Across the board, the pandemic has had a negative impact on schooling in this country. Those without access to online platforms have fallen even further behind.
This was all from an already badly broken education system.
Maths and science are being impacted in particular
Historically, South African students have been notoriously bad in maths and science. That is to say, the worst and second worst in the world.
Many students are already behind when they begin high school. Due to missing contact classes, this had become even worse.
For all the postulation about why this has been happening in years past, 2021 has given a solid answer. Students have missed out on teaching dosage. In short, they have not received an adequate amount of learning this last year.
Even students attending school have done badly in years past. But with the lack of interaction and an inability to attend extra classes, it is even worse.
The Risks of Falling Behind in Schooling
The measures in place are not working. According to UNICEF learners are currently 9 months to a year behind in their schooling.
Over the last 16 months, as many as half a million students have dropped out of school altogether. This places the number of South African school-age children not in school as high as 750 thousand.
There are a number of negative effects when out of school. Children are exposed to violence and abuse, as well as mental distress. Many of the most vulnerable miss meals that their schools provided. A reduction in social skills is also evident.
The most vulnerable suffer the most
Those with access to online platforms have struggled. However, they are in a position where they can supplement their learning. But the most vulnerable children in this country do not have that luxury.
These are the learners that must be prioritised. They need to be able to return to school in-person.
What is the way forward?
We suggest that this situation needs to be remedied. This is where remedial education would play a vital role in seeing students catch up. Many students would not be able to get the extra attention needed to fill the gaps in their learning in a traditional learning environment.
Remedial education seeks to remedy what is missing in a learner’s schooling experience. This can be due to facing particular learning challenges. Or it can be, as this year has shown acutely, due to missing schooling for a protracted period.
Bibliography/Further Reading:
https://www.enca.com/news/covid-exacerbating-learning-inequalities-study
https://www.fundi.co.za/fundiconnect/the-issues-with-south-africas-education-system/
https://japari.co.za/impact-of-lockdown-on-education/
