An insight into the struggles of students

The aim of this write up is to understand the struggles students face, and to explore the causes of student absenteeism from the lens of students. Data was collected from 150 students studying in various colleges and universities of the valley. Some of the common and important responses are mentioned in this write up. However, it’s pertinent to mention here that some responses might be exceptional and cannot be generalised and taken as true representation of the system; but at the same time we cannot invalidate the fact that such things are still in existence.

What according to you are the major causes of absenteeism and disinterest among students?

1. Being an absentee I could say, most of the things taught in the class could very easily be found in a book. And that's where the job of a teacher comes to play. I personally will always attend classes where I enjoy the lecture.
2. Lack of job opportunities even after attaining very high qualification; two or more degrees demotivates me.
3. Now students are engaged in different occupations for their pocket money.
4. Lack of healthy teacher-student relation and in most cases the Pygmalion effect better describes the absenteeism.
5. Because of mental pressure faced in university, traditional monotonous lectures, one hour long class timing.....
6. Because most of the students are busy in other studies ( competitive exams)
7. Some teachers are not understanding. They are biased, do open favouritism.
8. Classmates are less competent. You can hardly progress among them.
9. To and fro it takes 2 -3 hrs every day to come to university and then being fed with bookish knowledge make it displeasing.
10. Now online classes are better than a real class room teaching.

What are the struggles you are experiencing as a student ?

1. Economic pressure, tasks at home, pressure to get job.
2. I have a lack of interest or motivation, low self-confidence, limited attention span, learning disability, and difficulty in understanding new concepts.
3. Anxiety; lack of motivation. Loss of purpose. (Life is  a mess basically); Unhealthy teacher-student relationship. No efforts to make the lessons interesting and thought-provoking.
4. Lectures not as per different competitive exams
5. I feel there is lack of practicality while we pursuing any course
6. No vocational and skill related course.
7. My health deteriorated after attending the University because of being overburdened with classes, presentation, exams and travel.
8. Lack of co-curriculur activities due to excessive stress and continuous examination hampered my overall potential of personal and professional growth .

Have your ever faced any discrimination in academia. If yes, specify

• Because of not being very social, despite doing a task most efficiently, my contribution was overlooked over someone else's who was more interactive. And that happened a lot many times.
• University life helped me to develop essential skills like time management and critical thinking but I always face discrimination on the basis of dressing ..
• for being religious
• rural /urban discrimination.
• gender discrimination; girls are given more attention in classes.
• biased  marking system, favouritism,
• I never get good marks because I write papers in my own words. Those who do copy- paste 'rata maar' are given good marks, which I think should be changed.
• Evaluation process is not making justice with students; teachers just count the quantity not quality
• Based on the outlook. I wish I had fair complexion.
• When I was in school, teachers used to taunt me on the basis of my IQ level due to which my level of confidence continued to dip.

What according to you are the markers of a good teacher

1. I acknowledge that teachers are NOT the knowers of all knowledge. But, instead of ducking when queries are raised regarding any of the subjects, they should rather focus their attention to the question and try and find answers and solutions to it in a free way communication, as it is a learning process for both, the student as well as the teacher. Openness, agreeableness and a flexible personality  is important.
2. A good teacher is the one who maintains equality no matter how dumb a student is.
3. A good teacher is the person who makes the student independent enough and builds up his confidence to face the real world.
4. A good teacher inspires and engages students, fostering love for learning and supporting their individual growth.
5. Patience, closeness with students, easily accessible.
6. A teacher who will treat his students the same way he would treat his/her children.
7. Appreciating not demeaning students.
8. Good communication skills, impartial and empathetic.

9.         be able to expand the spectrum of knowledge and skills beyond preliminary level.