Online learning has become prominent during the covid-19 pandemic. Distance learning is taking over today, when students have little to no options left to engage with the academic content at hand. Remote learning can be highly productive when done right; however, many students don’t seem to be engaging with it today.
While research shows that engaged students will be proactive nevertheless, other students might be less involved with a computer in front of them. Their motivation comes from another place, and virtual learning doesn’t appeal to them. Here’s how you can understand students whose motivation is dropping.
- Students’ life circumstances are now different
In the middle of the pandemic, students’ life circumstances must have changed, as yours have. Many students may no longer be able to access the internet and might deal with real-world problems such as homelessness or food insufficiencies. They might be very vulnerable in the face of disaster; so, of course they’re not thinking about virtual learning, writes George at dissertation writing services. It simply doesn’t come first when there’s so much more to deal with.
Some students might put in serious effort to attend your class. They might be going through tough situations at home – and still, they make it to class, and still, they do the schoolwork, even if less promptly. If you notice any changes within a student’s behavior, have a one-on-one talk and see what you could do to help them.
- Students might be dealing with stress or trauma
Some students lost family members during this pandemic, so you cannot expect them to put virtual learning first. Some are highly traumatized by their past, while others cannot even fathom what happened. When students deal with such challenging situations, it’s hard for them to study or be present. Understanding and actively supporting them should be one of your goals as a teacher, as Dana at uk dissertations argues. Be their support system when no one else can.
- The academic content is not accessible
Some students lost power or might be on the verge of evacuating their homes due to financial difficulties. They cannot put learning first because of more important reasons. Be understanding, loving, supportive, and try to prepare new content for them. Make it accessible! If they are not able to attend virtual classes, physically mail them the documents and materials they need.
- There is not enough structural support available
I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that there is not enough support available today. Some students live in isolated communities where no one can offer them writing help or essay writing service when they need it. They cannot see their teachers, they cannot talk to them, there is no structural system in place that helps them succeed. There is no support available, maybe no power either – you’re the only person they might be in contact with, so you cannot blame them for not putting online learning first.
- Your expectations as a teacher haven’t changed
Your expectations must keep in touch with reality. Openly talk to your students and ask them about their circumstances. If some of them are unable to attend class or deal with serious issues, offer a helping hand and set lower expectations. Your high expectations could give them anxiety and only make the situation worse.
Wrapping Up
Distance learning might not always come first for your students. That’s because their life circumstances might’ve changed during this pandemic (whose hasn’t?). Your students might be dealing with stress and trauma or be unable to access their academic content.
Since there is not too much support available today, teachers must change their expectations. They cannot continue to lead the same type of classroom when the world is changing so quickly. You’ve got to learn how to help your students succeed in this era of continuous technological development – and understand where they’re coming from. Thank you for reading this and good luck!
