Teachers rise to Covid challenge

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 4

‘Es tarah lagda kandhan nu parha rahe haan’ (it feels as if we are teaching walls) says a teacher about the response of the students to the online classes ever since the Covid pandemic affected the conventional method of teaching.

A school topper of a government school does not have access to education for a week, some students have no access to smart phones in the entire neighbourhood. Several children make do with just a single phone while attending the online session.

With schools closed and mobile and TVs turning into new ways of learning, some teachers are stepping out of their comfort zone to ensure the students do not suffer due to lockdown. The effectiveness of online teaching during pandemic is directly proportional to the economic status of students. While majority of children continue to think of Covid like an extended vacation, lack of resources on the other hand pose difficulties for those students who are good in studies. There are teachers who have risen to the occasion by conducting classes online and holding YouTube sessions and roping in private students.

Two teachers of the Government Smart Senior Secondary School, Virk, have been going door-to-door during the pandemic spreading the word on admissions. Twenty seven additional students have been admitted to the school during the pandemic. There are other schools as well which have witnessed a rise in admissions.

Speaking Out

Some students are really poor. Some failed to respond, so we visited them to see if they needed anything. Many are too poor to afford phones and TV. We helped them by getting their recharge done. Others don't have electricity and a TV. Education during Covid is an uphill task. Daljit Kaur, teacher, GSSSS, Virk

Online teaching cannot be a substitute for conventional teaching. More than 50% students are not interested in attending online sessions. We have almost lost mediocre students. We are providing them regular lecturers but we have to constantly coax them to attend the sessions. Some say that their parents carry their phones to work. These problems are here to stay and we are doing all that we can to educate students amid the pandemic. Jaswinder Kaur, GSSSS (Girls), Bara Pind

Online teaching is a new concept. Many kids are yet to comprehend its purpose. For them, it is like an extended vacation. Many can’t comprehend online lessons. I have uploaded hundreds of videos on YouTube. 100% of the syllabus till August is already covered. We are running online contests , music sessions to keep them engaged. Paramjot Singh, teacher, GSSS, Chak Des Raj

We have been trying to complete the syllabus of the students along with holding several extra-curricular activities. Preparations are also on to celebrate the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. We also hold other events also from time to time. But the unavailability of mobile phones with students is the biggest hurdle. Many students are poor and don't have them. We are making effort to ensure children don't miss out on lessons. Amarjit Kaur, teacher, Government Middle School, Shahkot