Welcome back to school!
We are back to a new year of school. As we move forward, this year brings us changes and trends that may be confusing or hard to keep up with. Having an overview of some of these exciting new terms and methods will help you and your child make smoother transitions, and understand the goals of the educators using these methods.
Microlearning:
Long lectures that do not get revisited may overload students with the amount of information they can take in. This also requires students to have the skills to go back over that information on their own-which is not always manageable. Microlearning is a way of teaching bite-sized content (approx 3-5 min) with focused learning outcomes. Done in repetition, this way of learning allows the student to process new concepts, and gives space for the material to sink in. This has generated positive outcomes in terms of retention.
Neuroeducation:
Neuroeducation looks at what happens in the brain when a student learns, which in turn shows how to best stimulate the brain in education. Neuroeducation facilitates changes in the brain, like creating new neural connections. These connections transfer into new cognitive/learning structures-also known as brain plasticity-which helps with memory recall and the absorption of new data. Neuroeducation links learning with emotions and personal experience, creating hands on and group learning. It uses personal anecdotes to contextualize and motivate. It has shown that creative and game based activities spark curiosity, social interaction and a faster learning process. This creativity also reduces tension and improves focus.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
After COVID-19, and the realization that schools are facing high absentee numbers, it became apparent that student mental health needed to be prioritized. School’s are now looking at an increased emphasis on the need for social-emotional learning. This is to support students’ well-being. SEL programs are centered on developing skills like resilience, self-awareness, interpersonal competence and empathy. Schools are recognizing that Emotional intelligence is an important factor in academic success. This is a trend that is projected to keep growing, and will help see a decrease in bullying, anxiety/stress, and absenteeism.
Technology Hybrid/Blended Learning
Again, the Pandemic has changed the way we see education. Covid led to integrating technology into the classroom and schools are finding new ways to continue hybrid learning as well as technology blended models. The face-to-face instruction of online elements, allows for more flexibility as well as more individualized lessons, especially for students who may have diverse needs. There is now a focus on AI augmented reality, and virtual reality. This is not students playing video games but rather being used for an immersive educational experience. Simulations can be used for recreations (history), virtual field trips, and to show complex concepts in new ways. This creates an applied learning experience which enhances critical thinking and creativity. Digital literacy, such as coding, is being taught at the earliest levels to develop what will be a greater part of their future lived experiences.
Some of these Ideas may seem foreign to your personal school experience, but these changing educational models are being developed to best serve the academic and emotional well being of your child.
If you feel you would like more information or help in any of these areas, please reach out to our Elite team.
