CBSE, NCERT to develop alternative calendar for classes 1-12

Dubai - Children are also encouraged to participate in household chores.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in India have collectively taken the decision of coming up with an alternative calendar for classes 1 to 12, owing to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Anita Karwal, the chairman of CBSE, in her recent address to school principals stated that the calendar is being developed to attain learning outcomes in a joyful manner. "This calendar also suggests ways and means to use technology to aid and facilitate this process of learning," the chairman mentioned.

The curriculum is said to be released soon, and shall be shared to the principals once completed. Karwal also laid an emphasis on the usage of modern learning techniques, like e-learning modules, saying, "It's also the time to embrace technology - whether it is Internet-based or not. Group video calls, conference calls, simple voice calls can help in effectively communicating with each other," she told an Indian daily.

The chairman added that if the online classes are synced with the normal/routine timetable that was followed while in school, without any prior preparation from teachers, then parents and students may develop more stress and may yield negative results.

Schools are also advised to follow digital learning platforms provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). "Aside from the NCERT calendar, during these difficult times, teaching and learning can also continue with the help of comprehensive digital learning platforms focused on providing curriculum linked and curated content."

In addition to online learning and content, the board has also warned parents about the perils of technology. "We would like to caution at this stage that while technology will be required to be used by the child for learning, at the same time sensitise parents about the misuse/misinterpretation of information in certain sites that can induce possible distress in children because of exposure to age inappropriate content," said Karwal.

However, just online learning modules isn't enough and the children must actively participate in household chores. "The running of a kitchen is an immense learning resource," she remarked.

"Various places in our homes, especially the kitchens, remain the most underrated and underused place for a child's cognitive, affective and psychomotor development. The kitchen is perhaps the best lab one has at home," she advised.

• India