‘Self-study biggest takeaway of learning in Covid times’

Even after schools and college remaining shut for most part of the year, there seems to be no immediate relief in sight. Students who were either hoping to go back to the campus by this time of the year, or those who had already started attending classes wherever authorities permitted them to, now find themselves back at home as Covid-19 cases are on the rise.TOI spoke to Kabir Rawlekar, vice-principal of Dr Ambedkar College (Deekshabhoomi), about the unique situation which students find themselves in.
Excerpts from an interview.
Q. Around this time last year, no one would have expected that schools and colleges will still remain closed.
A. It has indeed been a challenging year for all. Around December, students were hopeful of things getting back to normal by summer, but it seems the situation will drag on longer. I always tell students that they must not fret over things that are not in their control. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but that’s the only way they can carry on till things become normal.
Q. Exams, for both boards and varsity, are about to start. And not everyone is able to access online classes, so what can such students do to compete?
A. If I have to ever think of one big academic takeaway from Covid-19 then it will be ‘self-study’. This has emerged as the biggest differentiator among those who have been able to keep their academic schedule on track and those who haven’t. An intelligent and determined student will always score well, regardless of school/college being closed or open. For those who aren’t typically coming from an excellent academic background, a lot of effort is required. They have to get into the habit of self-study and make this a daily routine, as if one was attending college or school. There are many in India who might not have had access to online classes due to internet issues or some other reasons. For them, it is tough but we have to make the most of the situation. Books are available, teachers can be reached through phone and the rest can be taken care of by self-study.
Q. But staying away from schools, colleges and classmates has also had a negative impact.
A. Absolutely, there are many students who find it depressing and it’s not easy to be cut off from all social connections in the physical mode. For such students, it’s important to keep talking to those at home like parents, siblings, etc. Also, stay connected with relatives and friends over the phone at least. As long as there is someone to talk to, negative thoughts will go away.
Q. Do you foresee online exams becoming the ‘new normal’?
A. In the immediate future, yes, because we don’t know when the government will allow schools and colleges to function like the pre-Covid times. But as soon as everything shifts back to normal, the traditional pen-paper exams will be vogue. There is no substitute for the offline exam because you are guaranteed that every child gets a level playing field.
Q. What about classes, will we see a hybrid format of online and offline?
A. It will depend on what level of teaching we are talking about, but if I have to take a very broad view then my answer will be no. Offline classes are the best way to teach and learn. When a students sits inside a class, he/she is learning with all the senses in hyper active mode. They are looking at the teacher, following their gaze, noticing their body language, watching their fellow students clear doubts — all this provides for all-round development of students. Learning happens in mental, emotional and cognitive formats and the traditional classroom setting maximizes its impact. In fact, I see an eagerness among students to be back on the campus. Their socializing with peers is a great part of the learning experience as well. In online mode, that’s all gone and has impacted learning.
Q. What is the biggest impact online learning has had on students and teachers?
A. For teachers, it definitely has to be the initial challenge of technology. Not every teacher was well-versed with Google Classrooms, making, sharing and evaluating assignments online or attending webinars or conducting online classes. After the technical challenges were conquered, adaptation to teaching in a virtual world happened. Everyone started learning by trial and error method and now everyone has a more or less perfect system. For students, the definition of self-study has evolved. Now this word also includes exploring new frontiers within the topics they have studied. Let’s say a particular chemistry practical is mentioned in the book, but now the student cannot go to school. So he/she goes online and watches a video of that practical and comprehends the concept. That research part, to go online for a video, has now been incorporated into self-study and is making students better at learning.