KARACHI:
Many Pakistani scholars, educators and policymakers have identified the issue of toxic education. It refers to the negative and harmful aspects of the education system that can have a detrimental effect on the student’s physical, emotional and mental well-being.
One of the major problems with the education system in Pakistan is the lack of quality. Many schools lack basic facilities such as proper classrooms, furniture, and textbooks. This forces many students to attend overcrowded and poorly maintained schools, which can have a negative impact on their learning and overall development. Another issue is the emphasis on rote learning and memorisation rather than critical thinking and problem-solving. This creates a culture of cramming and hampers the students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. The curriculum is often outdated and fails to address the current needs and challenges of society. This not only limits students’ exposure to new ideas and concepts but also reinforces traditional and regressive values.
Moreover, the education system in Pakistan is often plagued by political interference and corruption. This creates an environment where teachers are selected based on political affiliations rather than merit, and resources are mismanaged or misappropriated. All of these factors contribute to a toxic education system in Pakistan, which can have long-term negative effects on students’ ability to succeed in their careers and contribute to society. Therefore, there is a pressing need for policymakers and educators to address these issues and work towards creating a more equitable and effective education system in Pakistan.
Mansoor Ahmad
Mardan
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2023.
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