Teacher's role in Lockdown Period
In this phase of social distancing, to ensure that learning continues without any impediments, schools are shifting to digital learning methods to facilitate remote learning for students. All are apprehensive about this transition from offline to online learning system. Though classroom learning cannot be replaced by online education, it is essential, especially in this situation, that everyone works collectively to make online learning possible for children stuck at home..
The secret is, ‘don’t let the learning stop! While your child is staying away from school or college support their learning at home. In millions of homes across the globe, parents are juggling like never before every minute as they struggle to teach their children while earning a living during the coronavirus lockdown. With their normal weekday routines, many of those children are finding it hard to suddenly have mum and dad as their teachers.
The real gamechanger here is a “Teacher". A qualified, trained, passionate, affectionate and a teacher who loves his/her profession can shift the paradigm of the entire Indian education system. A motivated teacher is very important as they have a different approach towards teaching than others. Motivation is one of the strongest tools that keeps children positive through a long period of time. It involves working toward goals and tailoring activities to achieve this purpose.
Dear children, we know that due to the "corona" pandemic, the whole country has "lockeddown" itself. Closed in the walls of the house, not only will you be bored, but you will also be getting upset for not meeting friends.
Every situation brings an opportunity. Here your dreams can fly high without any pressure to fulfill your hobbies and interests. Suddenly isolated from our students, we have had to come to grips with online teaching quickly – often with little in the way of training and financial support. We have been offered webinars and articles trying to support us in the shift to online teaching, and yet somehow, feelings of failure, anxiety and frustration have been common among us.
I experienced all this, but at some point last week I realised something. I may feel right now, I have a unique set of skills as a language teacher to make a difference in other people’s lives. I always knew English teachers were well-rounded professionals: however, I more recently learned how our knowledge and skills as language teachers can make a difference, without us even realising! I read more and research about better teaching methodologies. I also reflect on how best I can make my learners better - through platforms that incorporate life lessons, skills, morals; social, political and economic issues, in line with what I teach. Here are a few examples from my experiences.
Social skills and rapport
One of the best things that I have realised is that I have continued to bring my students together, interacting and feeling less isolated and bored. However clunky and odd my online lessons may be, students can connect to others.I did not initially realize this, but for some of my teenage students, my class was the only human interaction they had all day! One of the most important tricks to maintain academic discipline at home is by allowing a downtime of fun and socializing with friends. Children tend to get restless when asked to stay indoors for long periods and without meeting their playmates and friends.
Language knowledge and awareness
I have been able to offer my students a window on the world and help them better understand what is happening. We analyzed the use of words such as “lockdown” and “social distancing”, allowing them to feel more confident finding information in English about the current crisis.
Knowledge of language learning
Lockdown has led so many to brush up on their English .Being familiar with how language learning works, I have been able to give them practical tips for self-study, including trying to learn vocabulary in context, managing their expectations, pacing themselves and learn based on their interests.
Knowledge of language learning materials
Related to the previous point, I could help those with this newfound love for learning English by simply pointing them to the right sources: from more structured courses.
Digital learning Preparing the youth and parents for online education
Every house has now become a school and every parent a teacher. Schools are now conducting live online classes and offering digital content access at home with the help of Ed-tech companies. For many students, this might be the first online learning experience; hence it is essential for parents to intervene and guide their children. This will boost children’s confidence and they will feel valued and supported.
Parents as teachers and facilitators
Children should be encouraged to utilize their time wisely and improve their English grammar, vocabulary and build knowledge across subjects by accessing interactive online learning resources. Not all lessons need to be academic – they can be life lessons we want our children to learn as well. At this time of lockdown, domestic helpers will not be coming to your homes. Develop your child’s artistic skills and new habits. Clean up their rooms, make bed, etc. This will not only create in you respect for people engaged in labor and hard work, but you will also get physical and mental satisfaction.
The 21st century is a century of capacity building and skill development. Use this time of “lockdown” to exploit your abilities and develop 21st century skills.
Let us take advantage of the opportunity of lockdown and give our children a chance to smile and realize the dream of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. We are not stuck up at home, We are safe at home!
Comments
Post a Comment