Is co-education system is better than single gender education system ?
(Syed Shamsher Ali Gilani-Senior Advocate , Lahore)
Prior to proceeding further
whether in its favour or pleading opposite, let me elucidate first that of which
kind of society we are living in and who we are? As a matter of fact we can’t
exclude these two basic questions while determining the validity of given topic
as educational institutions under education system are part of our society and
must reflect the norms of our religion, traditions and customs prevailing in our
society.
Pakistan is an “Islamic Republic” country having Muslim population in majority.
Muslim people follow and act upon the injunctions of holy Qur’an. As per the
injunctions of Surrah Maida adult females are ordered to observe Pardah by
veiling as a token of respect and glory. Moreover, it acts as shield for
maintaining and guarding the modesty of women.
Psychologically and biologically it is not feasible to allow students of both
genders to interact in the class rooms, schools and educational institutions
especially during pre-adolescent and post-adolescent stages of growth. American
psychologist JoAnn Deak said "Girls and boys are as different from the neck up
as they are from the neck down" therefore, it is pertinently necessary to keep
aloof both genders in their social interaction during pre-puberty and puberty
stages of females and pre-adolescent and post-adolescent stages of males. He has
further pointed out that option for single-sex schools is the best because it
minimizes distractions and enables pupils to focus more on their academic work
and school-related extramural activities.
An eminent sociologist Linda Gates has said “From the information we gather
through the Life Talk forums, teachers say that academically, children perform
better at single-sex schools”.
It has been observed that girl students do not ask and put more academic
questions to the teacher because of their shyness. Similarly, it becomes very
difficult for the teachers to teach reproductive system of animals and human
being in a class room where students of both genders are together.
In view of my above cited averments it can be concluded that in all respects
whether religiously, morally, psychologically or socially, co-education system
is not better than single gender education system. Do you think co-education
system is better than single gender education system? I hope that your answer
will be in negative because co-education system contains drastic anomalies and
is highly repugnant to our religious, moral, psychological, ethical and social
norms .