THE PLIGHT OF THE STUDENTS OF OUR COUNTRY

With the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the first places to be shut down were educational institutes like schools, colleges and universities. These were then followed by places of worship, restaurants, and shops etc.

All those associated with the education system were taken aback by the decision especially students in class 12, preparing for board examinations and those in the last year of college, as uncertainty loomed in the air.

Initially, institutions hoped to reopen schools and/or colleges but as time passed it became clear that education as we know it would not be the same, anytime soon.

At first, the students of class 12 were cheerful about the extended holidays but soon the silence over board examinations and schools expecting a constant effort by students, became a source of stress and fear. However, the announcement of board examinations being cancelled brought about mixed reactions by the students of the country. Some heaved a sigh of relief while others were disappointed. After a long year of being deprived of classroom learning and co-curricular activities some felt that they were missing out on something important, almost like a rite of passage to begin the next chapter of their life. Moreover, it was announced that the students would be evaluated based on the marks obtained in classes 10,11 and 12. This decision received outrage from students and parents alike.

Final year students of colleges and universities faced a similar situation. Many who had planned to apply to foreign universities for further education, found themselves stuck in a state of ambiguity as borders were closed and lockdowns were imposed. Students who had immigrated to different states and/or countries for education found themselves caught up in an endless circle of doubt, away from their families. Overall, students felt anxious and uncertain about what the future held for them.

In a world where collaborative learning is the key to growth and development, students in their critical years of education have had the loneliest and most isolated period of their lives.

With learning shifting from open classrooms to laptop or smartphone screens, students have had a difficult time concentrating and grasping the knowledge being offered by their teachers.

Key points/Summary:

• Educational Institutes were the first ones to shut down when the pandemic began.
• Students and teachers were not expecting such a major shift in the teaching and learning methods.
• Initially, institutions hoped to reopen as soon as possible.
• Though the first reaction was that of happiness it soon turned into despair and fear over the uncertainty about the whole situation.
• The board exams of students of class 12th were cancelled on 1st June 2021.
• Students are unhappy about the evaluation criteria.
• Final year students who had applied for further education in foreign universities were unable to go forward with their plans.
• Students who had immigrated were in a state of doubt and fear as they were away from their families in a lockdown.
• Overall, students felt lonely and anxious.
• Education became isolated and confined to ones laptop/smartphone.