Highlights from ASER 2013

- By

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Students aren’t quite learning in schools today…

In 2013, for Std. V: 3% children cannot even recognize

numbers 1-9 15% can recognize numbers up to 9 but

not more 30% can recognize numbers up to 99 but

cannot do subtraction 27% can do subtraction but cannot do

division, and 26% can do division

The report goes further to take this as in indication that a vast proportion of grade 5 students lack the very basic skills expected of them.

Figures have been rounded off to nearest whole digits www.classmatrix.com

… but, what is far more worrying is…

Nationally, this situation has hardly changed over the six-year period for which ASER data is available.

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… the situation has not improved in the last five years

% Children in Std. III and V who can do at least SUBTRACTION and DIVISION respectively (2009-2013)

Year

% Children in Std. III who can do at least subtraction

% Children in Std. Vwho can do division

Govt. & Pvt.* Govt. & Pvt.*

2009 39% 38%

2010 36% 36%

2011 30% 28%

2012 26% 25%

2013 26% 26%

* This is the weighted average of Govt. & Pvt. schools only. Figures have been rounded off to nearest whole digits www.classmatrix.com

Two reasons for low learning outcomes

The report says there two main reasons..

Teachers are made to “Complete syllabus” within the year

Children are to be placed in grades or standards according to their age

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But where are students learning?

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A large fraction of students are attending tuitions…

23% children from katcha houses paid for tuitions, while 25% children from pucca houses paid for tuition at all India level

Even in poor states like Bihar, 46% children living in katcha homes paid for tuition, while 59% of those living in pucca homes paid for tuition

Figures have been rounded off to nearest whole digits www.classmatrix.com

… which parents send them to, despite financial burdens

Despite a much tighter budget constraint parents who are not well placed financially are still choosing to spend extra on their children’s education

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This clearly reflects in learning levels of students…

% Children in Std. V who can read a Std. II level textASER 2013 (Rural)

Govt.+ No Tuition

Govt. + Tuition

Pvt.+ No Tuition

Pvt. + Tuition

All 37% 52% 62% 69%

Katcha 29% 47% 54% 58%

Pucca 47% 60% 65% 72%

Figures have been rounded off to nearest whole digits www.classmatrix.com

How are students able to learn at Private tuitions but not at Schools?

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ransford/770039665/

… which raises an obvious question…

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… leaving us with some food for thought.

Should teachers be made accountable to parents / students for learning outcomes?

Should alternative education be legalized?

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Find the ASER 2013 report here

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