Winter Tuition – Bridging The Learning Gaps!

Qysar ul islam Shah

As soon as the academic session got changed in Kashmir Division,SED has brought some commendable modifications in the educational sector by introducing winter camps in various designated schools. The general populace had reacted to it in a very positive manner. Later demand for its operationalisation  got momentum with an aim to bridge the learning gaps at elementary and secondary levels.School education department has of late issued an order of starting winter tutorial in various designated schools to offer winter classes in remote areas. HOIs have  been advised to make all possible arrangements in their respective institutions.

In wake of the demands, all concerned CEOs have been asked to go ahead accordingly as per norms. The school heads must take consent and declarations from the parents for enrolling these students in these winter camps. The order also reads that DCRGs and BCRGs, and CRCs will also grant academic support to the program and guide teachers about the remedial teaching.

Such initiatives of starting winter campuses in remote areas had yielded good results and enhanced learning levels among the students.With minimizing learning gaps winter camps holds a vital place. It is one of the biggest reasons that children drop out of school. When students fail to understand the present curriculum, they are likely to lag in the class. This creates a disparity between their expected and actual learning levels thus putting a tremendous strain on the students to catch up with their peers. The most benefit of operating such centres in designated places will help the poor populace who could not afford to attend private centre’s. Such initiatives are commendable and need applause to operate at distant places. General masses have acknowledged it a panacea for their miseries.

Winter tuition in Kashmir can’t be overstated. This is a highly praiseworthy initiative by Education Minister Mohtarma Sakeen ji. Government schools are highly equipped with sophisticated infrastructure, teaching staff, toilet systems and many more. Most of the parents in far flung areas don’t afford to send their wards in private tuition due to various reasons, but such steps will yield positive results in future. Winter camps help to maintain a sense of continuity in students’ education. Students are overwhelmed with joy as their results had already been declared due to the March session and promotion in the next class with attract them more towards these centres.

Winter camps can serve as a lifeline for students. It has been observed that large section of people are stressed about their wards during vacation days, as it prevents the loss of knowledge and skill acquired during academic year and ensures that students are well prepared to resume their studies when schools reopen.Those at the helm of affairs must ensure the proper arrangement for teachers and students during harsh winter. It is pertinent to mention here that those who had been engaged for winter camps should be given one month earned leave. Incentivising will attract them more towards this initiative.Such efforts can make it more successful and productive. The erstwhile super 50 should be repeated in the same manner to cater aspiring candidates for competitive exams.

There are a good number of students who have brought laurels in previous years due to these winter camps. People belonging to unprivileged sections in remote areas have received plentiful benefits out of these winter or super 50s. SED shouldn’t cease the process of re-starting these initiatives in future.This noble idea of providing free winter tuition to all students will have a long lasting effect and yield positive results. It will considerably help students of Kashmir to compete with their counterparts across the country. The School Education Department deserves appreciation for this initiative. A colossal and determined effort is required at all levels to attract children from all communities and make the drive more effective for the benefit of students. Moderating the timings of classes for students as well as for teachers, cancelling classes on days of heavy snowfall, imputes on difficult subjects like maths, sst , doubt clearing classes are some of the reforming measures to make winter tuition class more relevant. Comprehensive approach will lead to the grand success of this winter tuition classes in Kashmir.

World is witnessing rapid changes in terms of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and getting incorporated in education schemes where in Kashmir we are still lagging or struggling to provide basic education to channelize energy of youth in the right direction. There are numerous reasons for lagging education standards. Winter tuition is a small step towards enhancing the education standards.

The author hails from Lolab