As the shadow cast by a sun dial can tell the observer about the change in time
Shadow of the education system can tell the change in society
Shadow education is a metaphor used for private tutorials that supplements the main stream education system. As the size and shape of the shadow depends on the source object, on the same lines change in mainstream education system impacts size and shape of supplementary education system.
Unlike dictionary definition of shadow which is a passive entity to the object it immitates, Shadow in shadow education is an active entity in every sense. It affects the mainstream system and somewhat controls the flow of it.
Private tutorial is not a new name in the world. It has its foot prints long back in the history that now nobody questions on its existence. The size of private tutorial industry varies from country to country depending on some key factors. Research shows that shadow education is popular in countries having poorly structured education system as compared to countries having advanced education system. Believe it or not, South Korea supplement education market is 150% of the mainstream education system.
Stupendous isn’t it? Believe me, it’s true.
MES v/s SES
Private tutorial works as a load sharing mechanism and hence reduces the burden on mainstream education system. It helps students to navigate a successful passage from school to adulthood. Not only students but tutors also gain a lot for private tutorials.
In a country like India where a secondary school teachers hardly earn 200$ per month, private tutorials provides them a good option to supplement their earnings. It helps in retaining quality teaching staff as the money they earn from private tutorials sometimes goes as high as 500$- 1000$ per month which is even more than a university lecturer.
Guardians are happy in shedding some extra dollars for private tutorials if it helps their ward to perform well. Research confirms that it helps in better understanding of concepts (In this article I am not considering the trauma that a student has to go through when he has to attend 2-3 daily of private tutorials after 8 hrs of school).
Is it a win-win situation or a Paradox?
Wait! Before coming to any conclusion it is wiser to analyze micro & macro dimensions of the state of affairs.
Studies adumbrate that SES plays a coercive role in destabilizing mainstream equilibrium. It exacerbates the nation’s education problems because it fabricates variance in the classroom. All guardians can’t afford a private tutorials for their wards which widens the understanding level of the concept between two kids .Secondly, it is analyzed that if the private tutor is a teacher from the same school then he gives more emphasis on the coaching classes than in the classroom, which further exacerbates the disparity.
SES has its own cons and pros, with more pros than cons if one considers the student aspect under this umbrella. We should improve our mainstream education system so that it doesn’t need a shadow to walk along with it. The money and resources that the world is poring in a well of shadow can be used in strengthening the pillars of the mainstream.
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