One of my biggest pet peeves is our educational system. Despite advancements in technology and education in general, I believe the Indian system is still focused on quantity over quality.
It’s sad to see schools obsess about their reputation and brand value. Even in 2018, our institutions are obsessed with quantitative data (average score, percentages, CGPA, whatever!) that don’t even count beyond the corridors of a school! Sure, a solid score can secure a seat in another institution of “repute” but would it secure a great future? I don’t think so.
And here’s the worst part — they think they know what’s the best for the children. Seriously. They think they know everything about these kids and their potential to do well in future. So, they think they have the right to dictate or determine their future. How? I don’t know. The fact that it still happens befuddles me!
I remember back in high school, the school administration had the power to decline requests to enroll in the science or commerce stream. If the kids didn’t have a good score in the previous grade (the 10th grade/Intermediate) or didn’t meet the minimum criteria they couldn’t enroll. What options did the kids have? A compromise (the biggest of their lives!) or join another school!
How stupid is that?
Who defines these criteria? Who gave them the right to determine our future? What made them think that the kids will not do better in Commerce or Science and should instead opt for Arts or Commerce (respectively)?
My appeal to the “counselors” is simply this: help the kids clarify their thinking instead of making a decision (a self-serving one at that) for them. You do not have the right to do so.
Ignite their minds. Just don’t burn their future down.