Navigating Remote Learning

Some of the biggest changes over the last year have been the ways we learn, communicate and enjoy life.  Living through a pandemic has taught us to adjust many things, including communication, learning, staying active and asking for help in ways that may not be familiar.  

Students have different preferences for learning that allow them to stay interested, but the pandemic has reduced options, often leading to frustration or suddenly not understanding subjects that once were favorites.  Learning how to navigate these challenges together can make all the difference.

If we change our thinking a bit, we can learn to appreciate the benefits that also come along with remote learning.  This is a rare opportunity to take advantage of a thing like extra time as a result of less time in the car and shorter (virtual) school days.  For example, tutoring requires less time in the car since students are now mostly online.  As a result, I’ve used the time to learn new recipes and try new outdoor sports, like tennis.

Ideas to Help Students Thrive

1 – Take advantage of the extra free time to enjoy productive, enjoyable things.  There are benefits to learning from home.  Try to take advantage of the time gained from not driving to and from school and fill the time with things like sports, learning to cook, reading or finding a new hobby.  There’s always a chance to learn while having fun as well.  For example, while cooking, practice fractions together when measuring ingredients.

2 – Form a group with friends to study together.  Studying with friends can create a special type of learning environment; learning in a small group environment tends to motivate students.  Material that feels frustrating can become clear when a friend explains how they see it.  

3 – Reach out to teachers or a tutor as soon as questions arise.  When a concept isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask someone who can help.  It’s very beneficial to clear up a concept when it’s fresh rather than waiting.  Help is often just a text or email away.

Ways Parents Can Help

1 – Focus on the positives of the new environment.  Often, kids will follow a parent’s lead when it comes to deciding how they feel about certain situations.  Try to paint a positive picture, focusing on the new possibilities.

2 – Supporting ideas that kids have.  In order to feel more normalcy, students may have ideas that allow for this.  This may include seeing a couple friends a bit more often or signing up to do a new sport or perhaps small family getaways.

3 – Provide resources to help understanding.  Learning through an online classroom is harder for many students.  A tutor can help clear up tricky concepts. Another way to help is by taking advantage of the many online video resources available by searching for the topic they’re finding challenging.