In many parts of our country our educational processes are becoming more and more virtual.
Last March many of our schools (including Lakeside’s) had to recreate our education plan and house it totally on a distance learning platform. It was intensely stressful for staff and although some of our students did well, others struggled for many different reasons.
Most educators projected that the impact of COVID-19 would be reduced by the beginning of this school year. However that is not the case. For those students that struggled last year with distance learning there can be some fear that they will once again experience some of the same struggles that they had last year. They may not even believe that they can succeed at all.
It will be important that parents begin the process of preparing their children for what is to come as we continue this style of learning. The Child Mind Institute has featured an article by Amanda Morin that addresses some of the possible causes of and responses to these difficulties. Here is a quote from the article:
Whether you call it remote learning, online learning, or distance learning, school looks different during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some students are thriving with this way of learning, many students don’t seem to be engaging in it. Some students may not be present at all. Others may be in attendance, but they aren’t turning in work or doing more than the bare minimum. So, what’s holding your students back from engaging?
Research shows that students who are genuinely engaged persevere despite challenges. Engaged students are attentive and curious. They find meaning in what they’re learning, whether their classroom is brick-and-mortar or virtual.
She continues to list five barriers to student engagement to distance learning and how we can help them through this process.
For students who struggle with distance learning, anticipating a new school year can be anxiety-provoking. With the sensitivity and support of their teachers and parents there is opportunity to help them overcome these barriers and hopefully will allow them some successes that they might not have dreamed possible. I wish all of our students, parents and teachers a good experience as we strive to deal with the continued impact of COVID-19 and the reopening of our schools.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
