School days, teaching hours likely to be cut short

HDR ministry likely to introduce 50% learning hours at home

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In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry is working on a proposed model in which in-school learning time and teaching hours will be cut short and 50 per cent classes will be conducted at home.

According to reports, the ministry is planning to reduce the number of in-school days from 220 to 100 and the academic hours from 1,320 to 600.

The new plan will introduce a 100 days (600 hours) of 'active learning hours' at home. 

The remaining 20 days or 120 hours will be set aside for the intervention of doctors or councillors to ensure the emotional well being of the students.

As per the new plan, 30-50 per cent of students will attend school, rotationally on alternate days or twice a week.

Students from Class 9 to Class 12 will have to attend 4-5 times a week while students from class 6 to 8 may have to attend 2-4 times a week. Students in lower primary classes should attend school only twice a week.

The new rules will allow willing students to opt for 'study from' home with proper learning protocols. Duration of each period will be cut short from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. 

The traditional pen-paper examinations will be discouraged at all levels. Only two students will be allowed to set on a bench, that too, at a distance of six feet.

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