Co-education is a system of education in which students of both the sexes receive their education in the same classrooms,school,college or university. Present life-style has become highly complex. Education must always reflect the changing attitude of the age. Now the role of both men and women has expanded in life.the society must provide them with an adequate structure of education.
The idea of co-education in our country has become a controversial issue. The supporters of this education system heap up big arguments in its favor. They advocate its practice at large scale. While another group of people consider it a deadly weapon against the golden Islamic and social traditions. A heated argument given in favor of this system is that our country is a developing country. The economy of our country is weak. It cannot bear the expenses of separate educational institutions particularly at high level. Therefore, we should adopt co-education at least at higher level of studies.
Second,this system promotes tough competition between the boys and girls in studies. It arouses a passion for work in them. The girls try to beat the boys and vise versa. It is due to this stiff competition that the students show great skills in learning.
Third,co-education promotes character building activities for the youngsters. It helps the students to develop their character larger-than-life. They become sensible and wise. They learn how to resist their emotions of sex. Moreover,it makes the coarse boys modest and cultured. They learn to respect girls. On the other hand,girls develop a kind of confidence. They become less weak and timid. In this way,both succeed in creating a pleasant environment for education. On the other hand,there are those who oppose this system of education. They are of the opinion that no golden traditions of nobility can exist in societies where co-education is in fashion. It is inexpedient to say that co-education promotes co-operation and understanding between men and women. Instead,they are sexually attracted to each other . The young boys and girls fall prey to the uncontrollable passions of sex. This is why many of the school girls in Europe and america become unmarried mothers. The purpose of education is to prepare the youth for life. The duties of women from those of men. Therefore,the syllabus for women should be different from that for men. Moreover,the natural faculties of both the sexes are largely different. Therefore,they should not be taught the same syllabus in the same institution.
The most potent argument advanced by co-education lovers is that it can help both girls and boys in the development of their personality. They can come out of their enclosed shell-like personality and get rid of their unwarranted hesitation and shyness.
In ancient times, co-education was prevalent in Greece. Today, this system of education is there in almost all the countries of the world. It is economical. It generates a spirit of comradeship between boys and girls. The problem of shortage of trained teachers can be dealt with by this system. Boys overcome their curiosity and girls, their shyness. They learn to respect one another. Though a few conservative people are against this system, their view do not hold ground. Co-education generates harmonious relationship, a sense of cooperation, and thus, helps in the progress of the nation.
In fact,co-education is a western concept in its nature. Its main purpose is to end the modesty of women by persuading them to join the gaiety of the club;most important of all,our religion Islam does not allow the free mixing of boys and girls. Therefor,separate institutions should be set up for both the sexes.
