As every parent and teacher can confirm, the novel coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in the U.S. With many schools shifting to remote learning, the manner in which children receive their education has changed dramatically in just a few short months. For many teachers, remote learning represents uncharted territory. While being able to perform one’s teaching duties from the safety of home is certainly convenient, it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Educators having trouble adjusting to remote learning will be well-served by the following pointers.
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| Source: https://www.learninga-z.com/site/what-we-do/blended-learning |
Utilize Learning Materials Designed to Engage
Even in the best of times, holding a child’s attention can be an uphill battle, and the lack of a physically-present teacher is likely to compound concentration issues in certain students. After all, if you and your students are in entirely different locations, what sorts of consequences can you reasonably impose on them? Teachers looking for effective ways to keep students engaged should consider utilizing blended learning materials. As the name suggests, blended learning combines a wide range of hands-on mediums to provide an immersive, one-of-a-kind educational experience. So, if lagging concentration has become a prevalent issue since taking your class remote, there’s no time like the present to start exploring your options.
Consistently Review Important Material
Although some students soak up course material faster than others, every child digests information at their own pace. Furthermore, given how much new information children process on a daily basis, it’s
only natural for teachers to want them to retain important material. To help them along in this endeavor, educators frequently review crucial information and course material in advance of big tests. However, with the general structure of the classroom now gone, more consistent reviewing may be necessary to help some students remember lessons. With this in mind, make a point of reviewing the most important material you covered at the end of each school day. In addition, encourage any students experiencing concentration and/or retention issues to share their concerns with both you and their parents.
Encourage Active Participation
One of the best ways to keep students engaged is encouraging active participation. If a child feels as if he or she is an active participant, they’re more likely to devote their full attention to the material. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of participation measures for teachers to employ. For example, class-wide discussions about course material are liable to get even the quietest members of your class to speak up and voice their opinions. Requiring every student to add to the discussion not only encourages active participation, but active listening as well. Additionally, calling on each student to answer a question or contribute to a discussion at least once per school day will help keep kids on their toes and counter waning concentration. If a student believes he or she may be called on at a moment’s notice, they’re less likely to let their attention wander.
Enlist the Help of Parents
Some parents have an unfortunate habit of imposing unrealistic expectations on educators. When their children succeed, they believe it’s entirely the result of parental efforts, but when their children fail, the blame is placed squarely on teachers. There has never been a more important time for parents to understand that while teachers play a vital role in educating their kids, they cannot shoulder 100% of the burden. With many schools closed for the foreseeable future, parents need to step up and work with teachers to ensure that their children continue to receive a quality education. So, if any of your students need help keeping up with homework, remaining focused or understanding course material, reach out to their parents and let them know that their assistance is needed now more than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the way millions of people go about their lives. In the interest of curbing the spread and protecting worker safety, many companies and businesses have allowed team members to work remotely. However, while some jobs can be performed remotely with ease, others – such as teaching – are a bit trickier. Although remote learning is undeniably the most effective way to prevent school-based outbreaks, teaching large classes in this manner can present a number of challenges. Teachers who are eager to nip remote learning issues in the bud will be well-served by the measures discussed above.
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