Parents in small towns turn to home schooling as uncertainty looms over reopening of schools

Mysuru: The cloud of uncertainty hanging over reopening of schools, lack of clarity on the logistics of holding classes, coupled with the fear of their children contracting the deadly Covid-19 infection has compelled parents to consider various alternatives to ensure continuity in their education. Suspicions over the efficacy and advantages of online classes have made them contemplate home schooling. Many parents are advertising for private tutors.
Home schooling is not an uncommon practice in the metros. The Covid-19 crisis, however, has resulted in parents in smaller cities and towns seeking to adopt the method given the fears that accompany sending their children to school. However, many parents in Mysuru said that they were looking at home schooling as a stop-gap arrangement, which they would not look to continue beyond the 2020-21 academic year.
“Tuition centres have closed down, while schools want to hold online classes, which I am not comfortable with. Tutors arrive to teach my two children for three hours every day, and I am paying them per hour. In addition to offering classes, my children are being given assignments. Of course, once normalcy returns, I will prefer to send my children to school,” said Shyamala Kundar, a mother of two in Mysuru.
Tutors in Mysuru said that they had been receiving several calls inquiring into their availability to teach children at homes. “I worked at a private tutorial centre near Asoka Circle. Since it has been closed, I am now looking at home schooling opportunities. Right now, I am taking classes at four houses on alternate days,” said Sunanda Srinath, a tutor in Mysuru.
Sunanda said that she involved students in science experiments. “Science and mathematics teachers are in demand,” she said.
Experts, however, cautioned against adopting new methodologies in a hurry. “Every system has its advantages, and demerits. Parents must not try new experiments just because classrooms will be closed for a few months,” said former vice-chancellor of Bangalore University and academician MS Thimmappa.