9 Positives From School Closures; Part 3

Part 3; Three Positives For Pupils

There has been much negative debate regarding the education of children recently, but it has to be noted that despite the anxiety surrounding Covid-19 for many youngsters, their parents and teachers, the lockdown situation has also resulted in positives for learning. It is important, moving towards ‘normality’ that we acknowledge these, learn from them and try where possible to carry them forward to benefit education for the future. This is part three and will cover three such positives for pupils, although you will be able to think of many more I am sure.

There were very mixed feelings when schools were closed. Many were ecstatic, imagining a prolonged holiday from learning and much fun to be had. However, for others, this was terrifying; the immediate halting of familiar routines and separation from friends. For some came an immediate panic of exams looming and the end of school preparation. Pupils across the world had very mixed feelings indeed. Looking back however, pupils can be proud of their achievements and can hopefully acknowledge the following positives:

1. Independent Learners

Pupils have had no choice but to become more independent, choosing how long they study for…. meeting their own needs in terms of concentration, focus, processing speed and learning style. With permission to choose what to wear, where to study and when to take breaks, they have become self-motivated and able to supplement their learning with a choice of resources researched themselves or with family members. Is this not more like the world we are preparing them for? These life lessons will make them more capable of future learning and the associated increase in self-discipline, improved organisation and new time management skills will stand them in very good stead for future employment.

2. Pupil-teacher Communication

The last three months have necessitated direct communication with subject/class teachers using a safe, secure and private forum where they can be honest about any difficulties. This has allowed them to gain support without fear of what their peers might think. Ultimately, the situation will have facilitated the building of more honest and mutually respectful relationships between many teachers and pupils. Teachers have encouraged good engagement from youngsters by being creative when setting tasks and pupils have been able to see them as not only educators but as members of the community also sharing this unique, and at times difficult, experience.

3. Parental Collaboration

Children have been able to chat to parents about their learning; they have enjoyed gleaning new skills from family members and have a new appreciation of their parents’ abilities! They have collaborated, discussed and debated within the family and by incorporating learning into fun activities, youngsters have seen how memories can be created. The increased interest in learning has enabled youngsters to share their passions and challenges with parents and in doing so, have developed a mutual respect between the generations.

Moving forwards as schools open in the coming months and learning in its more traditional sense is resumed for children across the nation, let remember these positives and make education better! We all now have our part to play and working together will benefit schools now and in the future. Please comment below if you have other positives to add, and read about more positives in Part 1 and Part 2.