Teachers in a fix over students’ learning gaps

Bhopal: Ahead of the exams, professors are having a hard time helping the students who entered college with learning gaps due to the Covid-19induced restrictions. The students were forced to switch to online learning since the Covid-19 outbreak. Due to the spike in cases and deaths during the second wave of Covid-19 the government cancelled board exams for class 12 students.
Class 12 students received a pass mark sheet without appearing for the board exams.But, now its consequence is affecting both the teachers and the taught. The students are seeking the help of professors on the topics that they missed out on or have not understood during the online classes.
The professors are in a fix as they are overwhelmed with the expectations of the students. Pressed with time, they find it impractical to teach the college students the basic concepts which are part of the class 12 curriculum.
The issue has majorly affected the professors in small institutions. A senior professor Sheetal Sharma said that several students of other institutes are approaching her for help in covering their learning gaps. “The situation was inevitable as students were given a pass mark sheet without an exam. Established universities, colleges and schools have imparted the learning to the students who were regular with the online classes.”
“But the students of small institutions are facing a serious issue ahead of their college exams,” said professor Sharma. She added, “I am afraid as to how the professors will handle such students when classes begin in offline mode. This issue will continue to have major repercussions in future.”
The principal of NRI Pharmacy college, Dr Jagdish Rathi is also concerned about the whole issue.
He said, “The quality of students has indeed come down. I think the situation will become clear only when the offline classes begin.”
A senior professor wishing anonymity said, “Students were happy to get good marks in online exams.” “But in offline exams, the result of the students may go down. It will pose difficulties for both teachers as well as the students,” added the professor.