The Trained Psychotherapeutic Professionals of Meghalaya (TPPM) sent a letter to Education Minister Lakmen Rymbui today to make a case for action required on the current education system in the state.
The suggestions reflect opinions of teachers, parents and students from around Meghalaya and were based on TPPM’s interactions with them over the last few months.
“We have all seen that the online system is clearly not working, especially in areas where connectivity is hampered. It is also obvious that many families cannot afford for online classes to be the norm due to various reasons, like inability to purchase hi-tech gadgets or even the recurring monthly expenditure on internet recharge,” TPPM said in a press release.
Despite the challenges, the Education Department should take the opportunity that the pandemic poses to overhaul the education system “that has proven not to work for years now” and focus on learning that is child-oriented and caters to the “multiple intelligence” that exists, with special emphasis on the interests and potential of the child.
In rural areas, TPPM suggested that small batches of students be allowed to attend school at a time, in order to overcome some of the disadvantages they face regarding online classes, or have an IGNOU-type system be implemented whereby students would go to school to pick up handouts and homework assignments and also make submissions.
