My personal experience as a school Principal, I encounter many parents who for obvious reasons related to family functions or family get together's ignore classes and learning of their child during the formative years. Sometimes, it can be a tragedy that strikes the family that causes learning loss in primary classes. Sometimes, it is also as 'it is not serious learning' in the primary classes the absenteeism is on the high. However, my outlook has totally changed after the 'learning gap' I personally saw, among the learners.
The confusion starts with recognition of '+' and 'x' to why use these operations. This simple gap from the formative level has crept to the level where learner is not able to apply in their secondary level examination. Reading is complicated as the learner was unable to blend and read or ignored in classrooms for reading during the formative years.
Observation on development of such a gap in the learning process led me to understand that the process of learning was unchecked during the formative years and combined with COVID - loss of learning due to online classes, this gap has widened.
A systematic check on learning should be mandated at all levels to see the learning outcomes has reached minimum learning levels. These checks should not be ignored at the learning level and the next level where the outcome serves for prior knowledge. Ignoring such gaps at the primary level accumulates and brings the locus on 'missing information build up'.
Teaching should emphasize on this gap and permit absence only when such gaps can be overcome. The year 1 gap develops to year 2 and so forth. Moving forward the learner misses crucial information which helps build further learning. A practical example that I have observed when one of my learner losses the clarity on basic mathematical operation is that the learner losses confidence in furthering the concept to addition and multiplication of fractions which then moves on to lack of competency in calculation of HCF and LCM which leads to the lacuna in solving algebra, trigonometry and further into deriving logical conclusions.
When and where should the check happen?
The learning gap formed during the academic year should be overcome during the year as it is less burdensome for the learner. Imagine carrying a book and standing for 5 - 6 hours, it is sure painful! However, if it is shortened by right intervention then the gap is overcome. If it is extended the pain becomes frustrating which then turns fearful leading to other complications further if neglected. Teachers are well aware of the curricular outcomes when the calendar is fixed, this can allow them to set 'minimal learning levels' which should be mandatory checked by the year end. Schools as such should focus on training teachers in enhancing these MLLs for every year of learning which will develop learning to an enjoyable season rather than a certificate reason.
This June onwards when our new academic session begins, let us promise 'no child will be left behind' in attaining the minimum learning required in their class. Looking forward to see every child being a champion as in the words of Rita Pearson, Let's educate!
