If you want a performance-demanding back-to-school, you should progressively adapt ways to capture their attention and motivate them to study.
It is undeniable that one of the most affected groups throughout the pandemic has been students. Those who have had the necessary means and resources to continue studying have had to adapt to the change of modality and maintain these conditions for a year. The stress due to the lack of connection, the limitations of accessing only through a smartphone or, on the other hand, the disinterest of several in their own training have permeated their attitudes. Consequently, their academic performance has decreased and school dropouts have increased. Faced with these problems, the idea of returning to blended classes sounds more suitable than ever. However, this decision carries with it responsibilities for student performance and safety.
One of the first obstacles faced is sanitation. The risk of contracting the disease seems imminent. This situation is due to the limited space of many educational centers and the possible disrespect for health measures (something almost inevitable on the part of minors). The crowds will not wait, as well as the increase in cases, in a similar way to what happened with the economic reopening last year, where the pre-established measures were losing strength over time until they were no longer served in multiple places. Therefore, along with the regulations of the student population, teachers and managers must be very attentive so that the measures are constantly followed in order to take care of their own health and that of the students.
Fortunately, it appears that health measures are already being taken to cope with the return; However, there is another challenge that is not obvious or important to many: dealing with the vices acquired by students during the online mode. Among these challenges are motivating students to want to learn and keeping their attention. Both aspects, by remaining immersed in another environment, decreased. Likewise, the proximity to the devices to receive classes has hindered the approach as well as the self-management and regulation of the time dedicated to study, which in many cases depend on the student. Consequently, what is learned is little, so the need to level knowledge and skills is paramount.
Unfortunately, the most worrying thing about this situation is that it already represented a serious problem prior to the pandemic. Education in El Salvador has remained in a comfort zone where the demand and commitment have completely declined. Now, these problems will need to be addressed effectively if a world-class education system is to be pursued.
On the other hand, we must especially consider those who had little or no access to virtual education due to lack of means. They will present significant deficiencies that, if not overcome, can affect their development for life. At least, with the efforts made to guarantee access to a device with an internet connection, the most basic obstacle to online education can be overcome. Still, classes must be interactive to ensure learning.
So if you want a performance-demanding back-to-school, you have to progressively adapt ways to capture their attention and motivate them to study. Likewise, deficiencies must be solved; Although the return is beneficial, what is merited is a means where it is fully learned. Now with access to a device or internet that is planned, the development of future generations must be ensured, on whom it will depend if we overcome the current crisis and progress as a nation.
Business Engineering Student / Student Political Opinion Club (COPE)
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