A significant learning loss is seen among students because of the pandemic induced closure of schools, a study by Azim Premji University has found. Many students also failed to report age-appropriate learning.

The study titled ‘Azim Premji University Study: Teacher efforts to support learning recovery after school reopening’ reported that 53, 70, 58 and 61 percent of students, from classes 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, were not able to demonstrate specific abilities assessed in language.

Students who were later assessed again at the end of the 8 – 10 weeks to understand how learning recovery was progressing – across classes and across language and mathematics, students showed some improvement in the specific abilities assessed.29, 57, 52 and 54 percent of students from classes 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, were not able to demonstrate specific abilities assessed in mathematics.

The field study conducted between January and April 2022 covering 108 teachers, and 1644 students in classes 2 to 5 across 41 districts in 5 states including Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand to capture efforts of teachers towards recovery of learning loss due to school closure during the pandemic also has several other significant observations.

Significant observations:

• 89 percent of teachers helped students return to school and classroom routines by making space for students’ narratives and experiences.
• 72 percent of teachers were seen to divide students into logical learning groups, using a differentiated approach for materials, activities, and pedagogic techniques.
• 81 percent of teachers encouraged students to use the local dialect.
• 38 percent used multiple tools for assessment, including self and peer assessment, in the form of worksheets, group discussions, role play, class work, home assignments, observations, project work, in oral, written and mixed modes.

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