Leaders of schools from across North America convened to discuss their challenges and strategies to ensure quality teaching and learning during these hybrid and blended learning days.
They convened in a Catalyst-style session whereby participants worked in small groups to co-construct a shared output related to their challenges and strategies. Below represents a high-level synthesis of their combined output. A more complete detailed report will be released in the coming weeks.
Models/Approaches
A variety of approaches are being adopted by schools:
- Synchronous
- Teaching in-person with some students then repeating it again for remote learners.
- Teaching in-person with some students in class and remote learners watching at the same time.
- Asynchronously
- Students work at their own pace.
- Hybrid
- Teaching in-person with groups of students occasionally alternating between in-person and remote (synchronously/asynchronously).
Technology/Infrastructure
- Schools are overwhelmed with supporting the many access, connectivity, and technological glitches that exist in their schools and student homes.
- Leaders are overwhelmed with the volume of companies contacting them with new product offerings and services.
Student Engagement
- Some educators find it difficult to be creative in these new learning models and to engage/maintain the interest of their learners.
- Attendance issues or students “ghosting” requires parents to take a more active role at home.
- Creating rich, meaningful experiences is critical:
- Encouraging students to take more active roles during learning interactions
- Leveraging pedagogy-driven technologies that promote active learning
- Pre-packaged kits for hands-on learning
- Providing opportunities for smaller group interaction
- Giving students voice and choice in their assigned tasks
Connections
- Educators struggle to build relationships and trust
- Students value multiple opportunities to engage with their peers
Learning Made Visibly
- Multiple opportunities need to be created for teachers to gain an understanding of how students are progressing.
- Platforms that provide teachers with insight into student learning is key.
Developing New Skills
- Multiple opportunities and strategies to support teachers, parents, and learners as they navigate new technologies and platforms.
- Importance to instill confidence in educators’ instruction strategies so they truly know “they’ve got this!”
- Professional learning for teachers should address “how to” but also “why to” – pedagogy-informed use.
- “Technology is a tool, people make connections”.
- Opportunity to develop new skills in learners.