Beyond Grades.

When we talk about education, we should understand that we are not just talking about books, tests, passing exams and collecting certificates. We are talking about learning and growing, we are talking about developing the mind to think, profer solutions to things and help make the world a better place.

And when we talk about school, we are talking about a place where developing and learning takes place. That is where both the young and old go to, to gain and acquire knowledge that will help them prepare for the future and become a much more better and productive human being.

But, the truth is school has proven to be different form what it used to be. It is now very much about competing and student no longer study to know or understand. The only focus is to rank first, have good grades and be the very best in class. In as much as that is good too, it shouldn't be the ultimate focus.

Well, I agree that it can very well push and motivate students to do better in their academics, but a lie should be drawn, it shouldn't become extreme, cause it will be extremely dangerous. When I was in school, I know of certain students who take pills and some drinks just so to stay awake and study into the night. I know of those who put so much pressure on themselves that they begin to suffer their health and their mental health. And when you ask them why they are doing all of that, it's always because they don't want the person coming behind them grade-wise to supersede them.

And that is why you see them getting depressed and sad if at the end the outcome isn't what they are expecting. A senior of mine went from being a scholar to an unserious student sometimes ago when he didn't get what he thought he would. It affected him so much that, he stopped paying attention to his studies. He got depressed and went from being serious to being unserious.

Out schools shouldn't be a that competitive that students would sacrifice their health, peace and all just so to succeed. The competition in our schools is what is leading students to cheat, do malpractice, push themselves beyond and all, just because of grade. This guy I was telling you was so depressed that he kept insisting on the fact that how could he come out with such a grade and the person he knows was it as intelligent as he is be above him now. That is what education has turned into.... competition.

Education is not supposed to be a battle for the strongest, everyone should aim at learning and understanding, and even if there will be competition, then it should be an healthy one. We all are different, we have quick learners and we have slow learners, so students should be allowed to learn at their own pace, or better still find something they know they are good at and focus on it.

What matters most is understanding what you're being taught. Some only study hard to pass exams. They do what we call la cram la pour. Once the exam is over, they are done too, they only cram for the exams. A good school should encourage effort, healthy competition, and cooperation. Students should be able to ask and support each other with the fear of, "what if I tell him/her what I know and he comes out with better good grades than mine."

The world is different now, and it's high time we know that to do well here, it goes beyond what you have on your certificate. The purpose of education was never to pick one top students, but to have thoughtful, creative, capable and good humans who will help contribute positively and immensely to the society.

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Images are mine.

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