A conversation that could always revolve around the topic and discussions about school and education is that of the number of courses students take. It's sad when I think sometimes how the system is different from other parts of the world, more developed ones even. You could find that the courses are streamlined in some sense to what is needed and necessary, as much as possible.
Not so here. A student would have to take numerous courses that they could barely gain much or anything tangible from each. I try to consider it across the different stages of education; through high school and higher education. Right from the high school stage, courses or subjects could be tailored to what would be necessary and related to the path the student desires to take.
I found it not appealing when the first year of the senior classes of the high school had arts inclined students taking biology compulsory subject for that first year of the senior high school education. Only to compulsorily drop it in the second year. Yes, maybe the idea was nice; to have them a bit acquainted with the way the human system works. However, for an art-inclined student, it's just something not worth it or necessary, as they might view it.
The place of correcting this is to ensure that guidance and counselling departments are provided to provide some guidance to each student as early as possible, so they know the route they wish to take. There was a friend of mine; alongside others, who had a flair for the science class even though they were cut out for the arts. You could say flare, or just the feeling of being the intelligent ones that made them join the class. Weeks later, they had to leave. And today, he's graciously walking in that respect.
Not to divert the conversation. When you go down to the higher institution, it's another concern in its way. You could find students in a department offering a large number of courses at their level, and you would wonder how they cope. This has largely been with the College of Education students in my part of the world. The Universities have their ways too of being victims in this matter.
Though the courses aren't as many as those of the Colleges of Education, they are heavily packed, so one could seem like three. And with such weight, you can imagine given another course, totally irrelevant or somewhat relevant to your field indirectly to study and pass. It's been the concern of many students, and I feel it's something not really laudable. I mean, since others are studying that, why not leave it to them?
Let me not get started on some courses we study that have little or no place in our countries, for some. Honestly, it seems like a waste of time. That could highly contribute to a lackadaisical attitude to studies and education, since you know your course doesn't have a place, or just a place so small that it doesn't fit many.
Yes, our educational system could need a reorientation. Some of these course issues; being relevant or not, borrowed courses and all should be challenged and analysed, and see the effect or output to understand what necessary action to take.
Images are mine.