Page 16 - CafeSocial-July-2021

saw regular physical fitness
setback as the syllabus could not be covered
effectively, even though it was eventually
reduced. Conducting examinations,
maintain and even ingraining discipline
became time consuming and learning took a
step back. Not to forget the financial
impediments affecting all parties alike, from
the schools and teachers to students. Due to
these challenges, we found ourselves in a
deadlock, the teachers trying to reach as far
and last mile as possible to students with
limited skill and resources. All of this topped
with increased mental health issues and
instability caused by the pandemic; hit the
education system really hard. Although, with
time and practice, we have now seemed to
overcome most of it and the rather good
effects are becoming visible. The system is
now revolutionized with IT and there is no
going back from here. We saw increased
parent participation, increased teacher
availability and saw all stakeholders coming
forward as a community. Change, whether
willing or unwilling, is the essence of life, isn't
it?
Indeed, a task for all our teachers to have
overcome this situation. What coping
mechanisms do you think were the best
of all?
Among the many coping mechanisms
that schools over the country adopted,
training the teachers and the students
quickly was the need of the hour. Providing
financial support to the staff, reducing the
burden of fee payment, providing last mile
students and teachers with technology, were
among the eye-catching solutions. We also
16 JULY 2021
classes being conducted
online, for whatever little
exercise could be conducted at
comfort of homes. It also
helped a lot with mental
fatigue. Holding all possible
events online too has helped
with the lack of socialization. I
have adopted and preached
20:20:20 rule, where after every
20 minutes look at a distance of
20ft for 20 seconds, which helps
with problems arising from
increased screen-time. I have also
promulgated the 40:60 rules where 40% of
the time the teacher speaks and lets the
students speak the remaining 60%. This
increases awareness and attention of
students and allows everyone to move
together. Recurring online counseling
sessions for not only students, but the
teachers as well has also helped a lot. Many
such initiatives have been very helpful in
coping with the pandemic!
That is quite an insight! So, all in all, what
is your opinion about this change in the
educating system and its effect on the
nation?
Charles Darwin once said, the species
that most adapts to changes, survives! Every
change brings an opportunity to get better
and with this pandemic we were forced to
reach that milestone which was otherwise a
farfetched aim, revolutionizing the system
with information technology and distance
learning. In my opinion we now need to strike
a balance between the modern and
conventional methods of teaching so we
don't lose the Indian essence from our
system. NEP seems to be a stepping stone on
this path of balance with inclusion of Indian
languages, integrating technology and
better vigilance on the system. Taking notes
from best practices over the world will only
enhance our methodologies. India has a
long history of guru shishya culture, we need
to retain what fits the time and adopt with its
needs of the future.