505 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education Volume 02, Issue 01, 2024 ISSN (E): 2993-2769 Issues Facing Primary School Teachers in Assam with a Focus on the Nalbari District in Assam Nizara Devi Adhikary Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Education, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Vishwavidyalaya, Nagaon, Assam, India Dr. Minati Choudhury Research Guide, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Vishwavidyalaya, Nagaon, Assam, India Abstract. The process of education elevates individuality to a completely new level. To be in tune with the ever-changing world requires constant effort. Education therefore has a tight relationship with human life. Beginning at birth, it remains constant all the way through life and death. It includes everything that was learned and experienced during early life, childhood, adolescence, and youth. When it comes to determining a person's future and helping to shape their character, education is the most powerful tool available. A continuously substantial component of the entire educational framework is made up of primary education. The first official stage of education is primary education, which comes after preschool or kindergarten. Primary education, usually referred to as primary education, starts at age five or six and finishes at age eleven or thirteen. The foundation for a child's physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and social growth is the education they receive in formal institutions. For an impoverished state like Assam to thrive at all, primary education is essential. The state of Assam has a well-known, restrictive educational system that dates back to ancient times. During Assam's medieval era, there existed an indigenous educational system. The government has periodically implemented a number of programs to advance primary education in the state since independence. With specific reference to the Nalbari District, an attempt has been made to investigate the issues surrounding primary education in Assam in this study. The report also asks on the number of kids enrolled in and out of the Nalbari District's primary schools. Additionally, the study made several recommendations for necessary actions to address the current issues facing the primary schools in the chosen area. Key words: Issues, Primary, School, Teachers, Assam, Nalbari District. Introduction: The first official educational step for a child is called primary education, sometimes known as elementary education. It is the foundation upon which the entire educational system rests. A nation's primary education system becomes the pinnacle of both social justice and overall national viability. It can satisfy basic educational requirements for a long-term high standard of living. The level of knowledge and instruction in primary school has had a significant positive impact on the social and economic advancement of nations. Primary education is described as "Education provided by a primary school or elementary school" in the Anmol Dictionary of Education. 506 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us It is widely accepted that advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in society begins with primary education. We claim to have protected education at the keystone level, or primary level, because the children of today will be the people of tomorrow, modeling a stony infrastructure of human possessing. Children receiving an elementary education are given an introduction to concepts such as listing, word construction, environmental awareness, ethics, and values. "The advancement of primary education serves as a gauge for the overall social, economic, and general development of the nation". For the economy to evolve, for social practice to change, and for the neoteric unsophisticated institutions to be processed in a polished manner, this is a basic prerequisite. A person's quality of life is mostly determined by their experience with the state-run primary school system. According to Article 45 of the Indian Constitution, primary schools are supposed to be fully accountable for offering free and obligatory education to all children. It is noted that Wood's Dispatch from 1854 laid the groundwork for Assam's current elementary education system. Homespun primary schools began to obtain grants-in-aid following the support of Wood's Dispatch in 1854. The first elementary school for girls in upper Assam was started by Deputy Inspector of Schools Utsabananda Goswami. In 1873, the Assamese language became official in the courts and in schools thanks to the British authorities. In 1882–1832, Assam had 38182 students enrolled in its primary schools, which had grown from 204 to 1351 in 1871–72. The Government of Assam wanted to make primary education mandatory in the state following the Government of India Act of 1919. In 1926, the Government of Assam enforced the Primary Education Act. The conquering rulers in Assam had a political and formal goal for the advancement of primary education. Since 1947, the Government of Assam has implemented a number of initiatives to improve basic education. Statement of the Research Problem: Teachers deal with a variety of issues in the classroom, such as disruptive students, poor student engagement, scarce resources, time constraints, special student needs, and the pressure of high-stakes testing. Assam’s primary education has a number of obstacles that make children less competitive in the modern world, such as poor teaching aids, unskilled teachers, neglected subjects, and a lack of educational infrastructure. Underfunding of pre-primary education frequently leads to a lack of resources and shoddy facilities. This may have an effect on the standard of instruction and teachers' capacity to give young students engaging learning opportunities. Assam's teacher education schools are currently dealing with a number of issues brought on by a shortage of suitable laboratory equipment, teaching and learning materials, and competent staff. Research on Challenges Faced by Primary School Teachers in Assam, with an Emphasis on the Nalbari District, is highly valuable. Related Works: Numerous national, state, and regional research studies on elementary education have been directed in the nation. They might not have a direct role in the current study, but they do play an indirect role in its execution. 1. Nanda Basumatary & Prof. S.C. Subudhi (2022), in their paper titled "Problems of Elementary school teachers of tea garden area of Dibrugarh District" highlights how elementary education accelerates the process of social transformation, which is a major factor in human resource development. It is the cornerstone of a child's existence. It aids in a child's development into a contributing member of society. In order to educate the students, primary school teachers have greater obstacles and duties. 2. Dulumoni Goswami (2020), in his paper "Achievement and Challenges of School Education in Assam: A Critical Study" highlights the various initiatives for the advancement of primary education that have been launched by the Indian government and the state government of Assam. 3. Poli Konwar (2017), in her paper titled "A District Level Study on Primary Education in Assam" emphasizes that primary education is seen as a fundamental necessity for the growth of states like Assam. It also has a facilitating effect on the economy's process of developing human resources. 507 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us Assam has long been renowned for its disciplined educational approach. In the state during the middle Ages, there existed an indigenous educational system. 4. Brahma K. (2012) in his paper title "A Study of the Education of Primary Education of the Bodos in the Kokrajhar District". Examining the current state of Bodos' basic education in the Kokrajhar district was the main goal of this study. According to this study, there was only one primary school in the Kokrajhar district's Gossaigaon educational block between 1771 and 1780. The researcher also found that the Kokrajhar district's overall number of basic education institutions grew between 2005 and 2010. 5. Swargiary, C & Talukdar, M.C. (2018), in their paper titled "An Inquiry into the Teaching- Learning Environment and the Mental Health of Teachers in Lower Primary School of District Kokrajhar, Assam, India," the authors emphasize that education is the most crucial component of both personal and global growth. It has a big part to play in the ongoing restoration of human development. Improving human quality from the very beginning of elementary school is crucial for contributing to national progress on all fronts politically, economically, technologically, and socially. 6. Pratisha Padmasri Deka (2016), in the paper title "A Study on Issues in Teacher Education in Kamrup District of Assam" focuses on the idea that teachers are the most important change agents in society. They are the ones who construct nations. The teacher must become aware of his strengths and weaknesses in order to educate to the best of his ability and in accordance with national values in order to be able to carry out such a great obligation. Objectives of the Study: The main objectives of the study are: 1. To study the issues facing Primary School Teachers in Assam. 2. To look into the professional challenges that Nalbari District primary school teachers confront. Research Questions: 1. Are primary school teachers in Assam encountering any problems? 2. Do elementary school teachers in Nalbari District face any professional challenges? Limitations of the Research: The following are the boundaries of the current study: 1. The Nalbari district is the exclusive focus of this investigation. 2. Only elementary school teachers are the subject of this study. 3. The Nalbari district's selected lower primary schools are the exclusive focus of the current investigation. Importance of the Study: 1. A significant part of education as a whole is played by primary education. It is quantified as a child's foundational stage of development. It helps a child develop into a responsible member of the community. It provides state education nation-building. It controls the relative importance of all educational levels. 2. A person's entire life is based on the friends they made in elementary school. Children's physical, mental, and emotional development are greatly influenced by their primary education; maintaining high-quality education is crucial beyond that. 3. A teacher's contribution to society's information transfer is immeasurable. 4. From antiquity to the present, they have offered their lives in order to create a civilization founded on knowledge. 508 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us 5. Teachers assisted to keep the spotlight of civilization burning by guiding the students from the darkness of unfamiliarity to the light of knowledge. 6. Teachers in primary schools are under greater pressure to educate the students. Since elementary school marks the start of the formal education system and the development of students into devoted and astute individuals is the foundation for the overall quality of the education system. 7. It is occasionally observed that elementary school teachers deal with a variety of issues related to both real-world and school-related circumstances, which severely impairs the educational system. The purpose of the researcher's topic selection was to identify these issues and raise teachers' awareness of them. Research Methodology: For this investigation, the descriptive survey method was employed. In the Nalbari District, selected instructors of lower primary schools provided the information needed for this study. To achieve the missions of the study, additional secondary data were gathered from a variety of sources, including websites, government agencies, institutions, and census reports. In Nalbari, there are four educational blocks and nine subdivisions. The use of trustworthy and efficient instruments during the research process determines the calibre and standard of the findings. Typically, the investigator employs two categories of apparatuses in the study. The researcher employed a self-created instrument for the analysis in this study. Results and Discussion: In Assam, India, there is an administrative district called Nalbari. The word "Nalbari" refers to a bulrush-filled area. The name was originated in 1890–1891 CE by the British Railway Engineers. Nalbari was formerly known as Satra, Govindapur, Khata, etc. The Nalbari district consists of 9 Taluks, 456 villages, and 11 towns. There are 155248 families and 771639 people living in Nalbari, with 396006 men and 375633 women. It shares borders with the districts of Barpeta, Baksa, and Kamrup and is located in the bottom part of the Brahmaputra Valley. As per the 2011 census, the Nalbari District's overall literacy rate is 79.89%, compared to 80.95% in 2001. In contrast to the urban rate of 91.46%, the rural literacy rate is 78.44%. In terms of literacy, males make up 85.58%, rural 84.38%, and urban 95.24%. Female literacy is 73.85%, divided between urban (87.48%) and rural (72.14%). The state as a whole has a 73.18% literacy rate. Assam provides housing for roughly 2.6% of the nation's population, but making up only 2.4% of the nation's total land area. Assam is the most populous state in the North East, accounting for roughly 72.25 percent of the region's total population. It is also the most important state in the region. Assam's population is 3,12,05,576, with 1,52,66,133 women and 1,59,39,443 men, according to the 2011 census. The state's sex ratio improved from 935 per 1000 males in 2001 to 958 per 1000 males in the 2011 census. The majority of citizens of Assam reside in pastoral regions. According to the 2011 census, just 14.10% of the citizens of Assam reside in urban regions, while 85.70% do so in rural areas. The following Table No. 1 provides information about the population of Assam. Table 1: Assam Population at a Glance Sl. No. Particulars Unit 2001 Census 2011 Census 1 Population Lakh 267 312 2 Decadal growth Percent 18.92 17.1 3 Density Per Sq. Km. 340 398 4 Sex Ratio Females per 1000 Males 935 958 5 Literacy Percent 63.25 72.19 6 a. Male Percent 71.28 77.85 7 b. Female Percent 54.61 66.27 509 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us 8 Urban Population Percent 12.90 14.10 9 a. Urban Male Percent 53.41 51.39 10 b. Urban Female Percent 46.58 48.61 11 Rural Population Percent 87.10 85.90 12 a. Rural Male Percent 51.43 51.03 13 b. Rural Female Percent 48.57 48.97 Source: Assam Economic Survey, 2013–2014 The following Table No. 2 provides information about the population of the Nalbari district. Table 2: District of Nalbari Population at a Glance Sl.No. Particulars Unit 2001 Census 2011 Census 1 Population Lakh 6.89 7.72 2 a. Male Lakh 3.56 3.96 3 b. Female Lakh 3.32 3.75 4 Decadal Growth Percent 14.21 11.99 5 Density Per Sq. Km. 683 733 6 Sex Ratio Females per 1000 Males 932 949 7 Literacy Percent 72.66 78.63 8 a. Male Percent 80.95 84.36 9 b. Female Percent 63.71 72.57 Source: Census Report for 2011 Major Findings: The following is a discussion of the study's noteworthy findings: 1. A moral educator needs to have received excellent pre-service and in-service training. A teacher should get knowledge and familiarity with the current developments in the field through this training. 2. The teachers' professional efficacy is also enhanced by this training. However, the researcher of this study discovered that many of the teachers in the Nalbari District require extra training. 3. A lesson plan is a summary of a specific lesson. A lesson plan serves as the teacher's road map for what the class will cover in class and what the students desire to learn. Before beginning any lesson, teachers should prepare the material. Nonetheless, the researcher discovered that over 50% of the educators don't create lesson plans prior to instruction. 4. Short-term programs, often known as refresher programs, are designed to help teachers expand their knowledge and abilities while learning about cutting-edge opportunities related to their teaching careers. 5. The researcher discovered in the current study that a pitiful proportion of primary school instructors complete short-term courses or refresher programs over the course of the year or month. 6. Language is a tool for communication that helps us to elicit and transmit the ideas, sentiments, and feelings between two people. Owing to differences in language acquisition, it is acknowledged that both the teacher and the student will not understand what the teacher is trying to teach in the classroom when the teacher cannot understand the student's vocal sounds. 7. According to this study, elementary school teachers in Nalbari District encountered the fewest language communication issues. 8. Teaching aids enable teachers to effortlessly convey any subject to students and facilitate their rapid and engaging learning. Teaching tools are ideal for younger students. 9. A lot of teachers face challenges when attempting to teach using teaching aids since they are unaware of the proper way to use them in the classroom. According to the study's findings, a lot 510 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us of primary school instructors have trouble utilizing instructional tools when they are in the classroom. 10. The relationship between educators and parents is a crucial factor in an educational institution's success, in addition to the other factors. Positive relationships between educators and parents enhance kids' academic performance, social skills, and emotional health. Nonetheless, the researcher discovered in this study that there is an inadequate link between parents and teachers. 11. Remedial classes also referred to as extra or bonus classes are a great approach to give the students the most support possible. Remedial classes are necessary even in elementary school. Because all subjects are fresh and youngsters are immature at this age. In order to clarify their basic understanding of the material, restorative classes are essential. Nonetheless, the researcher discovered in this study that certain teachers in Nalbari District primary schools do remedial instruction. 12. Since teachers impart knowledge directly to students, their satisfaction has a major influence on the lessons they teach. Educators who are happy in their jobs are more likely to deliver quality instruction. A teacher cannot teach at the true level without fulfillment. Nonetheless, the majority of the primary school teachers in the Nalbari District are not happy with their jobs, according to the study's investigator. 13. Despite continuous efforts by the government to offer appropriate compensation, there is still an economic issue. According to the study's findings, the majority of elementary school teachers suffered from money issues. It follows that the situation of elementary school teachers is deemed to be irrational. 14. The researcher discovered in this study that the majority of primary school teachers receive their salaries on a regular basis. 15. Assam’s transportation and communication issues are getting better every day. People still experience issues with transportation and communication in remote locations, though. Although Nalbari is a city, the study's investigator discovered that several schools are situated in outlying locations from the town, posing a transportation and communication challenge for the teachers working there. 16. In order to help students by creating helpful cognitive maps, repeating concepts to one another, and clearing up misconceptions, teachers must have a thorough understanding of the subject matter and adhere to it. But the researcher in this study discovered that a certain percentage of teachers require assistance in comprehending the lesson. Some Suggestions for Future Research: The results of this study have led the researcher to make several important assumptions about future research. 1. The researchers in this study discovered that the Nalbari District needs a minimum of completely qualified elementary school teachers. This is blatantly arrogant regarding the elementary school system. 2. Before beginning any subject in the classroom, primary school instructors should create lesson plans. Not everyone enjoys working with elementary school children. Getting their attention is an extremely demanding job. Thus, the instructor should use their skillful activities to create a visually appealing instructional plan. 3. Refresher and short-term courses are necessary to remove monotony from instruction. It helps the instructor apply fresh approaches and strategies to improve the efficiency of the teaching-learning process. 4. The teacher benefits from bringing current knowledge as well. Therefore, during the year/month, the instructor should complete any short-term courses, such as a refresher program. 511 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us 5. It is not possible to instruct students in primary school using the lecture technique. To teach them appropriately, teaching aids are necessary. Thus, the primary school teacher needs to be proficient in the use of instructional aids in the classroom. 6. A lot of students require additional or supplemental help. Since all of the courses are new to the students in primary school, teachers should complete remedial instruction in those disciplines. 7. To keep parents informed about their children's progress, primary school teachers should hold regular sessions with them. 8. In order to provide teachers with financial support, the government should enact new policies. 9. The government ought to make an effort to lessen the issue of transportation-related communication. Conclusion: Children's rapid development of acceptable and gross motor skills is encouraged by primary education as they engage in a variety of activities and play. This includes reciting basils and whistling tunes to help kids understand direction and distance. Elementary schooling enables kids to advance their math and reading abilities. The institution kids choose will determine the caliber of education they receive. As a result, parents and guardians need to consider a crucial component of quality. Aside from this, education is a timeless model because it shapes a person's future. A person becomes an active part of society as a result, as the knowledge acquired at this level is akin to making acquaintances. One of the most prominent aspects of a child's existence is school. It conveys innumerable transactions in their lives. In elementary school, the teacher has a significant impact on the children's proper development. In order to assist the teacher, the government also uses creativity. Still, assistance is needed if primary school instructors are to fulfill the purpose of primary education. Since a great deal of teachers still need to be totally qualified. As a result, they bring up a lot of issues both within and outside of the classroom, which negatively impacts the primary education system. Through investigation, the researcher discovered that other studies on elementary education had been finished. Nevertheless, there are still many issues in elementary school. Because instructors are essential to an educational institution's success and because they can contribute to the institution's advancement through effective instruction, the researcher in this study aims to identify the challenges faced by primary school teachers. A teacher needs to develop sufficient pedagogical knowledge, effective teaching techniques, and a positive outlook on the teaching profession in order to provide an effective education. It is attainable through active, well-run pre-service and in-service teacher preparation programs. The results of this study allow the researcher to conclude that assistance is required for the Nalbari district's primary school teacher. The government should be in charge of improving the standard of primary education in order to alleviate these issues for educators. References: 1. Academic Calender-2018, Department of Elementary Education; Govt. of Assam. 2. Ahmed, Sahidul, 2013: State of Primary Education: Regional Experience for Northeast India, Journal of North East India Studies, Vol.-3, No.-1, Jan-June 2013 3. Annual Status of Education Report 2019. 4. Batra, G.S. & Dangwal, R.C. (2000) Human Resource Management, New Strategies, Deep & Deep Publication Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. 5. Best, John W. (1992) Research in Education. Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd. 6. Biswas , N. B. (1999) Curriculum Studies- A Model for SAARC. 7. Economic Survey of Assam 2013-14, Govt. of Assam 512 AMERICAN Journal of Language, Literacy and Learning in STEM Education www. grnjournal.us 8. Mohanty, Susandhya. Teacher Education. Deep and Deep Publications Pvt. Ltd.F-159, Rajouri Garden. New Delhi-110027. 9. NCERT, (2013); “Implementation of Quality Monitoring Tools”. New Delhi. 10. Rao, D. B. (2001); “National Policy On Education”, Discovery Publishing House; New Delhi. 11. SCERT, Assam (2012): Researches in Elementary Education in Assam – A status and trend report (1995- 2010), Department of School Education & Evaluation, SCERT, Guwahati. 12. Sharma, R.A. (2014). Teacher Education & Pedagogical Training, Meerut: R. Lall Book Depot. 13. SSA Annual Report 2013-14: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Assam. 14. Statistical Hand Book Assam (2004 and 2014): Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Assam, Guwahati.