Bitesize Research: Impact Of Lockdowns On Students Around The Globe

By Jaya Carrier

I hope everyone’s had a great week so far! I was really interested to see this recent article which compiles some of the positive outcomes of the pandemic discovered by educational research conducted in different countries. Whilst we know that the pandemic has had a huge number of very negative and difficult consequences, I was intrigued to see a different perspective. Objectives: To collate recent international findings about the impact of the pandemics and lockdowns on students. Summary:

• The article suggests that in three critical areas there have been positive changes arising from the lockdowns and pandemic:
• Improved digital skills: There is evidence that the lockdown improved teachers’ and students’ digital skills and fostered a greater deal of creativity in thinking about teaching and learning. There is also some evidence that students have been better able to problem solve, and enjoyed being able to learn more at their own pace as a result of more online learning.
• Improved communication and assessment: There is evidence that the limitations on ways of assessing students during the pandemic led to greater creativity in ideas around assessment.
• Parental engagement: There is some evidence to suggest that in supporting learning at home during the pandemic during lockdown, parents now have a greater degree of understanding and engagement in their child’s learning.

How does this impact me and my practice?:

Some reflection questions arising from this that might be helpful to consider are:

• What positive outcomes for your teaching practice have followed the pandemic?
• What positive outcomes for students have arisen due to the pandemic?
• How might you build on this going forward?

If you would like to discuss this further with me please get in touch! I’d be delighted to hear from you!