How Can Teachers Help Students Cope-up with the Pandemic

Rosario DC. Alfonso

Even young students were affected by the global pandemic. Thus, under the best of circumstances, students need to know that their world is safe and that they're competent and worthy of respect amidst the new normal system of distance learning.

Educators now have the responsibility to cope with uncertainty, and adjust to distance learning.

How can educators do that?

First, educators should prioritize relationships. Listen, validate, and normalize your students experiences during the pandemic whether it is voicing frustration about spending 24/7 with siblings or are struggling to stay focused with the their lessons.

Second, address the pressure. Regardless of the situation or resources, every child's life has been turned inside out, and the primary focus should be on emotional safety, not mastering content. Thus, educators should grade a student's work based on formative assessment, which is low-stakes and involves gathering evidence to provide feedback and inform instruction.

Lastly, empower students. The best antidote for stress among young learners is to give them a sense of empowerment. Academically, that might mean letting them pursue a passion project, create an e-portfolio instead of taking an exam, choose books or topics to explore, or deliver a lesson to their classmates.

Encourage students to look for opportunities to give back, too. They could reach out to a classmate who feels socially disconnected or address a need in the broader community.

These are just some of the ways educators help students cope-up with the pandemic despite the new normal distance learning system.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at Tacasan Elementary School