Introduction:
The ‘Beyond Basics’ Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by Pratham delves into the educational landscape of rural India, focusing on a survey of students aged 14 to 18. This comprehensive report sheds light on both the progress and challenges faced by these students in the pursuit of education.
Major Findings in ASER 2023:
- Enrolment Rates: Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in educational institutions. However, the percentage of unenrolled youth is notably high, with 3.9% for 14-year-olds and a staggering 32.6% for 18-year-olds. The majority of students in this age group are enrolled in the Arts/Humanities streams.
- Foundational Skill Gaps: Approximately 25% of students face challenges in reading Grade 2 text, while over 50% struggle with arithmetic skills expected by Grade 5, exposing foundational learning gaps.
- Underutilization of Digital Technology: Despite a 95% prevalence of smartphones in rural households, their educational use remains limited.
- Gender Disparities:
- Fewer females (28.1%) enrol in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) stream compared to males (36.3%).
- Females demonstrate proficiency in reading regional languages, while males excel in arithmetic and English.
- Males are more likely to own and use smartphones.
- Vocational Training: The survey reveals a low enrolment in vocational training, with only 5.6% of young people participating. Notably, college students exhibit higher engagement, with 16.2% enrolled in courses typically lasting no more than six months.
Suggestions in ASER 2023 Report:
- Pedagogic Reforms for Rural Students: The report advocates for pedagogic reforms, recognising the need for teaching methods that cater to students balancing academic and farm work, thereby addressing the unique educational challenges prevalent in rural areas.
- Leverage Smartphones for Education and Address Digital Gender Gaps: ASER recommends harnessing the widespread access to smartphones (95% of households) for educational purposes. Additionally, there is an emphasis on closing the gender gap in digital skills, as females lag behind males in smartphone proficiency.
- Rethink Vocational Education: To elevate the low enrolment (6%) in vocational courses, ASER proposes a reimagination of vocational training, making it more aspirational and aligning it with students’ interests.
In conclusion, the ASER 2023 report provides crucial insights into the state of education in rural India, underscoring the need for targeted reforms to bridge gaps and enhance the overall learning experience for young individuals.
