UDUPI: Even as the academic year 2020-21 has taken baby steps in Karnataka with offline classes getting under way on January 1, the department of public instruction in this coastal district has set its eyes firmly on the SSLC examination. Starting January 8, the department will launch a weekly phone-in programme for students appearing for SSLC examination. It will be held every Friday from 5pm to 7pm, said NH Nagur, deputy director of the department.
The pandemic induced shutdown has been a major disruptor to the annual academic calendar. It is imperative to get SSLC students to refocus on the upcoming crucial examination in their academic career as and when the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) announces the schedule, Nagur told TOI. Students, who were into online education mode thus far, have been given the option to attend the offline classes from Friday.
The phone-in will be an additional platform for SSLC students to get in touch with the best of subject experts who will clarify their doubts, Nagur said. “We have already identified the experts who will be part of the panel for the phone in programme,” the official said.
“The focus will be on mathematics, science and English subjects. As per the timetable drawn, the phone in-programme will go up to April 16 and we hope to conduct at least two to three rounds of interaction of students with subject experts,” Nagur said. The schedule could change based on how the pandemic pans out and when the KSEEB decides to hold the SSLC examination, he said ,adding all these exigencies have been factored in.
Striking a pragmatic note, Pratap Hegde, chairperson, standing committee on education and health, Udupi zilla panchayat said the committee will discuss this at its meeting scheduled for January 7. “The pandemic has turned the entire academic calendar topsy-turvy and focus now should be getting the SSLC students to get back on track with their academic pursuit. It will be a bit premature to talk about the SSLC results just now,” Hegde told TOI.
Incidentally, Udupi with nine other districts had earned an ‘A’ grade in the district ranking that minister for primary and secondary education S Suresh Kumar announced. “The delay in conducting SSLC examination last year due to Covid saw our plans for SSLC examinations go for a toss,” Hegde said. “Students should rise to the challenge and put Covid blues behind them to excel in the exams,” he said.
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