[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any educators state that studying in the same-sex education system makes a person lack in self-confidence. However, co-education builds confidence in students and makes them a complete person to live globally is the international set of norm of education. There are very few people who criticize the co-education system by many logics and precedents. In co-education environments students have more opportunity for learning and increase their skills also. We know that it is a modern concept and was first introduced in Switzerland but later on it spread globally. Educators in the different international or local conferences have mentioned that having separate schools for girls and boys doesn’t enhance their academic skills therefore the merits of having co-educational schools surpass the idea of having separate schools for boys and girls.
In Pakistani society, it is popular only in vocational institutions. There exist 2-schools of thought which differ sharply in their views about it.
One group comments are totally in favors and others are against for this system. In our society those people who are educated in the western traditions, they want to admit their children in the co-education schooling system.
In Pakistan some political leaders including religious leaders never tolerate a boy and girl sitting together in class and also say that it fragment our societal values. They also never accept Americanization or Westernization culture in the educational system of Pakistan. It is also mention that the children who are 10 or 11 years of age should not be seated together in the class room.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Primary schools (000) | Middle schools (000) | High schools (000) | Technical & Vocational Institutions | ||||
Total | Female | Total | Female | Total | Female | Total | Female | |
2012-13 | 159.7 | 60.1 | 42.1 | 21.4 | 29.9 | 12.3 | 3,290 | 2,253 |
2013-14 | 157.9 | 60.3 | 42.9 | 21.1 | 30.6 | 12.6 | 3,323 | 2,276 |
2014-15 (P) | 165.9 | 66.0 | 44.8 | 22.4 | 31.3 | 13.1 | 3,579 | 1,819 |
2015-16 (E) | 168.9 | 68.6 | 45.6 | 22.8 | 32.0 | 13.5 | 3,667 | 1,735 |
ADVANTAGES
In Pakistan, there is a great dearth of professional educators on technical subjects. That is why it is desirable to educate the boys and girls in the same institution. The interaction between boys and girls at this age assists in their practical life later on. This system also produces a healthy competition between them. The boys become more civilized and polished in the presence of girls. The girls also stand to gain something in the presence of boys. In our society where men and women must converge and interact while working, it is aberrant to make schools which are not co-educational.
The real reason why some people support co-education is that they like Western culture. They want to be more English speaking than English people because West has co-education system so they must have it.
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DISADVANTAGES
I like to mention that there are some demerits of this system in our society. Mostly it is seemed that boys and girls might waste their time in activities unrelated to their studies like celebrating birthday party, using mobile phone (Whatsapp), sitting in the corners etc. The youth is characterized by irresponsibility and immaturity. This free contact can result in laxity of morals. Temptation increases toward opposite gender. Co-education will create many problems not only for the students but also for teachers. Temptation does not distinguish between the students and the teacher. That’s why our religion, our culture and our circumstances allow us to adopt co-education? I can say that they certainly not allow us to adopt such system. If co-education is inevitable one would agree to it. But it is not a necessary evil.
EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT
The Government of Pakistan’s statistics revealed that in the country main indicator like enrolments, number of institutes and teachers has recorded slight improvement. The total number of enrolments during 2015 was registered at 43.95 million as against to 42.09 million during the corresponding period previous year. This statistics showed a rise of 4.4 percent and it was predicted to increase to 45.17 million during 2016.
At national level, the total number of institutes reached at 252.56 thousands during 2015 as against to 241.61 thousands during last year, showing a rise of 4.5 percent. However, the number of institutes was predicted to boost to 257.47 thousands during 2016. The total number of teachers during 2015 was registered at 1.59 million as against to 1.53 million during previous year showing a rise of 3.9 percent. This number of teachers was predicted to increase more to 1.62 million during the year 2016.
CHALLENGES
I want to mention here that we should adopt co-education in our schools/institutes, the main reason is we are living in poor or under-developed country. In this situation we cannot open every separate schools and colleges both for the boys and girls. This becomes obvious in the case of vocational and technical institutions. It is very tough for the Government of Pakistan to open separate vocational colleges and equip them with necessary scientific apparatus and library.
CONCLUSION
In developing states, girls and boys are equally treated and given their rights. This has magnificently contributed to their advancement. Co-education system no doubt offers an opportunity to the young youth to understand each other in our society. This would be very helpful to them in their future life. It would also be good for the progress of Pakistan. Co-educational schools are a stepping stone for all the students who aspire to contribute to their society in future.