Every year, the beginning of June brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation for students as they dive into a new academic year by reconnecting with their friends, meeting new teachers and exploring engrossing topics. Yet for some, it can also be a time of anxiety and fear due to the transition from one’s comfort at home to the academic structure.
As students experience a shift in routines from sleeping in every morning to waking up early for classes, parents play an important role in assisting their children to form healthy routines, encouraging regular bedtimes and providing nutritious meals to fuel growing minds. Students should also set clear academic goals to help them remain focused and motivated in this academic year. With regards to navigating friendships and peer pressure, some may look forward to reconnecting with classmates, while others may be overcome with feelings of anxiety and isolation. Therefore, teachers and school officials play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued
and respected.
According to the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, there have been a lot of changes that have been implemented in most schools in Goa, such as technology integration, community engagement, holistic education, a new assessment pattern and inclusive education. A new system of credits and more importance to languages over subjects such as mathematics have been spoken about as well.
Mevyia Rebello, a parent and a teacher says, “As parents, to make the transition easier for children and help them cope with their academics, we can communicate with them about what to expect in this new year, share our fun school experiences and make a schedule for them to follow. A star chart can also be made to reward the younger children. We should assure them that we will be by their side, irrespective of what they may face. It is also important to get them accustomed to the school routine one step at a time rather than bombarding them with duties on the first day itself. A routine should be set in place gradually so that they do not feel overburdened.”
With regards to teachers supporting the students in this transition, she advises, “I feel as teachers we should make the students feel special and welcome in our class with smiles and tons of fun while learning. We should give them genuine praise and younger ones can also be given stars. We must also tell them that they can come to us with any difficulty, be it personal or academic. Additionally, I have noticed that students become more confident when given leadership roles and they feel motivated to attend classes. By teaching through fun activities, taking them outdoors and having interactive classes, we can form a bond with them, which will make them enjoy their school life. All in all, I think parents and teachers play an equally important role in supporting children in this difficult transition.”
Another teacher, Carla Quadros, says, “I am experiencing mixed emotions as I prepare to get back to the school routine. Since each batch of students is unique, I am excited to meet this batch and make new memories with them. It will take me some time to get back into the routine since I have gotten used to a leisurely lifestyle during the vacations but I am looking forward to teaching again. As per the new NEP 2020, there have been a lot of changes that have been incorporated and as teachers, we need to update our lesson plans according to the updated curriculum. Although this is a tedious task, it can positively impact both us and the students. I have learnt much more than the students have, through the implementation of the updated curriculum.”
When asked about how teachers can facilitate the adjustment process for students, she says, “For the first week or so, students take some time to adjust, but this process can be facilitated by us teachers. We usually try to reestablish the rules and routine, which makes them feel secure as they know exactly what is expected of them. The class teachers also play a significant role, as they can cultivate a welcoming environment. As teachers, we should also make the new students feel comfortable and teach the class to treat one another as one big family. I have decided to showcase some of the previous year’s projects to the new batch to motivate them to achieve their potential. I usually share my experiences from the vacation, so that they too are encouraged to share their stories. Engaging in positive reinforcement by appreciating and praising students in class can also help them become more confident about their capabilities and diminish the fears they may have about starting a new academic year.”
Daniel Coutinho, a class 9 student says, “I am eager to go back to school so I can meet all my friends after a long break, but I am also sad that the holidays have come to an end and I have to get back to studying. Since I am shifting to the 9th grade, I am also nervous, as I do not know exactly what to expect. I have decided to work harder and strive to do well this year. In accordance with the new NEP 2020 rules, we have been informed that this year we will have an extra optional subject and if we get good marks for it, we can exchange those marks for those of one of the main subjects except languages. Although I am happy about this, it will also be more difficult as these classes will be held after school hours and will increase our workload.”
Lynsber Cardozo, shifting to Class 9 this academic year, when asked about his academic goals and plans for this year, says, “I have decided to establish a routine for studying and completing the homework assigned each day. I have made a study timetable so that I can allocate sufficient time to each subject. I will also involve myself in extra-curricular activities that are of interest to me.”
Sieana Savio, a class 10 student says, “As I am shifting from a boarding school, I am happy to make some new friends this year in my new school. In preparation for the academic year, I will start attending tuitions and have decided to be more focused on studies, even if that means cutting down on leisurely activities. Since I get up early even during the holidays to go for practice, waking up early for school will not be a problem for me.”