The last one year has been very complicated, especially for students. In most cases, there were no assessment and students were promoted to the next class, based on very confusing criteria that nobody understood. This situation was the same with all the systems of education, whether it was the Cambridge or the Matric system.

There are many articles written on the difference between the two systems, but, in my opinion, whatever the system you follow, some points apply to all students, irrespective of what they are studying. Children should be able to express their own ideas and feelings. Studies should be very comprehensive. A child, from the beginning, should be made capable of writing.

Focus should be on reading too. This increases the vocabulary of students a lot. This is the case with not only languages, but other subjects also. There must be reasoning questions and conceptional evaluation.

Though O or A level students have to compete with Matric and intermediate students at the university level, it really does not matter. What are needed are clear concepts and research habits. Don’t obtain education to get jobs, always seek knowledge and build your personality. Even when companies hire employees, their soft skills, intelligence and devotion to work matter a lot in making them move ahead at work.

Institutions and teachers should also give comprehensive knowledge besides telling students the tricks to solve the paper and get grades.

We have many examples of people who have studied under the streetlights and have gone on to become great achievers.

Knowledge is the power through which a person can easily handle all things and gain a control over his life.

While acquiring education, gain knowledge for everyday use, acquire facts and information and develop skills. So don’t just fill a pail, light a fire.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 30th, 2021