CBSE survey to gauge how Covid-19 impacted schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has initiated a survey to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the teaching-learning and assessment processes, and the socio-economic condition of its affiliated schools across the country. The survey aims to provide possible solutions to the challenges faced by the schools in the current Covid-hit academic year, and in the future.
The virtual survey, which started on June 2 and will conclude on June 20, focuses on the teaching and learning practices adopted by the schools during the lockdown. In a letter to all its affiliated schools on Wednesday, CBSE director of academics Joseph Emmanuel said, “The insights obtained will help the board to propose and create support systems for schools in the current academic session and future policy formulations.”
Among the details sought in the survey are the total strength of students from classes 9 to 12 in the academic sessions 2020-21 and 2021-22, the percentage of students having access to the internet, the percentage of students not in touch with schools since March last year, modes of virtual learning schools used during the lockdown, and attendance of students during online classes. The board has also asked schools to submit information on how students and teachers accessed remote learning when the schools were physically shut. For instance, if students had to purchase devices or were given school-owned devices, or if multiple students used the same devices.
CBSE has asked schools to tell them about the most popular tools for supplementary learning. These include worksheets, audio lessons, video lessons, assignments as games and narrative, and offline study material. It has sought information on whether schools have provided psychological support to students, and catered to the needs of children with disabilities.
Physically classrooms were shut across the country for seven to 10 months last year. Schools in Delhi partially reopened for practical and remedial classes for students in classes 9 to 12 but had to shut down after the fourth Covid wave in the Capital.
Emmanuel said the information collected will be used to find “broader solutions to existing problems” for CBSE affiliated schools. “The survey will help us understand the real picture on the ground. After analysing the responses, we will be in a better position to take any decision regarding the current curriculum as well as assessment for the existing and upcoming academic sessions,” he said.
CBSE has also sought suggestions from schools on how it can provide support in terms of training and resources for teachers and students. Several school principals in Delhi said the survey will help the board understand their challenges. Meenakshi Khushwaha, principal of Birla Vidya Niketan in Pushp Vihar, said, “The survey is very crucial given that the entire education system is witnessing several challenges due to the pandemic. The suggestions...should be taken seriously. Even if 10,000 schools respond, it will help the CBSE get a broader picture of the real situation while making any policy decision.”