Importance of class teaching
There is no alternative to effective class teaching for ensuring quality education in educational institutions in the country. Leading educationists have expressed their opinions about the need to get rid of private tuition and coaching centres that have become pervasive these days. They have recommended necessary initiatives and sharp vigilance to achieve this objective. A report on this appeared in this newspaper yesterday. That the entire education sector is reeling from private tuition and coaching culture does not augur well for the future. Students increasing dependence on private tutors and coaching centres at such an impressionable age does not lead them to a bright future. It is like spoon-fed babies who mostly remain malnourished throughout their life. Had students received proper class teaching, they would not have been dependent on coaching outside the educational institutions. A devoted teacher can make things clear to students through a well-delivered lecture at the classroom. If students can grasp things at the classroom, they even do not need to study much at their homes, let alone going to a coaching centre or a private tutor. This saves their parents from spending a large sum
of money.
It is worrying to note that class teaching in educational institutions is far from satisfactory. The reasons are not far to seek. Most of the educational institutions are running short of teachers and other logistical supports. As a result, learners are bearing the brunt of the situation. It is the responsibility of teachers to make their class lectures enjoyable to students. If they fail to do so, students feel bored and may feel like leaving classrooms. Poor ratio between teacher and student is hampering the learning process. Is it possible for a teacher to manage 60 to 70 students at a classroom ? In developed countries, teacher to student ratio is one teacher for 30 students at most.
Besides, there are teachers who lack proper skills to impart education to students, some have the tendency to play truant and pay attention to other things that fetch them money. The government should appoint required number of teachers immediately to fill up the vacant posts of teachers at the educational institutions. Only appointment of teachers will not do. Vigilance should also be there on a regular basis so that teachers discharge their responsibilities properly. Higher salaries and other monetary benefits for teachers must be linked to their doing their job sincerely, efficiently and scrupulously.
