr Mansoor Ahmed Qazi
Several debates, discussions and plannings have been held about the deterioration in the quality of education in schools, but all in vain as there comes no amicable solution how to improve the quality of education in schools, especially the Government schools. Besides the guidelines of the board, courts and the Government, which are not followed by the Government as well as private schools, the strength of the students in classes is increasing every year, although the one on one teaching is not possible. So the working parents or the parents who do not have knowledge in some subjects or are illiterate resort to tuitions. There is no doubt that the Tuitions provide a good platform for student centric teaching and mastering of concepts as each subject is taught by an expert in that area. But now a days, these tuitions are commercialized which badly affect our present as well as future generations.
Now who are the people who are conducting the tuition classes is also a question. It is often seen that bored house wives, qualified persons not having job or having job not matching their qualifications and expectations take up tutoring for making some money that does not have any expertise in the area. Parents too are at fault because they take all these facts for granted. They are just on the lookout for someone who can replace them in their duties to the child. Reputed tuition classes are a solution as you have qualified as well as experienced teachers working there. It is the responsibility of the parents to check whether the tuition classes are as per the guidelines or same system is there as that of class room in a school. They should check the seating capacity, seating arrangements, separate arrangements for boys and girls, washroom facilities, waiting room facility and many more. If the parents feel that the tuition class is as per the guidelines, and satisfied with the arrangements made by the tuition centers then they should opt it for their wards.
It is unpleasant to say that the objective of any tuition class is to increase their strength every year and charged as much as possible from the students in the name of tuition fees, notes, class tests and other means. The students are seated in hapazardous way. As per the Norms set by the Government the tuition centers should have “Heating/ cooling facilities, CCTV and other safety devices besides audio/video devices, parking areas, waiting hall should be available for the students,”. Besides the seating capacity of 20 students, 60 students or even more are adjusted in one particular group. For that reason it becomes another school. Where is the student centric teaching here? Students are made to mug up some readymade solutions provided by the teacher. Saddest part is that known teachers and professors are the proprietors of these classes, which pays less attention in school classes and more on their tuition centers. The new trend in the tuition centers is that the teachers in the tuition classes just solve old question papers and the oft-repeated questions. The student might also get a good percentage in the school or college but the concepts go for a toss. In this regard the students too focus only on these particular topics or questions. The question arises here that why the syllabus in a particular subject in a school by a teacher is not even completed in a calendar year, and the same syllabus is completed in 3 to 4 months in a private tuition centers by the same teacher.
Students are also not interested in the concepts and are just focused on the marks they would score. Then the tuition classes also resort to many unhealthy practices to increase their reputation. They actually ‘tying up’ with school teachers to get hold of the question papers they set so that the classes give practice on those exercises to ensure a high score for their students. Some classes using the photographs of the high scoring students to endorse their brand even if he had not attended their tuition classes. It is right to say here that the education is thoroughly commercialized here and no one from the Government is interested to check theses tuition centers, their registrations, fee structures, total earnings, annual turnover and even Annual Income tax submissions to the Govt. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir should take an immediate action to check the on growing commercialized tuition centers in this sensitive state.
This trend is corrupting the teaching fraternity also who is supposed to be the role models for the future of our country. This is dangerous to the society. We can find that we are cultivating a different culture of education here. It is now fashionable for many students to go for private tuition. In fact, most students feel insecure if they do not have extra tuition after school. Isn’t that correct? The school teachers coerce the students to opt for the tuition in their particular centers, otherwise threat to fail the student in the internal as well as external practical examinations.
The Government has banned the practice of private tuitions by teachers of Education Department. As per an order of the Directorate of School Education, the Government would initiate ‘strict disciplinary action’ against the principal, headmaster, lecturers, masters, teachers, including ReTs, involved in the practice of private tuitions. But till date, no action has been taken by the higher officials against such teachers, which are disobeying the order of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The education department should direct all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to ensure complete prohibition on the practice of private tuitions formulate a vigilance team of dedicated and honest officers and conduct surprise visits to the private coaching centres to check the involvement of the Government officials in such illegal practices.
A large number of educated, talented youth are running from pillar to post to earn a livelihood. The Government should encourage them and provide the school buildings in the evening as well as during summer and winter vacations to such unemployed youths for conducting tuitions. This step will generate employment opportunities for the talented as well as highly qualified unemployed youths who are wandering jobless in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The question arises here to all of us that how we can put an end to this detrimental practice. I believe if we take it up on ourselves as responsible parents, and take up the job of their tuition teachers, wouldn’t it make our children much more happier? Who knows children’s capabilities and precincts better than their parents? As educated people here, it is our duty to contribute to a healthy society.
(The author is Senior Engineering Geologist Chenab Valley Power Project)
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