In this unprecedented time of the pandemic, sustaining academic learning is challenged. Financial strain and social distancing have undermined the role of the traditional classroom and increased the struggles of parents at home. This adds to the number of students that are left behind in quality education.
Although there has been a drastic shift toward online learning, yet, there’s inequality across social status and geographic lines due to inaccessibility in technology. This situation heavily calls for an urgent cost-effective solution.
The kind of intervention needed to help students get back on track is tutoring – whether it is one-on-one or small-group instructional programs. Tutoring is the most widespread, versatile, and potentially transformative modality in contemporary time. It has been proven to be effective in helping students improve in various subjects or curriculum.
Now, the point doesn’t end just here. We know the challenges everyone is facing and we need mentors with a strategic approach while safety measures are considered. So, what are the primary concerns that have to be addressed in order for tutors to catch up with the present educational needs?
Space: First and foremost, educators have to acquire a space where they can conduct their lessons. Though home tutoring can be done, however, an environment that is designed conducive for learning is much recommended. They can classroom rental or training room rental, for instance, to avoid unnecessary distractions. But make sure that proper sanitation and other precautionary guidelines are observed.
Quantity: The number of tutees per tutor should be relatively small especially now that physical distancing is imposed. A 1-on-1 is preferable, that is aside from the fact that the attention is more focused on a single student ratio.
Schedule: Both the tutor and the tutee need to make the most of the session. Provided with a limited time, tutors should plot the schedule of the topics in every meeting and adjust when necessary. That includes the discussion and the assessments. Assignments can be given to further assess the learning progress.
Patience: Having overflowing patience is a vital trait as a tutor especially that tutees are mostly young and are tied in this current circumstance. We all know the emotional drawbacks that this pandemic has brought to kids. What matters most is to take the time to ensure they grasp and learn the material as best as possible.
Methodology: Teaching strategies may vary for every learner. If you see the kid being so playful, use games as part of the process. That will make the learning fun! If you see them buying time to think before answering, practice the pause technique in your tutoring sessions to make sure your student has understood what you just explained or asked. Incorporate technology by researching some online sites to find flashcards, word problems, science videos, and more.
Conclusion:
Academic freeze is not the solution in this time of the pandemic. Learning should be continuous and adaptable. Parents may have the option to look for a tutor – that is not because their children are slow, but to advance in the demands of time. The above strategies and key points will aid the tutors on how to best handle the present condition; thus, helping every student to re-align themselves in quality education.
If you like this article, you might want to read this article about Face-to-Face Corporate Learning in Post Covid-19.