Addressing the time gaps
As the summer vacations in educational institutions were forced ahead of the schedule due to the rising temperature in Kashmir Valley, several suggestions have been raised by educationists regarding the continuation of educational activities or remedial teaching for students.
Even the Directorate of School Education has issued a directive in this regard and has asked all those institutions where the results have been showing a declining trend to ensure that remedial teaching is ensured during summer vacations.
Though these remedial classes have been suggested for schools with poor results in JKBOSE Class 10th and 12th examinations, the idea to spread it further for other classes can be a good possibility. .
Notably, sustained academic support is crucial to bridge learning gaps and ensure that students are well-prepared for the forthcoming examinations. Since there has been an abrupt halt in classwork, the remedial classes can prove to be a good initiative to engage students in preparations for next exams.
The education department and even the private schools can ensure conduct of online classes so that students who have not been fearing well in exams and academics can be roped in for their betterment.
The remedial teaching can focus intensively on subjects and topics identified and monitor it so that students do really get to benefit from the exercise.
Ironically, the number of working days in J&K averages around 170 to 175 per year, compared to 210 to 220 working days in most other states and UT’s in the country.
This disparity of nearly 45–50 instructional days annually can be worked out for the benefit of the students as the time gap if left unresolved poses serious consequences for the academic development and competitive preparedness of the students:
The break in academic calendar increases the chances of syllabus remaining incomplete and the teachers later often rush the students to completion of the prescribed syllabus which comes at the cost of true conceptual understanding.
The long breaks in academics leaves the students at a disadvantage in national-level entrance exams like NEET, JEE, CUET, and UPSC-based tests, as they receive less classroom time and structured academic support.
The lack of sufficient academic days restricts remedial teaching, career guidance sessions, skill-based learning, and co-curricular exposure — all of which are critical in today’s competitive environment.
Therefore, it will be in the best interests of the student’s community at large if the calendar gap issue is addressed and remedial on-line classes are made a reality during summer and winter breaks so that the educational standards of our children are lifted to the levels that they can compete at any level and with students of any other region.
