How Social Distancing
Impacts Instruction
20 | SLAS TIMES by Jamie Hallowes
Teachers had to adjust how they prepare for classes due to the social distancing protocol resulting from the pandemic. Teachers these days mainly assign more online work, and they limit group work.
Mr. van West, the journalism and digital media teacher, said that using more technology helps create safe distance. He modifies his lessons to“ avoid excessive in-person group work,” and tries to“ make everything work in-person and online in case anyone can’ t make it to class.” He also made steps toward having a paper-free class.
Because seats are fixed a meter apart, teachers have had to revise their classes to involve less group work. Science teacher Mr. Brian Delsandro said that he was concerned when the social distancing measures were first put in place, since the majority of his classes involved group work. He went on to say,“ MS Teams has been integral to keeping that aspect of my courses alive.”
The COVID-19 pandemic causes uncertainty in the world, and educators consider that. English teacher Ms. Jacobs said that social distancing has forced her to be more“ versatile and flexible” in finding more ways to make classes engaging. She has had to incorporate technology into her classes more by making online assignments and using MS teams to reach students who have yet to return to Shanghai.
Social distancing has changed school life outside of classes as well. Mr. van West mentioned that the protocol caused many events to be canceled, which presents problems for school yearbooks and magazine event photography. As a result, the journalism team has focused more on honing their graphic design and online communication skills.
Grade 9 student Kate Norraine Cabante said that there are considerable differences in classrooms, such as“ staying a meter apart, often opening windows, rarely doing group work, and always wearing masks.”
Another grade 9 student Ella Oh said that having desks separated by one meter and the lack of faceto-face discussions“ makes class more boring.”
SLAS has not yet reported a coronavirus case in its community, which speaks for the measures. Despite the protocol being inconvenient both in and out of the classroom, students and teachers recognize its usefulness.