By Ben Crawford II
The coronavirus pandemic has upended many of our daily routines, from the way we socialize to the way we do our homework. However, COVID-19 has also prompted dramatic innovation: the introduction of online learning for high school students represents a major shift in modern schooling, and the new system is forcing us to re-evaluate several aspects of education we previously took for granted. Three changes in particular deserve our consideration.
- Experimentation with new teaching approaches
Over the past five weeks, teachers have toyed with new class structures, assignment formats, and assessment methods. They’ve sent out feedback forms, then adjusted their class formats based on students’ responses. In math class, for example, several lessons have been taught with pre-recorded videos – and many students say these lessons have been more effective than a live instruction.
- A reimagined academic schedule
RL has tried three different schedules this term, finally settling on the current one. The later start to the school day allows students to sleep more, and it provides extra time to get work done at night. The lengthened passing time between class periods provide healthy breaks that keep our brains on alert. Additionally, having classes meet only three times per week prevents repeated daily classes from becoming too monotonous and, with more time between classes, allows students to do a better job on their homework.
- Increased discretionary time
Due to the pandemic, sports and clubs have been cancelled, the school day has been shortened, and homework has been decreased. Needless to say, students have found themselves with an unprecedented amount of free time lately. These circumstances have led to a healthier work-relaxation balance in my life, and have enabled me to rediscover dormant hobbies and even pursue new ones. For the first time in years, I’ve started playing guitar again. I’ve been able to watch classic movies that have been on my list for ages. I’m reading good books. I’m writing my first Tripod article since 8th grade. Nowadays, I can finish my school work in a couple of hours and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening pursuing my own interests or catching up with my family.
Society-altering events like the COVID-19 pandemic occur only once every hundred years or so. And when they do occur, they disrupt all fields and areas of life. In most ways, this disruption negatively affects the world. To ensure something good comes out of this for RL, I hope we have the courage and the insight to heed the lessons about effective teaching and successful learning that are embedded in this global crisis.
