KLINGSHARE:#4 KLINGCHAT - APRIL 2, 2020 HIGH SCHOOL DURING COVID-19 KlingShare:#4 shares ideas generated during an online conversation that invited high school teachers and leaders to discuss challenges and solutions in transitioning to online schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DEALING WITH ANXIETY AND THE LOSS OF IN-PERSON TRADITIONS?
Acknowledge and validate students' feelings of loss and grief. Create spaces for students to speak with a trusted adult or counselor if needed. Communicate clearly for each event or tradition (e.g. prom, graduation, class trips, senior capstone) whether it will be replaced virtually, postponed, or cancelled. Use technology to create online versions school activities like assemblies or spirit week to build community. Support students with academic anxiety by adjusting course intensity, being transparent about expectations and grading, and being flexible. Practice empathy. Be aware of students' home circumstances and provide support and assistance when needed.
HOW MIGHT TEACHERS DESIGN FOR INCREASED INDEPENDENCE AND INTRINSICALLY MOTIVATED LEARNING?
Set time aside for students and teachers to reflect, grieve the loss of plans, and process their feelings about what is happening. Empower students by providing purpose and agency. Ask students what they want to learn. Provide flexible options that allow students to learn with choice. Get feedback from students and parents and adjust accordingly. Create opportunities for collaboration. Allow time for independent work or small group meetings during "class time." Gather data to determine the right balance of asynchronous to synchronous activities. Be lenient and allow extensions or alternative assignments as needed. Be transparent about expectations, assessments, grading and policies. Utilize tech (e.g. edPuzzle, App.peergrade.io, NowComment.com, FlipGrid, Loom) to facilitate peer feedback, assessment and creative asynchronous assignments. Share resources that can help facilitate independent learning and provide direct support when needed.
KlingShare:#4 | Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University | klingensteincenter.org