WHAT IF INSTITUTES REMAIN CLOSED
Writer: Eduvision Team
WHAT IF INSTITUTES REMAIN CLOSED
What was your first reaction hearing that schools and universities were shutting down when the first wave of Covid-19 hit us? Majority of students were joyful, considering it as an extend vacation, a time to relax and binge watch the list of shows and movies they had in mind. And students did that for a period of time till classes were shifted online. The graveness of the situation then started to dawn upon many students when they started facing challenges during this new mode of education.
When this second wave began and news started to float about the re-closing of institutes, was your reaction and thoughts about it the same? Or was your opinion different this time? When asked many students, the responses differed.
Now let’s look at it at a national level. What impact does this manner of uncertain education have on the general student population and the future of Pakistan? Firstly, access to internet and online is not available to a vast number of students in far-flung areas of Pakistan. So many students are deprived of education currently which will impact their time and years of education ahead.
The 2020 human capital index showed an improvement of Pakistan’s learning adjusted years of schooling from 4.8 years to 5.1 years over the past few years. These gains may have been already lost as it is expected that the four months closure during the previous wave could have brought it back to 4.8 years.
It was also estimated that the percentage of children who would not learn to read by age 10 has been increased from 75 to 79 percent. This mode of remote learning failed to make-up for this standing deficit. This is a setback to years of efforts that were done for reforms related to education.
A collective effort will be needed form government, society, teachers, parents and students themselves to help overcome this crisis.
What could you as students do in this situation?
- Avail all possible resources: From your end try to reach out and use all the sources that are available to you that could enhance your learning.
- When schools were closed, Pakistan started an educational channel. Content is available for kindergarten through high school providing one hour of curriculum per day. A source that could be use if internet facility is not available to you at all times.
- Various sites and YouTube channels provide detailed lectures on topics which you can download and learn from as well
2. Maintaining a routine: just like we had routine pre-COVID-19 days, set a routine for yourself. Start your day at about the same time each day and set a goal for coursework to be completed each day.
3. Try to be prepared: you are responsible for your knowledge and future. Read your assignments before hand, do your homework and try to go through the upcoming lectures beforehand so you can clear your doubts during the class. Try to engage in class discussion as it is easier to get disengaged during virtual learning.
4. Keep connected with other: in these difficult times, it is easy to quickly feel lonely and secluded. Reach out to others when you need help as well as make it known to others that you are here to help if needed
Give yourself a break: each day, take out a portion of time for yourself. step away from your coursework and from the pandemic updates and do something that you enjoy and find refreshing
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