Thursday, February 15, 2024

THE HIGH COST OF SUCCESS: EXAMINING THE DARK SIDE OF INDIA'S COACHING CULTURE

Education 2047 #Blog 18 (15 FEB 2024)

 

In recent years, India has witnessed a concerning trend: a surge in suicides among students preparing for entrance examinations for professional courses. These tragic incidents serve as stark reminders of the immense pressure and expectations placed on young shoulders in a highly competitive world. Yet, amidst the relentless pursuit of success, these cries for help get drowned out by the cacophony of competition and ambition that characterizes India's coaching culture.

The annual revenue of coaching institutes was a whopping Rs 24,000 crore, according to a 2015 estimate by an expert committee set up by the Ministry of  Education (then-Ministry of Human Resource Development- MHRD). The current market revenue of the coaching industry in India is Rs 58,088 crore, according to Infinium Global Research, a consultancy firm based in Pune. The coaching industry’s growth is projected to reach Rs 1,33,995 crore by 2028 [https://theprint.in/feature/indias-tuition-republic-is-bigger-than-ever-coaching-culture-is-an-epidemic-now/1270638/]. The coaching industry continues to thrive even as the country struggles to implement the National Education Policy 2020.

The coaching market in India has experienced exponential growth over the years. From small, local coaching centers to sprawling institutes with state-of-the-art facilities, the market caters to millions of aspiring students. These coaching centers promise success in entrance exams through rigorous preparation, specialized courses, and experienced faculty. However, behind the glossy facade lie darker realities and a blog "Coaching Distorting Indian Education System?" by Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, DY Patil International University aptly captures it.

One of the most significant ill-effects of the coaching culture is its toll on the mental health of students and parents alike. The relentless pressure to excel, coupled with the fear of failure, can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Students often find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of studying, attending classes, and taking mock tests, leaving little time for leisure or self-care. Parents, too, succumb to the societal pressure of ensuring their child's success, often at the cost of their well-being.

Embedded within the fabric of India's coaching culture are the aspirations of parents, who often see their children's success in entrance exams as a gateway to economic prosperity and social mobility. For many families, the dream of seeing their wards well-settled and capable of providing for the family drives them to invest heavily in coaching. It's not uncommon for parents to take out loans, sometimes at considerable financial strain, to finance these endeavors. They view coaching as an investment, a passport to a better future for their children. However, this pursuit of success comes at a cost (sadly, just to get admitted in a course!). 

The burden of loans adds to the already high costs of education, creating additional pressures for students to succeed. It's worth noting that the majority of these students hail from lower-middle-class backgrounds, amplifying the weight of expectations and financial obligations placed upon them. In this cycle of ambition and sacrifice, the stakes are undeniably high, with the hopes of entire families resting on the outcome of a single examination.

Regrettably, the focus at the secondary level continues to prioritize remembering and understanding (the question papers reveal it all!), neglecting the crucial development of skills for applying knowledge and analyzing information. This oversight deprives students of the opportunity to cultivate essential abilities necessary for post-schooling jobs or higher education admissions. As a consequence, coaching institutions exploit this significant gap in secondary education, thriving on the shortcomings of the existing pedagogical approach. Academicians and educators, who are responsible for shaping secondary education, inadvertently contribute to the proliferation of the coaching industry in the country.

To address these systemic issues, comprehensive remedial measures are imperative. Firstly, educational reforms must prioritize recalibrating pedagogy and revamping the curriculum to foster skill development at the secondary level. Additionally, significant investments should be made in enhancing school infrastructure and overhauling teacher training programs to equip educators with the befitting tools and methodologies. Moreover, mental health support for students, should be prioritized, with counseling services readily available in both schools and coaching centers; as a matter of fact, the adoloscents need a counsellor more than teachers. Furthermore, a societal shift in attitudes towards success is essential, with a redefinition of success to encompass holistic growth and development in a competitive world.

Entrance examinations should primarily focus on assessing students' aptitude rather than testing their memorization of subjects they have already studied. Instead of merely regurgitating facts, exams should evaluate students' ability to apply knowledge, analyze information, and solve problems. Testing subject knowledge alone is redundant and inefficient, contributing to the proliferation of coaching and its negative impacts. By shifting the focus to assessing proficiency in critical thinking and analytical skills, entrance exams can better prepare students for higher education and future careers. This shift is particularly pertinent in the age of digital learning, where adaptability and problem-solving are valued over rote memorization. Implementing such reforms can not only enhance students' employability but also foster a more sustainable and effective approach to education. 

To align with the imperative shift towards skill development and critical thinking in education, teacher training programs must undergo significant restructuring. Emphasis should be placed on equipping educators with innovative teaching methodologies and strategies that prioritize application of knowledge and analytical thinking. Training sessions should incorporate hands-on learning experiences and collaborative activities aimed at gradually reducing the dependence on books and teachers- known knowledge, to put it succintly. Furthermore, teacher training initiatives should integrate modules on mental health awareness and counseling techniques, empowering educators to provide holistic support to students.

With eye's set on making India the third largest global economy which demands competent and confident professionals, it's imperative to effect major overhauls; and this must start with entrance examinations gating the higher/ professional education and jobs, that need to be prioritizing the assessment of aptitude over mere subject knowledge. By emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, these exams can better equip students for higher education and future careers, particularly in the digital age where adaptability reigns supreme. Implementing such reforms not only enhances students' employability but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and effective educational ecosystem, that India must have to navigate in it's Amrit Kaal and beyond. 

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Author is Pro Chancellor, JIS University- Kolkata
 
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