Tag: 2021

Posted on

Back to School…

Nice
Weird
Normal
Different
Nostalgic
Confused
Thinking
Okish
Excited
Good

…Some words, some emotions as expressed by the ninth grade students when asked how do you feel being back to school after a hiatus of about 1 year 8 months from the physical school.

In Mumbai, some schools have reopened for the senior grades.

And how did I feel teaching in a physical classroom today? Wonderful! Truly Grateful.

Today, until I entered the school, I was anxious. I had joined the school during the lockdown, barely met anyone in the school physically. Every meeting, right from interview to teaching and conducting exams was arranged through an online mode. Meetings were always smooth as the processes were set with excellent administration by the school management team.

But the minute I was in the school, it was a very different feeling. A good feeling. Teaching in a classroom set up is, well, unique. Online sessions were great, but I noticed increased student interactions today. I found them happy. And that’s the aim, especially for a subject like Mass Media and Communication—interactive and happy sessions which are more of knowledge exchange classes rather than just adhering to the chapters as in the books. 

For now, the school follows a hybrid model, where 50 percent of the class will attend physically and 50 percent online so as to maintain the social distancing norms. The willingness of the student to be in school is on a parent/guardian consent basis. Each classroom is equipped with the IT requirements that enable hybrid model. Strict precautions are taken to ensure safety of each and every attending student and staff members. 

With a mask on, talking isn’t easy. But then anything good is never very easy. From physical to virtual to a hybrid of both physical and virtual…so yes, while adapting to the new normal, here I am all set to guide and mentor ICSE grade 9 and 10th students for their upcoming exams.

I wish all the students appearing for the upcoming board exams, Good Luck!

Until next, Take Care, Stay Safe!

…Ashu Bolar
ashubolar@gmail.com