Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has released an alternative academic calendar developed by NCERT for secondary school students. The calendar is designed for an effective week-wise planning for each subject to cover the syllabus during the lockdown. The alternative calendar that has to be followed by teachers, students and parents will help not only to keep the students busy but also to ensure continuous learning process during the lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The guideline reads, “Schools, colleges and universities have been closed. Students are confined to their homes, and so are teachers and parents. Teacher educators, teachers and parents need to find ways to deal with this unprecedented situation arising out of the lockdown in order to engage students meaningfully through educational activities at home. While we are putting in all efforts to flatten the epidemic curve, learning can continue at home too, and the learning curve of children must continue to move upwards. How should this be done? The first thought would perhaps be homework or home assignments. However, the concept of homework is that of a task done individually; moreover, it carries with it the pressure of completion rather than that of joyful learning. Further, as educationists, we prefer not to recommend homework over a long duration for very young children. We have to therefore seek alternative methods.”

The HRD minister tweeted to inform about the release of the alternative calendar for the secondary school students on Saturday. He tweeted, “My dear Secondary School students, I am releasing Alternative Academic Calender today, for your benefit. During the lockdown period, you can use this calender for week-wise planning, with reference to theme/chapter taken from syllabus or textbook.”

My dear Secondary School students, I am releasing Alternative Academic Calender today, for your benefit.
During the lockdown period, you can use this calender for week-wise planning, with reference to theme/chapter taken from syllabus or textbook. https://t.co/LsOyxrApSx pic.twitter.com/y4ivsQGzYZ

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 2, 2020

The minister also suggested students and teachers to follow the calendar and learn at home, through different media such as mobile, SMS, television, radio or social media. The alternative academic calendar is available on the official website of NCERT. Earlier, on April 16, the minister had launched an alternative calendar for the primary school students.  

 Source: Hindustan Times