National Achievement Survey highlights needs to address pandemic-induced learning gaps among primary students

The survey was conducted among 126 lakh students of Classes III, V, VIII and X from 22 districts in Tamil Nadu

The findings of the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 have shed light on the digital divide and obstacles students have faced during the pandemic, especially over the last two years, as they have had to navigate school closures owing to the spread of COVID-19.

The survey indicated that 77% of Class VIII students did not have a digital device at home. Similarly, 41% of Class III students, 39% of Class V students and 26% of Class X students surveyed also did not have access to digital devices.

The number of Class VIII students who said they faced anxiety and fear during the pandemic was also the highest, with nearly 94% of the students surveyed stating that they had concerns.

The survey was conducted among 126 lakh students of Classes III, V, VIII and X from 22 districts in Tamil Nadu. While the performance of students of Class III was almost on a par with the national average in language, mathematics and Environmental Studies (EVS), students of Class V fared slightly lower than the national average in the same subjects.

Nearly 19,000 teachers were also surveyed, and they indicated that around 60% of teachers handling Class III and V students indicated that they had a high workload and felt overworked.

In a pioneering initiative, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department introduced the volunteer led Illam Thedi Kalvi Scheme to bridge the learning gaps which emerged due to the pandemic.

“Going forward, the focus of the government should be on addressing these learning gaps, especially among primary students during the pandemic. Schemes such as Illam Thedi Kalvi and Ennum Ezhuthum, which will focus on building foundational literacy and skills should effectively tackle this,” said P.K. Ilamaran, president, Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Association.