Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on Education at Tertiary Level: Challenges and Solutions for Pakistani Universities

Abstract

The transition from primary to secondary education is an important period in children's lives: academically, socially and emotionally, and can be particularly challenging for some children. Occurring alongside puberty and a change in focus from parents to peer relationships, the transition can be a difficult adjustment for some to navigate. This paper reviews the existing literature on this important school transfer, focusing particularly on three key areas of adjustment: academic, social and emotional. We outline the factors that impact successful school transfer, whilst also highlighting that the transition can create positive opportunities for children. We also highlight from the existing literature how multiple social categorisations can influence how children navigate and experience the transition and argue that future research needs to consider social stratification and adopt an intersectional approach. Implementing an intersectional approach will create new forms of knowledge about the transition resulting in new strategies for policy makers, schools and parents that can be beneficial in assisting children through the transition.

Teacher Perspectives on Primary-Secondary School Transition Projects During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Therefore, school visits and related events such as summer schools can help parents and students understand the school's conditions and make relevant preparations for the students’ transitions. Such events often assist the students in familiarisation with their future schools and teachers and forging new friendships ( Harris & Nowland, 2021 ). They also help the children (and their parents) to select schools that match their needs and interests.…”

“…A range of personal, parental, and school-related factors affect students’ school transitions (Gilbert et al, 2021; Harris & Nowland, 2021; Roberts, 2015). In addition, Jindal-Snape (2018) adds that socioeconomic, demographic, and peer-related factors should be considered in analyzing students’ transition from primary to secondary schools.…”

“…These challenges are often related to new or different academic structures and requirements as well as social interactions with students and teachers (Jindal-Snape, 2018;Nowland & Qualter, 2020;Rice et al, 2015). Studies on school transition suggest that students require relevant support mechanisms to adjust to new schools and make a successful transition (Chambers & Coffey, 2019;Jindal-Snape, 2018) A range of personal, parental, and school-related factors affect students' school transitions (Gilbert et al, 2021;Harris & Nowland, 2021;Roberts, 2015). In addition, Jindal-Snape (2018) adds that socioeconomic, demographic, and peer-related factors should be considered in analyzing students' transition from primary to secondary schools.…”