From an early age, we enter the realm of education, continuing to learn through various phases of life. It is often believed that learning never ends, continuing from cradle to grave. However, there is a certain system and period of institutional education in every country to be taught in a systematic pattern. The general education system of Bangladesh is disappointing, leaving us without many skills essential for real life after obtaining a degree. Formal education often leaves a blank space between our student life and facing the realities of life. From navigating professional challenges to mastering practical tasks, there's a whole world of essential skills that fall outside the traditional school curriculum. These valuable life lessons -- the ones that empower us to thrive beyond the classroom are a go-to necessity for any student.
Certain degrees, like medical science or engineering, require specific skill sets. But what about the others? Are we truly taught what we need for a professional setup, or are we left to learn through mistakes and personal experiences? Must all the skill development necessarily be different versions of trial and error? Maybe the latter is the answer and not all of us can do so all the time.
Didn't we all feel like school prepared us for exams but not for actual life? While acing a calculus test was always impressive, the outside world needed something more from us every day. Life met us every day with a new challenge, making us feel unprepared. During the transition mostly labelled as 'the reality check', and all because of not learning most of the essential skills that schools often neglect -- we stumble upon our failings. Mastering skills can empower you in all aspects of life, regardless of gender. These skills might not be on the curriculum, but they're the building blocks of a fulfilling life. So, we get to teach ourselves and the next generations that only being with the textbook is not enough as life lays down some of the greatest exams, mostly after a so-called student life is over. So at times, take a break from the curriculum and learn skills like cooking, driving, cleaning, negotiating, etc., and embrace the adventure of learning these life hacks.
Skills are explicitly turned into two forms -- hard and soft skills. Hard skills are often more talked about than the second ones. While most see it as a natural journey, we need to learn these skills during our student years. In today's competitive world, success is dependent on a potent combination of both of the skills. While hard skills are the technical know-how specific to your job or personal life such as repairing, or car maintenance, soft skills are the interpersonal and personal qualities that make a person a valuable asset in any team. Skills such as strong communication, stress management, leadership quality, negotiation ability, etc. are some of the soft skills that will make the hurdles of life a bit smoother. Managing income is challenging; wouldn't it be great if schools taught us about money management before we start earning? But it is indeed a matter of regret that the current education system often leaves graduates unprepared for the realities of the workforce. They may need to learn these skills through trial and error, which can be time-consuming and disadvantageous.
Tithi Deb is a primary school teacher and she feels the necessity of learning all the way, "As a human being, basic skill development is very important for the students. It could be a noble initiative to merge learning life skills as well as the textbook readings. Otherwise, it is a very common phenomenon that some students always face hurdles in their future life as they have not done anything more than 'studying'. And as I see the fact that the gender issue should also be discussed and clarified, by the students. They should understand that not a single task relies on the gender of the person who is doing it. With this mindset, they are sure to have a healthy psychological growth and the acceptance rate will be higher with time."
Though the present and past scenarios of Bangladesh's educational system do not give us a positive scenario on the life skill development of the students, there is a tiny ray of hope as Tithi introduces us with, "As a part of the 2041 vision, the latest primary education curriculum aims for an efficient human resources from our country and on a very basic level, the skill development programmes are added as we have taken it from the training. Though it is not very fruitful till now, we are hopeful about future results." By incorporating these skills into the curriculum, Bangladesh's education system can better prepare graduates for the demands of the modern workplace and empower them to lead fulfilling personal lives. A well-rounded learning period should make us able to thrive in life and not only survive.
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Skills that schools do not teach us
Anindeta Chowdhury | Published: July 13, 2024 22:00:11
Skills that schools do not teach us
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