Meeting the academic grade-level is quite difficult as the entire year has witnessed the loss of learning, as well as the "zeal and zest" of motivation. Problems are numerous: ranging from lack of internet and human connection, unavailability of resources and personalized teaching, to lack of guidance and collaboration.
These disruptions can be fixed over time: by foreseeing issues and prior planning. Let me pen down a few insights, experiences, observations and results we all might have wanted to include in the education system, yet the epidemic has made us apply them — exponentially.
Across the globe the fastest groups to adapt to the new remote work style have been students, teachers and educational management. They have been working hard and have come up with innovative learning solutions for the problems they have faced.
Whilst returning to the normal routine, there is no doubt that the entire Education system may face unprecedented challenges. The major drawback can be more divergence in academic levels, as learners may have missed a range of concepts during this time. This gap could have been fixed in a face-to-face class, upon noticing learners’ discomfort with certain tasks. To solve this issue, Diagnostic tests can be conducted at the beginning and during the term, to check students’ strong and weak area, and can be grouped together to tailor instructions.
There are other minor issues too, as we may all have wandered off-track for a while, whether it is following rules or organising practical work, yet these can soon be solved— once way back to routine.
• What would we do differently upon returning back to normality?
1) Flexibility:
Learners and teachers have adapted to technology and are able to take classes — regardless of their location—whether it is in their home, car, or aunt’s home.
This has meant a more flexible, hassle-free learning experience, and now a virtual lesson or recording can be provided in emergency/ or in the case of absence—without missing classes for the day. Also, it would be a good idea to keep the current digital flow up by guiding students to switch smoothly between gadgets and books, and keep all study materials handy on their devices.
2) Flipping the classroom:
This learning method has been proved to be efficient in remote learning. Flipping the lesson means class work and homework are switched.
Homework can be: watching videos of an introduction and explanation of the topic, whereas in class, work can be solving : practice questions, challenging questions, and classroom discussions. It saves class time in basic explanations and makes room for higher level practice and Q/A sessions
3) Classroom Hygeine:
Covid -19 has significantly increased the hygiene awareness amongst everyone. These habits should be encouraged and continue.
4) Efficiency:
We have noticed an amazing use of online assignments and using self correcting options. Teachers can view learners performance as they submit the test.
5) Digital Literacy:
It’s more important now than in the past, to spread digital awareness: its uses and faults. Organising a ‘Digital literacy day’ would be a great idea.