Parents doubling up as invigilators; children doing self-evaluations; and teachers checking answer sheets online: These are some of the unique ways schools in Abu Dhabi are preparing students remotely for the upcoming Grade 10 and 12 examinations.
Such out-of-the-box ideas and strategies will become the new norm with the local authorities extending e-learning for three more weeks starting Sunday as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.
This is the second postponement, following a two-week e-learning declared before the start of the new academic term from January 3.
But amid a consistent uptick in the number of the Covid-19 cases in the country, heads of schools have welcomed the decision.
“Our initial plan was to start with a few classes for a week and then welcome all classes back by January 24. But seeing the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, this is a correct decision. Health and safety come first. Also, because of this surge in the cases, lots of parents dropped out last minute from sending (kids) to school,” said Neeraj Bhargava, principal, Abu Dhabi Indian School.
In a proactive manner, the school, since last week, started three-hour online tests to prepare nearly 700 students for the CBSE Grade 10 and 12 examinations.
“We worked it out beautifully. Parents were invigilating their child at home. Parents understand the requirement of today’s times. And children need practice to write a three-hour paper using pen and paper. Teachers correct papers online. Imagine the work for teachers as one child would upload 30 pages of answer sheets. Luckily, I have a good team at work,” Bhargava added.
The school, apart from teachers checking the answer sheets, also made the students do self-evaluation.
“When children finish the exams, they are asked to upload the paper. Teachers would discuss the entire paper with the children, who would evaluate themselves. The children found it very interesting to evaluate themselves.”
Meanwhile, for The Model School principal Abdul Kader V.V., apart from CBSE Board exams, he needs to prepare students for the Kerala SSLC exams.
“The Kerala Government has declared exams from March 17. We have to conduct pre-boards, practical exams etc. There are worries on these aspects as to how we will manage,” said Abdul Kader.
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