Education Is Not Attendance: Analyzing the Current University benchmark of 75% attendance in light of Delhi HC Judgment

The Challenge

The Delhi HC decision that Law Schools cannot curtail a student from giving the exam due to the shortage of attendance is an important decision in favour of students and against the strict rule of universities using deterrence tactics for students to attend classes. It is a disturbing state of affairs for any society where students commit suicide because of such stringent university rules. However, it is not merely a reflection of societal failure but the reflection of a deficient education system where education is forced on the students rather than being meaningfully imparted through innovative pedagogical schemes according to the requirements of each student.

Real Meaning of Education

University education is meant to develop a deeper understanding of the real world in students rather than forcing them to attend classes. Most of the impactful learning cannot be taught through classroom discourse, as legal education can only be imparted with a mixture of theory and practice. It is important that students do not miss either of them. During the journey of education in universities students go through multiple other challenges that need to be taken into consideration apart from the learning itself. Some students may find it difficult to fit in the classroom or face some personal issues preventing them from attending classes or hostel living issues, etc.

It should not be forgotten quality education is not imparted when it is forced rather when it is voluntary and develop a keen interest in the students. During my college journey as a law student, I feel the best classes use to be one where I enjoy attending it because of faculty teaching pedagogy where discussions interest me and give me a chance to learn through participation in those discussions. So, when a student is not attending the classes, it is important for teachers also to introspect which areas they should improve to ensure maximum participation without coercion.

There are multiple subjects during a complete college journey and it is not acceptable that the students will have interest in every subject they study, barring them from taking exam because of this lack of interest in attending classes disincentivize them to learn for areas where they can be really good. With the strategy of 75% attendance, students may start to attend classes and overall performance might increase but it forces the students to drop from other important areas such as Moot Court Competitions, Inter-University Sports Competition, Court Work, etc. Missing these poses a greater challenge for them in real world. Therefore, making the 75% attendance harmful in their holistic development.

The goal of any university is to provide their students holistic development so they can excel in real life. The goal of university should not be to teach compliance and make them slaves. It is proper research in neuroscience that human brain remembers better because of neuroplasticity, it is a concept which states that the brain remembers the things better when it is challenged to think or given a task which strikes the analytical part of their brain. It is clear that a semester education is not enough to impart long term learning in the student mind for a particular subject.

However, a semester may develop a keen interest in the students in knowing more about that subject after they pass that semester. So, the focus should be the method of learning which develops curiosity of subject rather than making them rote learn and forget in future.

Way Forward

As Plato also stated that “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds.” If we look clearly at the rule of 75% attendance, it is mere force on students. There can be other methodology which can be better adopted by universities as discussed in this blog instead of relying on such stringent rules which does not consider its impact on student mental condition.

In conclusion, I firmly say that the methods from which we teach at Indian Universities is convoluted. Some students may find easy to comply but it is not good for everyone and universities must show inclusivity to address the need of those students.

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