‘Classroom teaching better than online edu’
LUCKNOW : After schools in Uttar Pradesh cautiously restarted physical lessons in wake of the ebbing of Covid-19 cases, students said physical classes were better suited for learning.
“My eyes are less strained, and I am able to absorb the lessons better in the school as compared to online classes,” said Jai Panjwani, a Class 11 student of City Montessori School, Rajajipuram 1, where students come in two slots, as per government directives, which helps in maintaining Covid protocol.
“Visiting the computer lab physically helped me a lot in understanding the basics of programming,” said Aashi Sachan, a Class 11 student of SKD Academy. “It was difficult for us to arrange devices for online classes. We faced technical issues. I understand better in offline classes,” said Rumza, a class 6 student of Bharatiya Shishu Mandir Junior High School, a UP Board institution for children from poor background. Their attendance in offline classes had gone up to 85%.
While students were catching up with physical classes, teachers and school administrations were trying to ensure that Covid-19 protocol is followed.
“We made sure our arrangements were absolutely according to Covid protocol. We invited parents to take a round of our school. Many visited the school to gain confidence before sending their children. And we have seen the number of students rise,” said Nisha Pandey, principal, CMS, Rajajipuram 1.
“Students have been studying in both online and offline mode to cope up with studies. The full strength of students has been divided into many slots,” said Shaily Srivastava, vice-principal of SKD Academy, UP Board. Nearly 80-90% of students were attending physical classes.
“Offline classes are very important for the mental well being of children. Learning improves when they come to school physically. At present, we have about 25-30% students coming to school,” said Madhulika Agarwal, head of Kunskapsskolan School. She also urged parents to send their wards to school.
“More students are being encouraged to come back to school. But some parents are apprehensive as they fear the third wave of Covid,” shared Raveen Pande, principal of GD Goenka school.
She added, “The percentage of students in senior section attending offline classes is high, especially now as class tests are on. However, the attendance of primary and pre-primary section is about 30%.”