Paper short abstract:

Study is centered on the comparison b/w the traditional and modern educational systems prevalent among Konyak Nagas, focusing on the role played by their youth dormitories Morungs. Research observes disparities b/w formal and informal education and evaluates academic progress of primary students.

Paper long abstract:

In tribal societies, before the establishment of formal education systems, plenty of learning techniques existed. The north-eastern region of India housed a diverse array of tribal communities, Youth dormitories of Konyak Nagas, an institution known as Morungs, played a pivotal role in the process of social harmony. This enduring tradition not only serves as a locus for communal governance but also acts as a platform for decision-making and the arranging communal festivities. The objectives of this study are twofold: firstly, to elucidate the disparities between formalized and informal educational frameworks, and secondly, to assess the academic proficiency of primary-level students. Primary data was collected from the selected villages of Mon District of Nagaland. The research employs the framework of continuity and change for analysis, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with elderly persons to understand traditional educational practices. A self-designed questionnaire referencing the ASER Report was administered to 250 Class-5 students, representing a total of 9 schools, encompassing both private and government institutions to asses primary education. The tool elicited basic socio-demographic data. The reading and mathematics assessment tools were used to assess students' learning ability. In the reading assessment, approximately 200 students demonstrated proficiency in reading poems, while in the mathematics assessment, only 50 students could attempt the questions, with a mere 10 students answering correctly out of the total cohort of 250. The findings of the study revealed a decline in traditional educational practices, coupled with the inefficacy of modern educational methodologies. Furthermore, even private educational institutions exhibited suboptimal performance. The academic proficiency of students remains abysmally low, with over 70% who failed to acquire knowledge effectively.