ODD- EVEN formula in schools post-lockdown phase

Wow! What an ideal situation it would be!

Fifty percent of total strength a day in classroom with this new odd-even formula in schools would be like, dream come true. From both a parent and teacher’s perspective, the smaller the class size, the more significant benefits are for individualized- attention and support, result in greater accountability and involvement in the classroom as well as an enhanced learning experience.

During teacher training sessions conducted by CBSE, the instructors always focus on creating a  friendly atmosphere in classroom ignoring the pragmatic situation of 40 children sitting there in one class. Hope, the new schooling system will bring new approaches in teaching-learning process.

Both teachers and parents always desire this type of atmosphere in school where teacher- student ratio is rational and personal attention could be paid to a child. Researches show that students in smaller classes have higher grades and perform better.

During this lockdown, the need of a new kind of learning-from-home for school students was experienced but we also know that everything can’t be learnt from home. In-person interactions between teachers and students and- among students themselves- are vital for comprehension, developing soft skills and inculcating social maturity.

There would be so many positive effects with this 1:20 teacher and students ratio. It’s difficult for students to hide and get left behind. Teachers will have more opportunities to observe and assess the class as whole. Each child will be noticed. Each student will be encouraged to participate in activities. Learning will be enhanced. It will provide the opportunity to customize instructions and guidance, and students get their mentor’s undivided attention. Even shy students have the chance to embrace their ideas and share them with their peers. They are more likely to be confident and comfortable in responding to a question during a lesson. It will lead to more one-on-one attention from teacher. With fewer students the top student and the bottom student aren’t quite so far apart. Working on each student will surely abridge the gap of learning. Classroom with fewer students discipline is needed far less often.

The new schooling system needs to be different from what we had before COVID-19. This will give us insight and tools to better serve our students.

Pic credit - Google images