We try to provide the best articles and tips so that you
can stay up to date with what is happening in education.
Covid 19 has caused devastation to peoples' education across the world. Most students have missed the equivalent of a full year of their normal education because of the global pandemic. Although schools operated using remote learning, studies have shown that students did well just to stay at their current level of education. Sadly, many students who lacked adequate support at home, will have regressed from where they were before the lock downs began.
Furthermore, students' confidence, mental health and coping skills were severely affected by the sudden changes in lifestyle and increased anxiety surrounding public health guidelines. Mental health and wellbeing are now at the forefront of educational institutes around the globe. Students who are unhappy or anxious have poorer attainment in schools.
Can't we just reset?
In an ideal world we would just press pause and start from where we left off in February of 2020. Students could catch up on what was missed in the previous 18 months and continue to their next grade level. Sadly, this is not possible, and students now find themselves catapulted into their next academic year struggling to stay afloat. Here they are expected to know new concepts and topics only vaguely familiar to them as they were rushed through during brief returns to school between lockdowns or taught over zoom with 25 other participants in what can only be described as a dizzyingly distracting experience.
But here we are. The world does not stop turning. We must move on. How then, can we bridge the educational gap?
Online Tuition Solution
Early studies show that students who are making the most progress since the lockdown are those who have been availing of online tuition. One silver lining resulting from the pandemic is that the quality of online tuition has significantly improved. As people were forced to work remotely, tutors and education providers quickly became highly skilled in delivering quality classes online. Interactive white boards, video lessons and screen sharing are now familiar to most of us and can be as effective as in person tuition. In many cases it is better as tutors are not obliged to travel long distances to appointments and can save energy, time, and money to prepare, correct and plan new work for their students. Another huge benefit of online tuition is that parents and students can avail of the very best tutors regardless of their location.
Previously it was difficult to find one good tutor to help with a subject let alone two. Now parents have options to book multiple online tutors and easily fit them around their children's schedules.
What else can we do?
Support your children. It is proven that students with either one or more parents showing interest in their studies at home make far greater progress than those who don't. Having family support is a crucial factor in educational success. Some parents may feel this is impossible due to their own long working hours. However, showing interest in and discussing school life and homework with their children is often sufficient. Most children only need to feel supported and believed in to thrive in school.
Avoid Burnout- Lifestyle Balance
It is important to have a balance between study and leisure. Too much book time is not healthy and can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Make sure as a student you have hobbies or clubs outside of school. Social, physical, and mental stimulation gained from such outlets create more happy, confident, and efficient learners. Reports find that healthy eating and exercise are linked to better study habits and feelings of confidence in students' own education and ability. Of course, education is important but being happy and having fun are equally significant. Try to get some form of physical exercise every day and pencil in times where you can meet friends or visit relatives to ensure a wholesome fulfilling experience.
Yes, the pandemic has left a gap but, it is a gap that can be bridged. With the correct support and guidance, we can steer our young learners back on track.