By Liam Leepow, NYC Teacher
The world is forever changing, but change can be very hard—especially when it’s totally unexpected. And in March 2020, we encountered a drastic change that impacted the world and, most importantly, impacted the youth of tomorrow.
The educational sector was totally flipped upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, and teachers, administrators, students, parents, and guardians alike rushed to adapt to these changes in our world to find a way to make sure students were still effectively learning.
Even though systems were put in place, some families are still struggling to adapt to these new norms of the education system. As a teacher, I have seen students struggle in these trying times, and I have also seen students excel. Parents continue to bring up issues with their children’s ability to learn in these new norms. They ask me, ‘‘How can I help my student become better in Math, ELA, or any subject?’’ My answer is always the same. I start off by giving my scholars’ parents the best advice on how to help their children set themselves up for academic success in these trying times.
1.Take Ownership of Learning
The first tip is to show students how to take ownership of their learning. They must understand that they are in control of their education. To truly take ownership of their education, a student has to be taught to speak up when confused, make sure they put their best foot forward when submitting assignments, and be attentive when in class virtually. They must have the fundamental mindset that this is my education, and I will be rewarded based on what I put into my learning.
- Responsibility
Teaching students responsibility can seem like a daunting task but when done correctly, students can flourish and find happiness in their own success through fulfilling their obligations and seeing their hard work become accomplishments. Putting boundaries, expectations, and consequences in place for not fulfilling responsibilities teaches them that they are responsible for their own learning. For example, telling your children they can’t watch television or play video games until their homework is done teaches them that they have an obligation to complete their work and if they don’t there will be consequences; like loss of gaming privileges. This reinforces that work must be done before leisure and builds their sense of responsibility.
- Advocacy
Sharing concerns or misunderstandings may seem bothersome, but it can help teachers and students/parents to be on the same page. It’s always best to speak up about issues arising in the classroom whether academic or behavioral. It is important that teachers, students, and parents build a full partnership to ensure scholars are getting the best out of their education. Teaching your child to speak up when confused and sharing your concerns as a parent is always welcomed by the teacher because it allows the teacher to develop a helpful strategy to address issues in the classroom to better assist their scholars.
- Investing Time and Equipment
Investing time into your kids’ learning is one of the most essential things parents can do to help their children. Taking some time to help them learn how to log on to Zoom, showing them how to use their new Chromebook computers, helping them set up their schedule so they are fully organized, teaching them how to use new technology platforms, or just helping them with their academics can be beneficial to their overall success in a virtual learning setting. Even though it may seem as if students are technologically savvy, it is important as a parent to make sure they understand how to access and use all technological platforms their school may require them to use.
If you are confused yourself, reach out to teachers and get the assistance you need. This will help your scholar in the long run. It’s always better to ask than to not ask.
- Adaptability
As a parent, scholar or even a teacher, you must know that these ever changing events in the educational sector will continue to adapt and change to address any issues that arise with students' ability to learn. So you must be prepared to adapt and change at all times—whether we are returning to school, using a new technology platform to teach math, and whether there is a change in students’ schedules. Remember that the reason for these changes is for the benefit of the students as a whole.
Virtual learning is new to many of us but it doesn’t have to be difficult! With these tips, you and your children can make the transition from in-person to virtual learning much smoother.