The state of education in India has been a topic of concern for a long time, and the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) of 2019 only adds to the growing list of issues. According to the report, only 72.2% of grade 3 students can recognize 2-digit numbers, and one out of two grade 8 students cannot solve a problem involving basic division, as seen in the ASER of 2018.
These findings are in line with a survey conducted among 500 school children of 10-14 years studying in government-aided schools in four districts of Kerala. The survey found that 74% of the students scored less than 20% for questions involving number recognition at the grade 4 level, while 46% of grade 8 students could not divide a three-digit number by a one-digit number.
The reasons for this poor performance are complex and multi-dimensional. The parents of these children are largely uneducated and work as unskilled daily wage labourers, unable to provide adequate support to their children. The school management admits that the students lack skills in problem-solving, concentration, grasping power, and conceptual knowledge. Remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted their learning competency.
The teachers, already struggling to finish the syllabus on time, are unable to address each student’s needs. Urgent support is needed for these children to build their basic numeracy, learning skills, soft skills, and life skills. Equipping them with these skills will help them choose the best-suited careers, excel in life, uphold good personal values, and exercise responsible citizenship.
In conclusion, it is time for stakeholders to come together and take urgent steps to address the issues in the education system. The future of our nation depends on the quality of education we provide to our children.
