Competitive educational system and its negative effects on children

S M Anupama Priyadarshanie

Children of any country are undoubtedly considered to be its backbone. If the young generation is healthy physically and mentally, it will be a blessing to the country. A wholesome young generation can contribute immensely to the stable existence and the economic growth of a country

According to recent research conducted by reputed child psychologists in Sri Lanka, most schoolchildren do not possess a sound mentality although they seem strong enough physically. They further point out that the existing educational system has caused a direct negative impact on the minds of schoolchildren. The existing exam system has been found to be the major reason for the mental stress and uneasiness of innocent schoolchildren. It is evident that this competitive exam system has compelled schoolchildren to run after tuition classes impatiently and aimlessly. They seem to have caught up in an illusionary rat race which brings nothing useful at the end.

Unlike today, education yesteryear did not have a negative impact on children. It was totally devoid of unnecessary pressure and competition. Children did their studies in the classroom with a carefree mind and it was not a burden to their tender minds. Also, a strong wholesome relationship prevailed between teachers and students. Children used to honour and respect their beloved teachers as if teachers were their gods. The education system in those days guided children to maintain a high level of moral values. As Sinhala Literature was a compulsory subject, children were more sensitive, creative and innovative in their positive attitudes.

School syllabuses

When the prevailing school syllabuses are closely looked at, they are found to be filled with goals beyond the reach of our rural children. For example, the Grade Five students who face the Grade Five Scholarship Exam are harassed unnecessarily by both teachers and parents. Their tender minds are mercilessly burdened with school homework and the assignments given by the tuition classes. They hardly find any time to play and enjoy with their peers.

Moreover, exam-oriented education and the competitive race for best results have paved the way for the moral deterioration of the children. Their minds are filled with unwholesome thoughts such as jealousy and hatred and they try to achieve their targets by hook or by crook.

Tuition classes

Children do not have time to attend Sunday Dhamma schools. They are tempted to run after tuition classes throughout the week. The lack of moral and religious guidance in the modern educational system has created an unimaginable level of erosion in human values among children. They miserably lack kindness and sympathy towards other fellow beings. Brutal and inhuman ragging in Universities and even in urban schools depicts the evil consequences of lacking moral and religious guidance very clearly.

Under these circumstances, some sort of re-thinking and certain reforms in education is necessary. The educational system should go hand in hand with aged-old Sri Lankan traditions, culture and deeply-rooted social norms. The ultimate outcome of the education should be to create a well-balanced and civilized child who is capable both physically and mentally.

To achieve that objective, the higher authorities concerned with education, teachers and the parents have to play a major role. Relevant educational authorities should take immediate steps to make educational system less burdensome and competitive. Teachers also should not burden the students with too much homework and meaningless assignments to be completed by students.

Parents also have to act very wisely. They should not pressurize their children's minds with unattainable exam results. Parents should provide their children with opportunities of studying with a calm and relaxed mind. They should pay more attention towards fostering noble human values in their children.

After realizing the negative effects and the severe stress of the existing competitive educational system on students' minds, the Education Ministry has taken steps to set up counselling units in every school. The objective of this program is to pacify the burning minds of students who suffer from mental uneasiness.

The writer is an undergraduate at Kelaniya University