By Swati Saini
In the last two years, we’ve heard quite a lot about “learning loss,” “learning gap” and “learning recovery” without really understanding what those terms mean or how they affect us.
The Covid-19 period has been a major disruption in the course of our little ones’ learning journey. Because of the continuous support from schools and parents to provide a sense of stability to them during these times, no stone was left unturned in exploring new avenues of learning. Concerns have also been brought up about the short-and long-term effects on student’s academic progress and behavioural changes. Though the Finance Minister announced a digital university and 200 TV channels under the e-Vidya scheme, there is little to no discussion of improving school infrastructure to mitigate the learning loss caused by the pandemic, and the long-term impact of the pandemic on children.
The best schools in Gurgaon know that there is no single path toward the future of learning, so they tried to seize the opportunity and build a system that is:
Equitable: Where schools and homes offer a positive environment to support the learning
Effective: Where teachers and schools are equipped with the resources/ teaching aids to support each and every learner.
Resilient: Where schools are safe and well-managed.
The post-pandemic era also provides an opportunity to start implementing a vision for the future of learning, in which all children learn with excitement and joy, and with purpose, in school and beyond. Indeed, this is a unique opportunity to reimagine education and part of the response entails ensuring every child continues to learn.
Studies across the world have clearly indicated that school closures have had a significant negative impact on the learning levels of children, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds having been affected more severely. This loss of learning is not simply the curricular learning that children would have acquired if schools remained open. It includes the abilities that children have lost due to lack of use. For example, the ability to read with understanding, the ability to write, and the ability to perform basic mathematical operations like addition and multiplication. This regression further compromises new learning since these abilities are foundational to all further learning.
Here is how schools and teachers address the issue of ‘learning loss’ in a constructive way.
Some best CBSE schools in Gurgaon talk about strategies for mitigating learning loss and making notable learning gains despite the pandemic.
1, Measuring the ‘Gaps’
Begin by determining key learning standards and content that are prerequisites to future learning and might not have been fully mastered by students. For example, a student will not succeed in comprehension writing skills without knowing the rules of writing.
Create a different schedule for the first few months of the school year for addressing missed learning standards and content that are prerequisites for future learning.
2. Prioritize Personalisation
Since learning gaps are reflected differently in each child, the best way to close them is by caring for the student’s specific needs. ‘One-size-fits-all’ should not be part of the vocabulary when it comes to a child’s education and goals. Personalization will be key to reaching every student, by embracing movement, collaboration, meaningful small group engagement, and viewing students as individuals with unique needs.
Schools in Gurgaon practice differentiation learning, which allows for making adjustments in the way of teaching to break down information, fit students’ ability to understand, and involve a variety of learning experiences.
3. Never Underestimate the Value of Reading
Reading significantly benefits a child’s education as well as their social and cognitive development. Children can build phonetic skills while reading silently or aloud with someone else and developing language comprehension/reading fluency.
Spending time reading with the child every day will definitely make a great difference. Choose books that excite and challenge them. This will not only give insight into areas that may need improvement, but it will enrich your time together and allow the child to learn in an exciting, engaging way.
At Gurgaon Schools, teachers passionately believe every child should have the chance to reach the highest level of education and confidence. Opening their imagination and traveling through enjoyable learning is a wonderful way to get there!
As students progress, we should carefully monitor their unique learning plans and patterns, paying special attention to how they effectively engage and what inspires them.