An Investigation in to the Problems of High School Tribal Students in Nabrangpur District with Regard to Education

Since educational development took place within the framework of a stratified social system, it has always been focused on the needs of the privileged ones. Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are special groups which need special attention. The children coming from the tribal community are not exposed to the normal range of stimulation which is necessary for all round development. The quality and level of achievement of tribal community have drawn attention of both educational planners and researchers. Most of the studies done on these populations reflect that these children invariably perform poorly on academic and variety of ability measures. The present study attempts to study the problems of high school tribal students in Nabrangpur district of Orissa. Different self made questionnaires were prepared and structured and unstructured interviews were conducted to collect data from tribal adolescents, parents and experts. The results showed that low economic status, lack of parental motivation, literacy of parents, children engaged in domestic and remunerative work are some of the reasons that are responsible for the education of tribal adolescents in schools. It is found that school environment is not educative and encouraging for the tribal students. It is observed that lack of relevance of tribal life in curriculum, absence of tribal language in curriculum, lack of interest among teachers etc. were responsible in preventing enrolment and retention of tribal students in schools. Hence, it is suggested that there can be provision of academic support by teachers beyond school hours to students requiring individual attention. Teachers should be encouraged to make the school atmosphere congenial, interesting for the tribal adolescents through innovative projects and programmes. Steps should be taken to provide basic physical facilities in schools like playgrounds, toilets and recreational facilities. Steps should also be taken for the appointment of qualified and experienced teachers who are familiar with tribal dialect.