Students, teachers favour resumption of higher classes, parents not too keen

PANJIM: As the State government contemplates allowing students of Classes IX to XII to visit schools on a ‘voluntary basis’ from September 21 to seek academic guidance, students, parents and teachers in Goa have expressed mixed views on the decision.

While some teachers and students feel that the move, if implemented taking the COVID-19 precautions, will help students struggling with online classes in view of poor network connectivity and who depend on videos or classmates for clarifications, parents are apprehensive of the safety of their children, considering the rising number of cases, even amongst teachers.

Rohan Waikar, a Class X student welcomed the decision and said, “It will be really helpful if teachers can hold sessions for us to clear doubts. Board students like me need proper guidance from teachers on various issues.” He added that he calls his subject teachers to clear doubts and that he expects no rush as visiting schools will be on a voluntary basis. 

However, his parents are not keen on sending Rohan to school. “We understand his concern and are also worried for his studies but cannot risk his life. In his school, two teachers and one non-teaching staff have already tested positive for the infection. How to take a risk in such conditions?” Rohan’s father, Vinayak asked. 

Goa Headmasters Association (GHA) president Mariano Valadares said that considering the current situation, with rising number of cases, it is not a welcome step. “The time is not right. It is also a fact, that several teachers have got infected and one even lost the life,” he said. Valadares said the government will have to wait till the new coronavirus cases show signs of dropping. 

Gajanan, a mathematics teacher said, “For subjects like mathematics, especially for Class X and XII students, face-to-face teaching is vital. There are students, who need extra attention and this is not possible in online teaching. Opening of classes for one-to-one interaction will help student to great extent,”

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed the phased re-opening of schools from September 21. 

Following directions from the Ministry, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant at a press interaction said schools may partially re-open in consultation with PTAs. 

Directorate of Education will seek inputs from school managements, parent teacher associations (PTAs), headmasters association and other stakeholders before deciding on re-opening of classes on a voluntary basis. 

Sources confirmed that Chief Minister has issued directions to consult the stakeholders on the issue. “The department is working in that direction. There are certain guidelines laid down by the Ministry, which we will follow,” sources said.

Educational institutions in the State have been shut since mid-March in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes are being conducted online, and links to online study material are sent to students. Lack of internet connectivity, especially in remote areas, has affected online education.