Topic : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Disaster and disaster management.
6. Discuss in detail the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s education system. (250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The editorial explains in detail that while the focus must be now be ensuring the safety of students, teachers and staff, and putting in place protocols for school reopening, there has to be an extensive assessment of the learning loss and well-thought-out plans to bridge the learning gap, and schemes to retain students.
Key Demand of the question:
Present in detail the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s education system.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key data/facts such as – the closure of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94% of the world’s student population (up to 99% in low and lower-middle income countries).
Body:
Start explaining the issues posed by the Covid-19 pandemic one by one; despite the delivery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and parents, many students still do not have access to education. It highlights how learners with disabilities, those from marginalised communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind. And it warns that the knock-on effects on child nutrition, child marriage and gender equality could be enormous. The cumulative impact of all these on children may lead to a “generational catastrophe” that could waste human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities.
Discuss what needs to be done, present a case study of India and its education system facing the impact and blow of covid-19 and in what way government is taking steps in this regard to resolve.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions and suitable way forward.
