COVID-19 has raised a lot of concerns about the education system. What most teachers are wondering right now is: “What do I do when schools go back to normal traditional learning?”. Teachers should also consider what they can take from their new pandemic experience of teaching. Here’s a few examples of what some teachers are deciding to implement into their classrooms once schools go back to the traditional learning environment.
- Using technology to assign lessons, notes, and resources. There were millions of students logging into Google Classroom when the schools shifted to virtual learning. Even in classrooms where student’s already had Chromebooks in their pre-pandemic classes struggled with using a classroom management platform. Many students who had access to Google Classrooms before, didn’t really know as much about the platform as they needed to succeed. Should the need for at-home instruction happen again, students need to be better prepared to handle the transition.
- Not grading individual assignments for the gradebook. Most students don’t have the support system of a tutor at home. Many school districts have already adjusted the curriculum so that teachers can give feedback and give the student a chance to correct their work before it is graded. Quality over quantity matters. Giving students less assignments with more feedback is more motivating, and helps them to understand the material better.
- Assign home-based performance tests and projects. Teachers like preforming arts teachers have found ways to get around not having an in-person class. Many teachers have assigned video projects. The students choreograph dances, script plays, or practice instruments on video. They then send it to their teacher for review. This allows students to get feedback without fear of ridicule from peers and also sets them up to use a media that they will need in their professional careers.
- Bring in a special guest. Many teachers have found that asking professionals in their field to make a video for the students or come into the virtual classroom has made a positive impact on the students.
- Being more flexible with your schedule. How well a student does in an at-home learning environment is all based on their personal time-management skills. Students who did amazing in the controlled school environment may be drowning in assignments. In contrast to that, many students who felt stifled by the scheduled schooling may be flourishing because they get to decide when and how their work gets done. It would be beneficial for teachers to work with students so they can create their own timelines and manage their own workload.
- Using “old” technology. Many teachers are finding that students know their way around any smart phone or app, but when it comes to web-based technology, they can be struggling quite a bit. They can text but cannot type out a professional email. The workplace doesn’t evolve as quickly as technology. Students who plan on working in a professional capacity need to know how to use Microsoft Word, email, and technology to manage their workflow.
CE Credits online has many awesome online professional development courses. To learn more about Google Classrooms checkout : Getting Googled-Your Students Will Never Lose Their Homework Again