Here in Melbourne we are entering week 20 of remote learning. While it has become second nature and I feel I am getting better at it, and as I wrote about in a previous blog, I still miss having myself students with me in a classroom.
However there are some students who would be more than happy to stay at home. Many studies, reports and anecdotal stories are starting emerge that discuss how for a range of reasons, some students learn better in isolation.
For example many students on the autism spectrum who struggle with the constant noise and chatter of a classroom full of boisterous students are enjoying the quietness of their study or bedroom. While those students who are socially anxious, are thriving in the pressure free environment of their house.
It’s not just here in Australia that some students are kicking goals in remote learning. In the US, there are many similar stories.
Rosie Reid, California’s 2019 Teacher of the Year, said in an interview with Edutopia “I can’t say enough about how this closure has changed my entire approach to teaching because I see how it has been an amazing respite for so many students.” Jacob, 14, of Minnesota said “I have ADHD, and I’ve been able to focus on my schoolwork so much better now” while Maude, 20, of Quebec said “In physical classes, I spent so much of my energy trying to calm down”.
While it feels like we have been teaching from home for ever, it will be a while before we can asses the full impact of remote learning. However as students return we need to conscious that for some members of our community, coming back into the classroom with be a huge challenge.
