As unlock guidelines allow schools to re-open, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has drafted recommendations in line with the best practices from the world over.
The group, with inputs from Early Childhood Association, has suggested that schools reopen only when local epidemiological parameters are favourable, the administration is equipped with adequate infrastructure & health care facilities, & the stakeholders (teachers, students, parents, and support staff) are prepared for the new normal.
Comprising practising paediatricians, teaching faculty, developmental & behavioural experts, epidemiologists, educationists, & technology experts, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics constituted a task force on school reopening & remote learning. The guidelines say that the decision of school reopening must lie with local district authorities & new norms of infrastructure, training of staff & health and hygiene facilities be in place. Schools should have sorted out their timetable & distributed students in shifts to facilitate physical distancing.
Besides physical infrastructure, the IAP has recommended that all types of remote learning methods be blended with one another to make learning more adaptable to all types of learners, to break the monotony & to overcome shortcomings of individual modes of learning.
The Guidelines says, "The educational boards should undertake 50% trimming of syllabi for all subjects of all classes so that there is stress-free & appropriate learning of while taking care that no part of core contents of any subject of any class are deleted. Revisiting & revising already-covered portions previous academic sessions must be aimed at getting a feeling of ease & accomplishment".
The group has recommended maximum screen time students must spend on e-learning. Guidelines say each session be limited to 45 minutes & number of sessions a day be restricted as per the child's age.
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