-
A child does schoolwork at his family home
Photo: Getty ImagesA child does schoolwork at his family home
A child does schoolwork at his family home
A child does schoolwork at his family home
To my fellow educators throughout the state of Connecticut:
We educators have the opportunity to write the narrative that history books will talk about for years to come. What do we want it to say? Do we want it to say that we did a good job of putting our classes online? Or do we want it to say that we fostered an amazing learning community that inspired, educated and developed strong digital citizens?
In this unprecedented time, when educators are rapidly putting courses together for remote learning, there is a lot of advice and not all of it is good. Yes, we need to treat ourselves with grace, but only insomuch as we don’t give ourselves permission to quit or give less than what we are able. It’s OK if your best effort isn’t the most amazing class that you’ve ever taught. Most of our curriculum was designed for face-to-face interaction and some educators may not know how to navigate online learning programs. That is where the grace comes in.
What is important is that we model those traits we expect from our students. Demonstrate what it means to be an out-of-the-box thinker who has creative solutions to extraordinary challenges. You can even get students to help you brainstorm and sometimes create plans to ensure that their learning continues. Make the most of your situation and teach your students the same. Model what it looks like to not give up and forgive yourself for making mistakes. Just like you didn’t ask to teach this way, your students didn’t sign up to learn this way. We’re all in this together, so let’s make it work.
I want to remind my colleagues that it’s not enough to “do well.” We have to “do good.” Just like we may feel anxious, confused, scared, unsettled and angry with our current situations, so do our students. We have the unique ability to help students process everything and feel more in control of their surroundings.
Ask students to keep a journal of their experiences and let them know that what they feel is OK and that their voices are being heard. Generate ways for students to connect on your digital learning platform. Perhaps you have a theme for the day like silly hats or crazy hair and everyone posts a selfie/picture/drawing pertaining to that theme.
Maybe it’s a class playlist. Maybe it’s an online hangout session for students to drop in and see each other’s faces. You could also make a discussion board that has nothing to do with class but is there to help feel students feel less alone. Pick random topics for discussion like food, shows to binge watch, or strangest thing you’ve seen while social distancing.
Whatever it is, let students know that even though they don’t get to see their friends at school, they are not alone. Even though they don’t get to see you, you’re still thinking of them and are ready to listen. This is important to all ages and that sense of connection makes a difference in each and every one of our lives.
We are witnessing history in the making and educators should not be bystanders. Let’s be known for playing a key role in connecting, educating, and inspiring tomorrow’s future.
Melanie Savelli is an assistant professor of communication at Southern Connecticut State University. She can be reached at savellim3@southernct.edu.
"Opinion" - Google News
April 09, 2020 at 12:06AM
https://ift.tt/39YfiNz
Opinion: Educators have unique role to play in crisis - New Haven Register
"Opinion" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2FkSo6m
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
No comments:
Post a Comment