Outdated curricula, lack of youth inclusion, and rigid teaching methods are driving Pakistani students away from traditional schooling. Modernizing these environments requires structural changes that directly address student motivation and technological relevance.
Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of students dropping out of school. This has become a matter of great concern as education plays a vital role in shaping a person’s career and future. Moreover, the lifestyle of the new generation has changed due to the easy availability of modern technology and social media. However, these students have found schooling and the prevalent system in Pakistan not so appealing or up to the mark. Hence, they are not very much interested in continuing their studies further.
To begin with, one of the primary reasons why students are dropping out of school is due to the lack of motivation towards their studies. The Pakistani system of education has been found to use very conventional and outdated methods which do not seem to have any relevance to the new generations. This makes them feel disconnected and demoralized about pursuing their studies. In addition, the current system does not focus on providing students with the tools and knowledge that would help them build a rewarding career in the future. As such, students lack motivation and are not interested in going to school.
Besides, young people are being kept away from the decision-making process concerning their future. In Pakistan, the youth population is the largest in the world. However, their opinions and suggestions are rarely considered in all important decision-making processes undertaken in the country. The younger generation feels that they do not influence matters that directly concern them.
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The best way through which schools can overcome the challenge of retaining students is by making them feel involved and by taking their opinions into consideration regarding issues affecting them. Organizing student forums and encouraging them to participate in school councils and matters helps them feel that they are being listened to. Furthermore, the curriculum should be revised to include relevant and contemporary issues in order to capture the attention and trigger the interest of the students. Teaching them basic skills about career fields and technologies can also be very effective. Making them learn how to use modern technology, the use and applications of social media and how to be responsible members of the global community will make them more conscious of their role in society.
To conclude, student retention is very crucial and needs to be addressed at the earliest. The problem of students dropping out of school can be resolved by encouraging and persuading them to continue their studies. This can be achieved by making the act of studying more interesting and by involving them in key decision-making processes in the country. Addressing the concerns and providing them with opportunities to become more conscious of their role in society will encourage them to stay in school and complete their studies.
Aroush
Karachi Sindh
