Our educational ordeals

One of the main issues that students face is the lack of opportunities for critical thinking

Shoukat Lohar  

The pursuit of education is a dream shared by many students across the world. However, for students in Sindh and Pakistan, the dream of education is often marred by ordeals that they have to face during their academic journey.

From stern rules and regulations to a lack of critical thinking skills, students are faced with numerous challenges that hinder their academic progress and personal growth.

Students are taught to memorize information and regurgitate it on exams. This teaching method does not encourage students to think critically or question the material they are being taught

One of the main issues that students face is the lack of opportunities for critical thinking.

In many educational institutions, students are taught to memorize information and regurgitate it on exams. This teaching method does not encourage students to think critically or question the material they are being taught. As a result, students are unable to develop the necessary skills to analyze and evaluate information, which is essential for their academic and personal growth.

Furthermore, the choice or selection of a career by parents often kills a student’s dreams and aspirations.

Many parents in Pakistan have a preconceived notion of what their child should study, and they force their children to pursue a particular career path. This often results in students feeling unhappy and unfulfilled in their chosen field of study. Students may even feel like they have lost their voice and are unable to speak up about their true passions and interests.

In addition, students often face a lack of support and encouragement from their professors and officials. Instead of fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment, some professors and officials exhibit rude and stern attitudes towards students.

This can be extremely demotivating for students, causing them to lose interest in their studies and becoming anti-study. This is particularly evident in universities, where students are expected to battle through subjects that they have little interest in. Students who were previously very fond of books and discussions can become despondent after facing constant academic pressure.

The harsh treatment of students doesn’t end after they complete their degree. Many students in Pakistan struggle to find employment after graduation and often have to go from pillar to post to seek meager jobs. They are often subjected to high voltage harsh behavior from bosses who demand experience certificates of work or internships before considering them for a position. This further adds to the students’ frustration and feeling of helplessness.

All of these factors combined create an atmosphere in which students in Sindh and Pakistan feel like they have wasted their lives in factory-like educational institutions. They are denied the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and are forced into career paths that may not align with their passions or interests. Furthermore, they face a lack of support and encouragement from their professors and officials, making the academic journey even more challenging. This can result in students feeling lost and demotivated, causing them to give up on their dreams of education.

So, what can be done to alleviate the ordeals that students in Sindh and Pakistan face? Firstly, educational institutions should place a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. This can be done by incorporating more discussions, debates, and projects into the curriculum that require students to think analytically and independently.

This will help students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and personally.

Secondly, parents should be more open-minded and supportive of their children’s passions and interests. Instead of forcing them to pursue a particular career path, parents should encourage their children to explore their options and choose a career that aligns with their passions and interests.

This will ensure that students feel fulfilled and motivated in their chosen field of study.

Everyday fee hike and inflation has compelled students to leave university in between the because of monetary challenges

Thirdly, professors and officials should create a more supportive and nurturing learning environment for students. They should encourage students to ask questions, express their opinions, and seek guidance when necessary. This will help students feel more comfortable and confident in their academic pursuits.

Finally, the government should take steps to improve employment opportunities for graduates. This can be done by creating more job opportunities and providing incentives for companies to hire fresh graduates.

Recently Sindh submerged in flood. Millions of people displaced. Nobody talks about the students suffering in the context of such circumstances.  Everyday fee hike and inflation has compelled students to leave university in between the because of monetary challenges. No fee relief from government to the plighted people being issued. Prior to torrential rains and flood students witnessed covid a pandemic which left scars of fear and existential issues for students and for all of us. At the moment all around it seems bleak and darkness, no way out. Let’s discuss this generation that has to take the control after a while. They need respect, dignity and oceanic motivation.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk