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Failing to Learn: India's Schools and Teachers

Saha, B.; Saha, S.

Authors



Contributors

R. Prasad
Editor

C. Rowley
Editor

A.N. Banerjee
Editor

Abstract

India has made substantial progress in expanding schooling facilities and is now poised to achieve universal primary education; however, children’s learning is not improving. Two major national assessment surveys showed that the numeracy and literacy skills of primary school children are far below what is expected, possibly by 2–3 years behind where they should be for their age. This chapter reviews some recent research that investigated the causes of the dire student learning situation. Four specific issues are addressed: the efficiency and effectiveness of private versus public schools, teacher incentives and remedial learning, early childhood education and the substitutability between schooling and early work near the end of secondary schooling. While there is a consensus regarding improving teacher incentives, early childhood education and remedial education, the debate on the efficiency of public versus private schools remains open. There are some subject areas, especially English, where private schools are better both absolutely and cost-effectively; however, these schools are also characterised by poorly-trained teachers. India’s New Education Policy needs to urgently and comprehensively address these problems.

Citation

Saha, B., & Saha, S. (2018). Failing to Learn: India's Schools and Teachers. In R. Prasad, C. Rowley, & A. Banerjee (Eds.), Changing the Indian economy : renewal, reform and revival (55-75). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102005-0.00004-6

Acceptance Date Apr 26, 2018
Online Publication Date Jun 8, 2018
Publication Date Jun 8, 2018
Deposit Date Apr 26, 2018
Publisher Elsevier
Pages 55-75
Series Title Elsevier Asian studies series
Book Title Changing the Indian economy : renewal, reform and revival.
ISBN 9780081020050
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102005-0.00004-6
Keywords Early education, Learning, Private school, Public school, Remedial learning, Teacher incentives.
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1659748


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