The most important part of the schooling system is the examination.
Students have figured this out, that’s why during the semester only a fraction of them appear in class, but the class is often full during exams.
Because the whole education system is predicated on the outcome of the examinations. Students have learnt that even without attending class, they can beat the system by memorizing the notes the night before the exams.
Essentially, by doing the bare minimum, they can get the certifications.
Now, how do we solve the problem of class non-attendance?
Some people would say we need to use some mechanism of monitoring class attendance and punish those who don’t attend class.
Well, my honest opinion is that such interventions miss the point.
Monitoring and punishment are based on the assumption that class attendance is the problem. That if students are forced to attend class by hook or crook, then learning will go on smoothly.
This is not true.
Class attendance is not equal to learning. If we put guns on students’ heads, they would probably attend class.
But would they learn? Can you really force a human being to learn? Can you force them to be engaged? Can you force students to be interested in certain subject?
Other than the fear of repercussions for not attending class, why would a student want show up in class?
Just like we hate being forced to attend meetings, students don’t like to be forced to attend classes.
You see, many meetings could be eliminated by sending a memo. Likewise, many classes could be eliminated if handout/notes were provided instead.
If that is the case, then we remain with a fundamental question.
What is school for?
If we removed examinations and certifications, what will schools be left to offer?
This is a conundrum.
You see, the education system is anchored in a political and economic culture. This therefore means that to make any meaningful changes, as a country, we will need to look at what we incentivize as far as economic and social rewards are concerned.
Now, that’s a monster we are not ready to face.
Life is life
Fabio