The education ministry of India has mapped out a new strategy for children amidst this whole COVID-19
situation. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has released this eight-week plan for
secondary classes. This alternative academic calendar consists of a full-fledged program throughout the
week. It has references to the syllabus and activities that are challenging as well as interesting for the
children. With the exercises, you are also given the learning outcomes of the respective activities.
Why is it useful? Let’s talk about it now.
** Better learning** – by mapping the learning outcomes, the parents and teachers will put more effort, and
the learning progress of children will increase simultaneously. The activities that are mentioned in the
calendar are all based on textbooks. So, one can learn without any problem and with an appropriate source.
** Less stress ** – the activities and syllabuses are covered over a period of time with proper space. The
free time between the schedules will make teachers and students less lazy, which will lead to better learning.
If there is no time in between, the stress level will increase, and the students will not get the proper info they
need, as it will get all mixed in their minds due to back to back schedules.
** Easy access** – the calendar is provided through e-mails, television, social media like WhatsApp and
SMS. For the students who do not have the facility of the internet at their homes can contact through normal
phone calls or texts; so that they won’t lag behind and get their syllabus done in their own effective way of
studying. An alternative academic calendar also caters to special children’s needs by providing audio/video
books and radio programs.
**Increased interest** – All the activities that are given in the calendar can be done irrespective of the
order. The activities that attract the student’s interest can be done first to help the parents with the students. It
provides guidelines to the parents and teachers to use various technological tools. With increased interest,
there comes quick and effective learning of the concepts.
**Safe learning** – the positive thing that came in our way is online learning. You can grasp all the
knowledge you need to pass your exams via teaching-learning resources. As per the Unlock 4.0 guidelines,
the schools will reopen for 9 to 12 graders, so that they can go to school and clear any doubts they have. The
safety measures are very important, but when you are learning by the ease and safety of your place.
In the official statement, it was stated that all the activities are basically suggestive. Teachers and parents
can look through the concept and explain the kid, the kid doesn’t have to perform the activities in sequence
but in what is much more interesting for the kid. This way, the teacher’s burden will be partially lifted, and it
will benefit both persons, i.e., teacher and learner.
