Regular Parents-Teachers’ dialogue only remedy to counter post-COVID challenges: Principal JKPS Kunjwani
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Principal JKPS Kunjwani Rajesh Rathore alongwith the Class Teachers of Grade X convened a meeting for the parents of Grade X and briefed them about several challenges witnessed during Post- COVID offline classes.
“Reflecting on the profile of Post-COVID students, he shared that “having confined within the boundaries of home, they got subjected to loneliness and resultantly they turned inward, not outward, as earlier.
Since the routine of students before the COVID-19 period was full of social interactions but online education made them feel completely detached from their friends, as there was no physical meeting, interaction and hence no sharing”, he added.
“On account of a longer screen time, their concentration span got reduced and it widened their ‘Learning gaps’ & finally caused ‘aversion towards studies’ for many students. Another matter of concern has been their rising frustration level, which found manifestation in the form of aggression. One of the most damaging impacts of COVID-19 on youth has been their changed priorities. Their seriousness got replaced by a new found happy-go-lucky attitude. They developed fondness for instant gratification. Most of the youngsters got entrapped into self-entertainment”, the Principal further added.
Deliberating with parents regarding the hurdles and remedies, the menace of Mobile Phones topped the chart. Parents also promised to discuss with their wards on the damaging role of mobile phones during the offline classes.
Teachers shared some brilliant ways to keep students creatively engaged. They may read newspapers, go for a walk, play carrom, chess, join an online dance class (zoomba, salsa, hip-hop etc), learn guitar, Tennis, join gym, hobby classes etc.
One parent suggested the idea of stipulated time slots for chatting, watching movies, playing games. Another parent proposed the idea of Timer for social media apps, which may help children reduce their engagements on the social media gradually.
Principal drew the attention of parents towards the bottled up emotions being faced by their wards in the last two years. He also requested the audience to be extremely patient while counselling their wards to control aggression & arrogant behaviour at home or the use of foul language with their friends over phone.
He appealed parents to spend some time with their wards every day, hold dialogues with them, counsel them, appreciate and motivate them.
He requested parents not to be overprotective and credulous. He made a fair promise to parents that teachers are always a big support system to students & parents. We are here to help & groom children. The meeting reached the culmination point on a very happy note, realizing the roles of both the sides: teachers as well as the parents.
