Good education needs to look beyond exams alone

Over 1.2 million children are sitting HSC examinations this month. As competition and entrant numbers rise, it is vital for the nation that more emphasis be placed on improving quality. Higher enrollment levels in primary schools are being undermined by high dropout rates and poor attendance in many areas. At the other end of the spectrum, it is concerning that academics at leading universities and major employers still express doubts about the calibre of some undergraduates. The government needs to do more to ensure the education system properly meets all the future needs of students. The true test of a good quality education is its ability to spark curiosity and teach students how to think critically and to solve problems. Much of our education system fails to meet this fundamental goal. Funding is certainly part of the problem. Bangladesh’s education budget falls far below the levels invested by other nations such as Brazil which has set a target to double education spending to 10% of GDP by 2020. Most public schools in the nation suffer from poor facilities, and outdated teaching systems which do little to stimulate creativity and inculcate the skills children need to apply their knowledge in the real world. However, as well as raising spending and rooting out neglect, the government and educators also need to replace the unimaginative and poorly delivered curricula which hold many children back. The education system as a whole needs to get away from a mind-numbing emphasis on rote learning. Young people need to be enabled to become more analytical, creative, and adaptable in applying their learning. Educational institutions must get better at equipping all students with the tools they need to succeed in life. A narrow focus on test scores alone is not enough.