Science and Education Minister Radovan Fuchs outlined at a World Health Organization meeting on Tuesday a case study of teaching in Croatian schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the importance of in-person learning.

The virtual meeting was also addressed by representatives of France, Germany, Denmark and Armenia, the Croatian ministry said on Wednesday.

In-person learning important, school closure last measure

The ministry said the goal of the meeting was to ensure circumstances in which children’s lives and education would be as little affected and interrupted as possible, while at the same time ensuring the safety of children and teachers, and keeping the spread of coronavirus in check.

Education experts underlined the importance of in-person learning, saying the closure of schools should be the last measure given its potentially negative effect on long-term learning.

They outlined the lessons learned on education during the pandemic since the last meeting in August as well as new evidence and research which can serve as the basis for making adjustments in schools, the ministry said.