After paying the school fees for the quarter 1 ( Apr, May , Jun), I was cribbing today about the ruthless hike in fees. School fees of Rs.60,000/- per year ( excluding the transport ) for a 7th std child is "criminal" by all standards. But do I have a choice ? After all these , education happens at home and not in the school. So , why do I need to pay such high amount for a 7th std child ? That too , for the same old style of teaching ? Technology has advanced so much. But the classes are yet to become smart classes. You have loads of information at the tip of your finger - by just a click. But no innovation applied in the style of teaching. I see govt schools doing so much innovation to prove their ability and credibility. At least , there are few teachers who are commited and knowledgeable..
Parents (including me ) are ready to shell out any amount of money ( no matter what their income is ) to provide the best education for their children. But , In reality , it has become a business and quality of education has deteriorated like anything. There are many tuition centres who make money as children need extra coaching . Or parents need to provide that extra care at home to ensure that the child understands the concepts.
It is time to think. Education cannot become a mere business. "Right to education" law is introduced by the govt. But I am not sure how far it would get really implemented. .
In my school days , the fees must have been around Rs.5 (may be for the entire year). Parents were not knowledgeable enough to guide me in my subjects nor I was sent for any tuition ( except in the high school when I was given extra coaching on week ends for 1 subject ) .
What is happening today ? Look at how we have changed !
I was in the pantry of my office when I heard the house keeping ladies discussing which brand of school bag to be bought for their childeren. One was suggesting that "Scoobee Day" is good and reliable and lasts for a year. That reminds me that I also need to buy all items to send my son to school.
I dont think that I ever got a new school bag. We used to have "crafts" session in the school where we were taught how to make bags with nylon wires.The same bags we used as school bags. I was never an expert in this and always the wires used to come out. Still , the whole year I used to manage. I don't know whether today's children have even seen such bags. See , how cute they are ! The only draw back was that our books get wet if it rains which we used to manage by having extra protection of plastic sheets.
Time has changed. But is this change in the right direction ? New school bag , new instrument box , new pencils and pens - do they really motivate the child ? I dont know. Peer pressure is so high for children too.
I do welcome change. But change has to have a much more positive influence on our children.
Where are we heading ? I really dont know. It keeps me worrying me as a parent.
Parents (including me ) are ready to shell out any amount of money ( no matter what their income is ) to provide the best education for their children. But , In reality , it has become a business and quality of education has deteriorated like anything. There are many tuition centres who make money as children need extra coaching . Or parents need to provide that extra care at home to ensure that the child understands the concepts.
It is time to think. Education cannot become a mere business. "Right to education" law is introduced by the govt. But I am not sure how far it would get really implemented. .
In my school days , the fees must have been around Rs.5 (may be for the entire year). Parents were not knowledgeable enough to guide me in my subjects nor I was sent for any tuition ( except in the high school when I was given extra coaching on week ends for 1 subject ) .
What is happening today ? Look at how we have changed !
I was in the pantry of my office when I heard the house keeping ladies discussing which brand of school bag to be bought for their childeren. One was suggesting that "Scoobee Day" is good and reliable and lasts for a year. That reminds me that I also need to buy all items to send my son to school.
I dont think that I ever got a new school bag. We used to have "crafts" session in the school where we were taught how to make bags with nylon wires.The same bags we used as school bags. I was never an expert in this and always the wires used to come out. Still , the whole year I used to manage. I don't know whether today's children have even seen such bags. See , how cute they are ! The only draw back was that our books get wet if it rains which we used to manage by having extra protection of plastic sheets.
Time has changed. But is this change in the right direction ? New school bag , new instrument box , new pencils and pens - do they really motivate the child ? I dont know. Peer pressure is so high for children too.
I do welcome change. But change has to have a much more positive influence on our children.
Where are we heading ? I really dont know. It keeps me worrying me as a parent.
