‘Remedial education must be a sustained component in schooling system’ 

Remedial education in schools, to improve learning abilities of children, must not be seen as an add-on facility but a core and sustainable component in the schooling system. This will not only enhance learning but also ensure equity and inclusion.

That was the consensus of academics, practitioners, voluntary organisations in the field of children education, and school officials, at the consultative workshop on remedial teaching in schools conducted by Telangana Education Commission (TEC), here on Tuesday.

TEC chairman Akunuri Murali observed that the consultation was important, in the wake of poor comprehension levels and foundational learning crisis. “Many students lacking basic competency are not only losing their valuable time but also confidence and dignity. The structural issues, including multi-grade classrooms and limited focus on early education in Anganwadis, have compounded the crisis,” he noted.

According to R.Venkat Reddy of MV Foundation, which extensively works with out-of-school children, those who are capable of learning given the right environment. Start from what learners already know, recognise diversity in classroom and create a democratic learning space, he suggested.

For Ram Babu of Pratham, Mumbai-based organisation, who inferred from Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) trends, adopting ‘Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)‘ interventions in the State would help better foundation skills.

Professors at the Indira Mahindra School of Education Shikha Takker and Mythili Sastry also emphasised the need for strong conceptual foundation in Mathematics and the importance of school leadership in remedial teaching.

Ms.Sastry further raised a question: “Should remedial education be time-bound or integrated as a continuous support system throughout the academic year?”

Sharing similar experiences, a teacher from Khammam cited examples of short-term intensive interventions, an organisation said story books and reading sessions can be effective tools while another suggested separate tutors round the year and embedding remedial education in welfare hostels and schools through volunteers.