Tips from a teacher who never expected to teach like this
tops and iPads to students, all devices gathered from shuttered schools. Such commitment to education and equity on the part of the school boards and the Ministry of Education is admirable and remarkable.
My teacher colleagues are also hard at work, sharing strategies and useful apps, brainstorming ways to engage students, figuring out how to assess remotely, and how to stay in touch with classes. I’ve sent out surveys, posted work and learned how to make audio recordings of my lessons. My teaching practice now includes a “how are you” checkup, alongside a lesson on the nitrogen cycle.
Every day, my sons and I sit at our dining table and log in to “school,” and every day I’m aware of how privileged my children are: They have a quiet space to study, they each have their own devices, as well as reliable internet, and a parent familiar with the education system. Not to mention food in the fridge for their many, many, many snack runs.
A few tips for parents: One of the most difficult aspects of learning at home is figuring out how to manage time. Usually students have teachers to tell them how long they should spend on different subjects during the school day. Now kids have work assigned to them for the week, and they decide how and when to tackle each subject. When online learning started, I insisted my sons put together a list of all work assigned for the week, and then make a weekly schedule, portioning out time for different subjects. It’s worked well so far.
Students are also getting a crash course in learning to self-advocate and how to communicate with their teachers. It is easy for teachers and students to check in during daily classes; it is more difficult to craft a message or email about issues or concerns, but communication is key during this process. Students, don’t be afraid to tell your teachers if you are struggling. Remember that your teachers are learning and adapting during this process, just like you.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned so far can be encapsulated in one word: Wait. It is both my new motto, and a way of life. We’ve all had to learn to wait — for news, in lines, for the curve to flatten, for the economy to restart.
As a teacher, I’ve decided to wait before rushing in to assess, before assigning too much work, before expecting my students and myself to proceed like business is as usual.
We are living through extraordinary times; we are witnessing history; we are all anxious and afraid. As one of my teacher friends put it: these are not ideal learning conditions, and learning online isn’t a classroom — so don’t expect the same results.
One last thought for students: I know this feels like house arrest/early summer break, but resist the urge to zone out. Your education is in your hands in a really unique way right now. Don’t forsake this learn-at-your-own-pace opportunity just to play more “Animal Crossing.”
Teacher friends: I know this feels like house arrest/flying without a net, but we all know how to balance dozens of spinning plates — that’s literally our job. Just remember this is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and be kind to yourself.
As for me, I’ll continue to count my blessings the way I count how many rolls of toilet paper I have left — slowly, and with great deliberation.
Stay safe everyone.