The “Voices of Students, Teachers, Parents, and Alumni” (VOSTPA) survey, conducted by the Anahata UE Foundation in partnership with GRAAM (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement), is an in-depth study designed to capture diverse perspectives within the educational ecosystem. By gathering insights from students, teachers, parents, and alumni, the survey identifies challenges, successes, and areas for improvement. This comprehensive approach aims to create a holistic understanding of the educational landscape, informing policy recommendations and interventions. The collaboration ensures robust, representative, and actionable data, ultimately striving to enhance educational outcomes and equity.

The “Voices of Students, Teachers, Parents, and Alumni” (VOSTPA) survey, conducted by the Anahata UE Foundation in partnership with GRAAM (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement), is an extensive study focused on understanding diverse perspectives within the educational ecosystem. This survey collects insights from students, teachers, parents, and alumni to pinpoint challenges, successes, and areas needing improvement in education. By capturing these varied viewpoints, the survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, informing policy recommendations and interventions. The collaboration ensures the data collected is robust, representative, and actionable, ultimately striving to improve educational outcomes and equity.

• Survey Period: January and February 2024
• Participants: A diverse group of 1,172 students, 242 parents, 221 teachers, and 222 alumni participated, for understanding the multifaceted aspects of career planning
• Location: 5 districts in Karnataka, ensuring a broad geographical representation and relevance to the region’s educational landscape

Key Facts from Voices of Students:

Clarity on Profession or Field: 90% of students have clarity on future profession, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in providing direction. (70% have a clear idea of the type of work in their shortlisted job choices & an additional 17.61% clear on some of their choices).

Knowledge of Educational Pathways: Over 80% of students understand the education or training required for their career choices, with 89% deciding on their post-Class X academic stream.

Awareness of Strengths and Interests: Close to 59% of students are aware of their strengths, and 58% are aware of their interests, facilitating more informed career decisions.

Overall Usefulness in Career Preparation: 98% found the career planning program useful, citing a better understanding of jobs and sectors as a major benefit.

Academic Motivation: 96% reported increased motivation to study, with 68% stating the program motivates them to study harder to enhance foundational skills for their career.

Key Facts from Voices of Teachers:

Teachers feel that students should plan for career in High School

96% of surveyed teachers feel that students should plan for their career in high school, highlighting the importance of career planning interventions for this level

Teachers discuss careers but in less structured way

While the majority of teachers discuss career-related matters with children, most teachers share such information or guidance in a less structured way. This highlights a need for structured career planning sessions to be institutionalized.

Key Facts from Voices of Parents:

Challenges in Parent-Child Career Discussions

• The survey reveals a noticeable gap in career-related discussions between parents and children, with most parents not engaging in these conversations.
• Less than 20% of parents feel equipped to provide career-related advice upon request, underscoring a critical need for external support in career guidance.
• Only 27% of parents are knowledgeable about the job options and fields available for their child’s career, highlighting the importance of accessible career information.
  
  

Positive Changes Observed Post-Career Planning Intervention

• A substantial 70% of parents noticed an improvement in their child’s confidence following career planning sessions, indicating the program’s impact beyond academic guidance.
• Additionally, 58.33% of parents reported an improvement in their child’s academic performance, suggesting that career planning also contributes to enhanced educational outcomes.

Key Facts from Voices of Alumni:

Would have had more clarity with career planning in school

84% alumni feel they would certainly have had better clarity in defining career goal & paths if they had received a career planning program in high school.

Confusions in aligning education with career goals

The greatest challenges alumni faced in aligning higher studies and career goals were – knowing where and how to search for jobs (82.8%), what kinds of jobs to apply for (80.5%), and what courses to take up (75%).

The VOSTPA survey conducted by the Anahata UE Foundation in collaboration with GRAAM sheds light on the substantial influence of organized career planning on secondary school students in Karnataka. This initiative elucidates prospective careers, educational routes, and individual capabilities, thereby enhancing students’ drive and establishing a sturdy groundwork for their future endeavors. However, it also underscores deficiencies in parental involvement and emphasizes the necessity for increased career counseling by educators. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing comprehensive career guidance within secondary education, urging educators, parents, and policymakers to take proactive steps in supporting students’ career aspirations effectively.

Link:GRAAM (VOSTPA)