Academic performance: Not the Only indicator of success

This year proved to be yet another milestone of smashing board exam results. Academics have turned into a race- to be better than the best and there seems to be a constant pressure that captivates the young minds today. Studies often show that young minds learn most from their surroundings, the lessons they learn from the actions and decisions they see taken around them.  Nonetheless, the craze to score a 95% or more drives the children into a study frenzy mode.

Although education is not the only deciding factor of an individual’s success in the working world, it seems that schools largely concentrate on the academic performance in terms of grades & marks and not the entire personality development. Parents care about their child's academic performance because they believe good academic results will provide more career choices and job security. Schools, though invested in fostering good academic habits for the same reason, are also often influenced by concerns about the school's reputation which can hinge on the overall academic performance of the school.

In the midst of being involved in classes, a child has no time for any sort of a break or rejuvenation. Though schools do engage children in extracurricular activities, how many schools invest the time and resources on letting a student do what he or she finds interesting. Schools should give each student time to figure out what interests them, once the child expresses a fondness for a certain activity, the school should then nurture and develop that.

While the grades/marks are the foundation of education and what indicates a child’s progress and potential, it is not the only aspect we should concentrate on- a fact which is sadly the case in most schools and colleges today. Personal attributes, integrity, hard work and strong belief in oneself are other factors that must be given attention to succeed. A child may not have much focus on academics only, yet works hard in other areas. Lord Krishna said, “You have the right to perform actions but not to their outcome.” The hard work put in by a student, whether in academics or any other area, should be the focus, the results are not the only indication of a child’s potential.

That brings me to the question that I have often thought of – Is academic performance and high scores the only parameter to judge the potential for success in life? The things a child is ‘supposed’ to know is often over-stepped by the things the child is expected to know. Cramming up the course books might turn them ‘book smart’, but leaves little room to actually apply what one has learnt.

Conducting exams is essential. But creating a fear around them and projecting them as the only basis for judgment needs a change. There have been plenty of examples of people who didn't do well in school and went on to become quite successful in their lives. 

Therefore, it is crucial to shift the focus on an overall holistic development of a child rather than restricting to scoring high percentile. Physical, emotional and social development along with mental growth has to be given equal importance. Success isn't only about being a high scorer; it has to be a reflection of knowledge, hard work, perseverance and passion.