Modern Education Challenges
It recently came to my notice that the way of learning has changed drastically among many students. Recently, I undertook an interview among students across schools and universities (especially in KNUST), my place of education and many have voiced out about the growing challenges they face in learning. During one of my recent interviews, which I conducted among students in several educational institutions, they openly shared their frustrations about how learning has become difficult. What could be the root cause? Adjoa shared with me that the root causes may be from economic hardships, distractions from smartphones and other digital devices, overloaded syllabi, and mental stress.The Changing Nature of Education
Looking back in time, trying to compare our old systems to the now educational systems and advancements in technology, I came to notice that as the world is changing, so is education also. The shift from those traditional classrooms to the new digital learning forums has brought about new opportunities, but at the same time, numerous challenges. What has happened? While online platforms have made education more accessible, they have also introduced issues such as limited concentration and unreliable internet access.
So, here is the question to ask: Which is better? Is it the personal interaction between a teacher and a student or the interaction between a student and a teacher through a piece of screen? Many students admitted that online learning, although convenient, made it harder for them to focus and engage. Yes, my personal story confirms this.
In my years in JHS and SHS in the 2016s and 18s, I would rise to class early in the morning to revise my notes, burn the nights, and finish my handouts before the next class. Fast forward to 2020s and 22s, what happened? I got a phone lectures were held online. Mine, sometimes I turn off the camera, mute my mic and hey, I'm in the kitchen making dishes. I am just there to be marked present.
It is even more common now in 2025, as Sarah, a student, confirmed this, saying that "We used to learn better when we could ask our lecturers face-to-face questions in class. Now it is even harder during the long virtual lectures, where all you get is network connectivity so bad and audio glitching.
The Academic Pressure and Overloaded Curriculum
On social media, TikTok and Facebook, I came across a video where a student was asking a gentleman, "Why is it that a teacher is assigned to teach one subject in school, but the student is expected to learn everything?". To someone, this may sound fun, but thinking about it, it is another rising concern.
Another major concern during this walk-around interview was academic pressure. Students complained bitterly that the curriculum has become overloaded with too many topics. What is the effect? Akosua made it clear that making time to learn all these overloaded topics gives them little time to rest. The Assignments, project works and continuous assessment have become their worst nightmare, barely giving them time to study for their exams.
Said by a senior high school Kwabena, during this street interview, he said, "I study almost every day, but I still left behind. Now, is this not alarming?
The Economic and Social Challenges
Another, for what may feel like not a problem, the cost of education keeps shooting up. Now, let me ask, imagine coming from a family that is not financially stable and yet your hostel fee is more than the family's total income for the year. Would you be able to concentrate on studies?
Some students, like Jessica, made it clear that financial stress alone massively affects their concentration to study. They need to work part-time to be able to support themselves and as if it doesn't end there, challenges from families add another layer of difficulty.
Kwadwo, who had been this type of child, rose to be an introvert, finds it hard to speak among people. Socially, he is unable to connect with friends who can help him excel academically.
The Role Technology Has Played
Technology is doing more good, but for some students, it is their source of distraction that they can't do away with. Social media and video games, these entertainment apps have become the interest of many students. A little scroll to watch the next video and the next, before you realize, you have wasted precious four hours. One that could have helped cover some topics.
Students open their laptops to study and before they know it, they are scrolling through social media, watching videos. This is something I have experienced myself and it is very true and real.
What Teachers' Perspectives Are
As a teacher, I have recognized that learning has become a challenge for most students; maybe if we can change the teaching strategy, it would help a lot. “We need to listen to them, understand their struggles, and make learning more flexible and practical.”
What Can Be Done
- Focus should be put on more important topics to reduce curriculum overload
- Encouraging time management among students
- Technology is good, but it should be used wisely
