Towards the end of 2019, the world faced a terrible nightmare – COVID-19. As thepandemic tightened its grip all over the globe,it affected all sectors of society too.It forcedthem to make rapid decisions and draft policies quickly. That too, in an uncertain environment,particularly in the education sector. In March 2020, most of the world’s educational institutions closed their doors. Then came remote learningwith all itsrisks and challenges;it provedsomewhat beneficial. But what will happen when the pandemic finally ends? We cannot expect the educational system to revert immediately. There will be more formidable challenges to overcome. Confused? Here are the six challenges facing the educational sector post the pandemic:
- Loss of Learning
School closure interrupted the academic year.It disrupted the lives of all concernedindividuals. The students, their parents, and educators all had a lot to take in. When the remote learning programs started, aradical gap in learning arose. This type of education disregards individual differences amongst the students. While some students learned fast,others lagged and experienced aloss of knowledge. Post pandemic, the educators will have to address this issue. They will have to work hard to bridge the learning gap between their students.
- Overcoming the Effects of Mental Trauma
COVID-19 has affected our kids the most. The social isolation and anxiety for their loved ones have overwhelmed them. The situation they are experiencing has led to the development of post-traumatic stress. They might develop negative feelings and undesirable behaviors. If not addressed, they will carry the effects well into their adulthood.
Consequently, frightened and anxious kids face a lot of difficulties. So the sectorwill needcompetent social workers to counsel and support the children.They are trained professionals who can work with children and their families. They earn their degrees by enrolling in an online social work masters program and know how to deal with such challenges.Such programs teachthem clinicalskills to help people overcome stress and traumas.
- Increased Dropout Rate
The student dropout rate was already high in many states before the pandemic. Post pandemic, the dropout rates will increase even more. The reason here is the lack of facilities. While the upper-class haveaccess toonline learning equipment, the middle and lower classes don’t have many facilities. It further causes frustration and dissatisfaction among the students.This increased period of disengagement from educationwill result in them dropping their studies altogether. The education sector will have to minimize the difference in opportunities. However, increasing student engagement will also prevent them from dropping out.
- Ensuring Safety and Protection
Post Covid19, the number one challenge facing the education sector is the safety and protection of students. Proper hygieneand social distancing can prevent the transmission of the disease,but schools are the hubs of social activities. Here the students learn many skills along with building social relationships and peer-to-peer interactions. So the institutions need to draft ways of prevention. While filter masks are a safe way of preventing transmission, conducting lessons in the open is also an option.. Each school has to rethink its educational strategy and develop secure social interaction methods and learning.
- Make the Educational Process Less Overwhelming
Remember when the distance learning programs first began? The experience was overwhelming for both the teachers and students. While students struggled to accept the change, teachers had to swift through tons of resources to find suitable ones. There was a lot to take in on both ends. Now it’s normal for them. So when the on-site learning resumes, the change will again be overwhelming. Students who study from their homes’ comfort will find it challenging to keep up with the school routine. It is up to the education sector to implement the change gradually. Otherwise, it will meddle with their learning.
- Reduced Funding
COVID-19 took a toll on the US economy. The education sector also felt its ripples. The institutes that already suffered from a lack of resources now face the threat of reduced funding too. With lockdown enforced, many families struggle to make their ends meet. It means a decrease in the number of enrolments also. So the education sector mustreform the fee structure and create more cost-effective programs.
Conclusion
COVID-19 completely disrupted our education system. With worldwide school closures, students struggled to keep. Yet,the sector improvised and came up with remote learning for the ongoing transfer of knowledge.Post COVID-19, the education sector will face a lot of difficulties. We have mentioned the six challenges facing the educational sector post the pandemic. Now we can hope the officials act fast and overcome these issues for smooth learning.
