Pune: Although the online study sessions for class 12 students have started, junior colleges in the city have sought clarity about portions of the syllabus to be taught to these students, as there is a confusion about which portion of theory and practical syllabus will be slashed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The SCERT has however again claimed that the reduced syllabi for class 1 to 12 students in the state will be declared in a couple of days.
In view of the COVID-19 outbreak, schools and colleges in the state are shut. This year, the curriculum of Class 12 has also been changed. Although educational institutes have started online sessions, the SCERT has declared that the syllabus will be rationalized to overcome the loss of teaching hours, due to the shutdown of institutes during the lockdown period. But SCERT has yet not informed about the revised syllabus to educational institutes, and therefore they are in a dilemma over which portions should be taught in the online sessions being conducted now.
Dinkar Patil, Director of Academic Council, SCERT said, "We have slashed the syllabus by about 25 per cent. This work is in its last stage. Once it is finished, it will be sent to the education department for approval. After the approval is granted, the details will be released."
"We have asked the institutes to complete the theory portion first. Right now, since the institutes are closed we can't decide on the practical portion. If the theory portion is reduced, then accordingly the practical portion will also be reduced. Colleges also have the option to conduct practicals in the second semester," Patil said.
Dr Deepali Sawai, Director, City Pride Junior College, Nigdi said, "The education department should immediately notify about which portion of the syllabus will be slashed. They should also give clarity about the conduct of practicals. The practical and portion which is to be taught should be made available in pdf formats so that teachers can demonstrate it through online platforms. Students can also complete their journals while they are staying at home.
