Lack of activity planning affects learning

Bhubaneswar, Dec 16 (UNI) Lack of activity planning, group activities and teacher student rapport affect the learning climate in the primary schools in Orissa, a study prepared by Education Watch Group revealed here today.

The survey, which was carried out in 48 schools divided equally between urban and rural areasspread over 12 blocks in six districts of Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, Khurda and Jajpur, said problems resulted in a poor attendance of 48 per cent in the schools.

The study included 42 education guarantee scheme schools, 144 teachers, more than 1000 students in the age group of 6-14 an 706 house holds.

The study released by UNICEF representative in Orissa, Sadrak Omal, said the attendance during the afternoon was found to be substantially less than in the forenoon due to the mid-day meal scheme.

The group took stock of the elementary education scenario in the state on the basis of parametres like infrastrcture, learning climate, children-teacher perspective and involvement of family and community at large.

The study also found that the number of teacher per class was less than one in 69 per cent of the schools studied. While the number of teachers per class was more than one in about one-third of the schools in urban areas and less than one in all rural schools.

The reports said almost 90 per cent of the schools had pucca buildings but 44 per cent of them were in poor condition.

Half of the schools had no toilet facilities while, there were no separate toilets for girls in 73 per cent of them.

It said over emphasis on text book learning and failure to make learning attractive had led to high drop out rates. Drop out cases were reported in 46 per cent of schools both in urban and rural areas.

Notwithstanding, the non-detention policy currently in force 15 per cent of the schools had more than 20 repeaters across all classes, the study revealed.

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