Proactive measures have been taken up by the associations of teachers in the state to conduct classes in groups of five students while maintaining social distance to benefit the economically backward students and also as the unit tests have commenced in the state, as per the academic calendar.

This was an action taken as recourse to help out those students who were finding it difficult to cope with learning online owing to the absence of Android phones while some were unable to recharge data services because of their poor economic condition.

“We have observed that online education has not proved beneficial to some segments of students. So, we have issued a letter to all the teachers asking them to conduct real classes with a gathering of not more than five students, maintaining social-distancing norms and coming from the same area of residence,” said Govinda Chandra Kalita general secretary, Assam Madhyamik Sikshak Aru Karmachari Santha.

“Some teachers are efficient and have taken up the tasks diligently but unfortunately, not all teachers are willing,” Kalita told The Telegraph.

Classes in groups of five students had already started in some places in the state.

Keen participation in such arrangements of groups formed by a single teacher and maximum five students was found especially in the districts of Barpeta, Nalbari, Goalpara and Jorhat.

Inspector of schools, Nalbari, Jyotsna Rani Barman, said nearly 50 per cent of such groups are already engaged in such classes maintaining social distancing.

“I was happy when the teachers informed me about the decision, but I told them not to take more than five students in a group. I think students are benefiting more in these group classes than online as majority of the children do not have Android phones, good network coverage or money to recharge their phones or the television,” Barman added.

Sources in the school management said there were strict instructions to abide by the academic calendar and conducting unit tests. It was compulsory as it will not only engage the children but will also boost their habit of giving exams during the lockdown period also.

“We are taking the unit tests by Whatsapp and asking for the parent’s honest observance in letting their child give the exam without looking into their books,” said headmaster Pradip Deka of Guwahati Refinery High School, Noonmati.

“Whether the marks will be evaluated for their scores in future examinations will be decided as per the instructions received at that moment,” Deka said.

“Children are not serious through sit-at-home learning, therefore conducting such tests are necessary to keep them engaged and duty-bound,” said Geeta Ayengar, head teacher of Rajgarh High School, Guwahati.