Revamping the Education System

A System combines various components, each having a specific function. These components are linked in a way that each component’s performance has a significant effect on the other part. A system will fail if any components get out of order or work incorrectly. The components are the pillars of a system on which a system stands. 

Education is a process of gaining knowledge either through theoretical or practical ways. 

An Educational System is usually a network designed to facilitate the learning process by organizing different components in a way that results in positive and fruitful outcomes for the whole system. 

The educational system is based on a few things, as follows. 

• Students
• Interest of students

The Dilemma of Choosing a Career Path in Pakistan: Navigating the Education System 

In Pakistan, the youth population makes up a significant portion of the total population. At a young age, students usually start their secondary or higher secondary school education and study without a clear direction or understanding of their passions and strengths.

This confusion continues as they progress through their education and reach 8th grade. At this point, students are faced with choosing computer science or other subjects like biology for their next two years of study. The commonly held belief is that the best students opt for biology; however, this is only sometimes true.
After matriculation, students become aware of the diverse fields of study, including engineering. This new knowledge leads many students to switch subjects and pursue intermediate education in computer sciences, engineering, or the arts.
At the intermediate level, students often aim to become a doctor or engineers or work in a software house. However, not all students who aspire to become doctors can secure admission to a medical college due to merit restrictions. Additionally, some students realize that the scope of engineering is limited in their country, leading them to pursue a degree in computer science instead, even if they previously studied pre-engineering subjects.

In conclusion, students in Pakistan often need more proper guidance and self-awareness throughout their education, leading them to make uninformed decisions regarding their future careers.

Imbalanced Education in Pakistan: Career Over Learning and Growth 

In Pakistan, the primary objective of the education system is not to enhance one’s abilities and equip one with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to society but rather to secure a well-paying job and attain a lifestyle of material comfort and luxury. This focus on career and financial success often overrides the significance of learning, personal development, and intellectual growth.

The Consequences of a Career-Focused Education System

In a traditional, manipulated educational system that prioritizes career and financial success over learning and personal development, several problems arise.

• One of the most significant problems is the emergence of “robots” in various fields. These individuals, who only pursue a specific job or profession to earn a good salary, lack the expertise and passion crucial to success in any field. This is especially evident in areas such as medicine, where a doctor who lacks the desire to serve their patients and only sees their job as a source to earn will not be a valuable member of the healthcare community.

• Another problem that results from an over-emphasis on career success is the creation of demand-supply imbalances. When many students concentrate on only a few popular degrees after intermediate, this results in a surplus of individuals in those fields and can lead to unemployment. The high enrollment in a single field exceeds the demand, leading to a disproportionate number of individuals who are qualified for jobs that are not available. This further exacerbates the unemployment problem and creates a vicious cycle that undermines the objectives of the education system.

The Importance of Early Evaluation and Personalized Learning Paths in Education 

Teachers must understand each student’s interests and strengths from an early age. This can be achieved through various evaluation methods, such as personality tests that assess problem-solving skills and technical approaches to everyday situations. To get the most honest and accurate results, these evaluations should be conducted informally without the students realizing the significance of the tests. 

It is crucial to evaluate students in their early years of schooling and allow them to pursue subjects that align with their interests and strengths. Students are encouraged to study subjects that do not match their true passions and interests, leading to a lack of engagement and motivation. This can also result in students changing their major later in their academic careers, wasting time and resources. 

Promoting subjects that align with students’ interests should not be limited to STEM fields. Often overlooked or discouraged, arts subjects foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. These subjects should be made available and encouraged for students who show an aptitude and interest in them. 

In conclusion, teachers are vital in helping students design their educational path and ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that fosters their interests, strengths, and passions. By conducting early evaluations and promoting personalized learning paths, teachers can help students achieve their full potential and prepare them for success in the future.