One of the most pressing and concerning issues in Pakistan today is the confusion between learning and cramming. Despite being aware of Pakistan’s current standing on the global stage—economically, politically, and in terms of education and civilization—we continue to face numerous challenges that remain unaddressed. The question arises: why are we struggling to overcome these problems? The answer is simple—we have not yet identified the root cause of these issues.
Education, as commonly stated, plays a fundamental and vital role in the development of a nation. But how does this work practically? A stable economy requires expertise in various fields, including banking, business, finance, engineering, policymaking, research, and education, among others. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that education is not critical to a nation’s development, which is a misguided perception. In reality, every economist, engineer, banker, chartered accountant, doctor, and scientist was once a part of the education system. This clearly shows that any obstacle to national development is likely rooted in flaws within our education system.
The Problem with the Current Education System
The education system we currently have is more outdated than it should be. Not only in Pakistan but also in other underdeveloped countries, the education system is failing to adapt to the modern world. The primary issue is the prevalence of cramming, which does not encourage critical thinking or the development of a deeper understanding of subjects.
For instance, in the sciences, we focus primarily on memorizing information rather than on understanding how to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. So-called “practicals” are conducted, but the focus is on rote learning and memorization, not on actually applying scientific principles. In many cases, students are awarded marks regardless of whether they understand the practical application of their subject matter.
Cramming vs. Learning: The Core Issue
The education system is structured in a way that prioritizes cramming over genuine learning. This is the key difference between underdeveloped and well-developed countries. Our syllabus, much of which is outdated by over 25 years, continues to perpetuate this problem. There is little incentive to change this archaic system, and the cycle of cramming dominates every academic year.
The most significant consequence of this is that students do not learn the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the modern world. They are taught to memorize information without truly understanding its application or significance. This creates a generation of individuals who may be able to recall facts, but who lack the skills needed to solve real-world problems.
The Importance of Education for National Development
It is a fundamental truth that a building cannot be constructed without a strong foundation, and similarly, a developed country cannot be built without a strong education system. A country’s development is directly tied to the quality of its education system. It is essential that Pakistan shifts from an education model that encourages cramming to one that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge.
The current education system needs urgent reform. Syllabi must be updated regularly to keep pace with new developments in science, technology, and global trends. Teachers should be trained to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, not just rote memorization. Schools and universities should focus on providing students with real-world skills that they can apply in their future careers.
Conclusion
To address the problems Pakistan faces, we must first recognize that the education system is at the heart of these challenges. Without a well-structured, modern education system, Pakistan will continue to struggle with its development. The shift from cramming to learning is not just necessary; it is urgent. It’s time to reform our educational practices and ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools they need to build a better, more prosperous nation.
By focusing on learning, not just cramming, we can begin to build the foundation for a brighter, more successful future for Pakistan.
Abdul Hadi is a 16-year-old pre-medical student in his first year. He enjoys writing, reading, and critically analyzing essays and columns. His ambition is to pursue a career as a dermatologist.
