Learning pod: A learning trend among youngsters

While trying to navigate life amidst COVID-19 restrictions, we have come to realise that things around us have changed, and so have we and our thought processes. Everyone made adjustments, from parents struggling with WFH to children trying to adapt to online learning methods. Everything became virtual, be it hanging out with friends or attending classes.  

However, with the world slowly getting back to normalcy, various other trends are coming to the forefront, especially when it comes to imparting education to youngsters. One such trend is learning pod, which is increasingly becoming a popular resource for parents to get their kids engaged in academics.  

What is a learning pod? 
A learning pod, also known by the names education pod or pandemic pod,  comprises of a small group of students (living in the same locality and belonging to same grades) who gather in a homely environment to study lessons taught by a hired and qualified private tutor. It is almost like an informal after-school tutorial under a well-structured setup. Curriculum includes regular school syllabus, daily revision, followed by clearing of concepts, homework aids and overall new learning experiences.  

Benefits of learning pod 
The main focus of a learning pod is on teacher-student coordination. Here are some other benefits of this trend.  

Offers social time with friends and peers: During the pandemic, youngsters lost the opportunity of interacting and socializing with their friends and peers. With learning pod, they once again get the chance to go back to physically meeting their friends. This makes the learning experience well-rounded and dynamic, as well as fun and play from time to time. 

Provides in-person educational opportunity: After almost two years of virtual learning, when youngsters finally get a chance to attend offline in-person classes with their fellows and teachers in a face-to-face setup, they are once again going to enjoy the known benefits of classroom interactive learning sessions. They will be able to clear their queries in class by directly addressing the teacher (through a two-way teacher-student dialogue) and also share their opinions with peers. 

Promotes skill-based education: For so long, kids missed out on their traditional school time or after school enrichment time. But with learning pod, they can once again have an enriching learning experience. With an added social aspect, kids not only reap the benefits of formal learning, but also gain other life skills that improve and enhance their overall quality of education, allowing them to learn something new on top of what they already know.