In the dynamic educational landscape, the transition to a profit-driven industry model has undermined the traditional conception of education as a public good (UNESCO, 2016). Adding to this shift is the recent surge of shadow education, a burgeoning billion-dollar coaching industry that originated in Asian countries and has since expanded globally. Shadow education, characterized by private supplementary tutoring conducted alongside regular schooling hours, has emerged as a significant influence. This paper aims to explore the impact of shadow education on the psychological and emotional well-being of students. Through empirical research conducted in Chandigarh City, India, the study focuses on 200 12th-grade students concurrently preparing for All-India level entrance examinations in Medicine and Engineering streams. Employing stratified random sampling and descriptive survey methods, the findings uncover concerning patterns, with shadow education institutes enrolling students in extensive two-year programs and charging hefty fees for tuition and accommodation/transportation services. Consequently, many students forego regular school attendance in favor of coaching centers. The study observes that a majority of students experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, isolation, and reduced emotional resilience. This research underscores the urgent need to address the complex interplay between shadow education, student well-being, and the evolving educational landscape, where profit often takes precedence over educational priorities. The ramifications extend beyond the individual level, impacting critical aspects of sustainable development such as quality education, equity, and social justice.

Authors:
Deeksha Sharma, Panjab University, India
Satvinderpal Kaur, Panjab University, India
Guru Trisha Singh, Swami Vivekanand College of Education, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Deeksha Sharma is a University Doctoral Student at Panjab University, Chandigarh in India

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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