The Evolution of School Board Exams: Has Education Changed Over Decades?
Comparing school board exam results from a few decades ago with today's standards reveals a significant shift in the educational landscape. This article examines the changes, exploring both the ease and difficulty in securing top scores, and the evolution of educational methods and expectations.
Back in the 70s: A Simpler Time for Academic Success
My experience with school board exams in 2002 shed light on a simpler era. I scored 84%, while the topper of my school scored 89%, achieving the third position in the district. Exam formats were predominantly descriptive, allowing for detailed responses rather than multiple-choice answers. This shift from descriptive to objective-based exams can provide some insights into the evolution of educational standards.
Comparing Era: Sports and Academic Excellence
A notable parallel can be drawn between athletics and academics. In 1964, Bob Hayes was the fastest in the 100m dash, with a time of 10.06 seconds. Today, Usain Bolt holds the record at 9.58 seconds. Just as improvement in athletic performance demands greater skills and preparation, academic success now requires a different kind of rigor and focus.
The Changing Educational Landscape
In the 1970s, most schools used descriptive question papers. This meant higher grades could place students at the top of their class. For example, I scored 74 in the SSC exam, ranking first in my class and fifth in my school of over 900. The state-level rank holders had scores around 80 or above, making it easier to gain admission to preferred colleges and streams. My academic success even led to reservations in the National Institute of Technology Suratkal, one of the most prestigious institutions.
Today's Educational Challenges
Fast forward to today, and the educational landscape has drastically changed. A score of 74 in the SSC exam would be considered barely passable. Students face tougher competition to secure desired colleges and streams. Today, over 3000 different courses are available, and career guidance and aptitude tests are primarily conducted by private institutions. Educational institutions have also shifted to objective-based exams, with higher scores reflecting more rigorous preparation.
Quality vs. Quantity in Education
Today, the quality of education and course curriculum updates are often outdated. Surveys suggest that only a small fraction of professional courses equip students with the necessary skills for industry demands. With the rise of private institutions and their high fees, there is a growing emphasis on acquiring degrees, even if they do not necessarily lead to stable employment. This has led to a significant shift in the education system, with a focus on financial gains rather than long-term educational benefits.
Reservations and Institutional Dynamics
Reservations have also played a significant role in the educational landscape. Currently, around 50-69% of seats in government colleges and institutions of higher education are reserved for disadvantaged groups. This perpetuates the notion that government colleges and institutions are meant for reserved categories, leading to manipulation of admissions by authority figures. Private coaching classes have also become a major industry, with parents and students investing heavily in additional education to enhance their qualifications.
The Impact on Society and Well-being
The current educational and social climate is detrimental to mental and physical health. Young people, especially in the financially strained environments created by the high fees of private institutions, are more likely to succumb to stress-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Divorce and suicide rates have increased, reflecting the high levels of stress and dissatisfaction in today's society. Elders, who were once respected and valued, are increasingly viewed as unnecessary burdens by their children.
Call for Reformation
Education needs a thorough overhaul to address these issues. The education ecosystem, from outdated skill sets to the proliferation of private institutions, requires comprehensive restructuring. Efforts should be made to inculcate entrepreneurship as a core value, fostering innovation and self-reliance. Additionally, the regularization of education standards and greater transparency in admissions and reservation policies can create a fairer and more positive learning environment.
Ultimately, the evolution of school board exams and the broader educational landscape presents a complex picture. While there have been significant improvements in technology and accessibility, the focus on financial gain and manipulation in education has led to a highly competitive and often hostile environment. Reforming the education system to prioritize quality, health, and well-being is crucial for the future of our society.