<strong>Best ways to engage students in hybrid mode of learning</strong>
In India, the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to reach the endemic stage. That is why both the central and the state governments have decided to continue education through a hybrid mode, where teachers will conduct both offline and online classes simultaneously. While many states have reopened schools and students have been attending physical classes in batches, there are places where they are still unable to go to school. Keeping this in mind, hybrid learning model has been reintroduced, wherein students will be provided with necessary resources such as online study materials, internet connectivity as well as access to digital devices. Here are some simple yet proven methods for teachers to engage students in hybrid mode of learning, fruitfully.
Engage students in interactive learning
In hybrid mode of learning, concepts can be better explained when they are simplified through interaction. In fact, as proven time and again, students learn better through hands-on interactive experience such as experiments, group discussions, customised quizzes and debates and activities rather than through textbooks. These also help in improving their productivity. The interaction should include participation from teachers as well as students and have a query resolving session at the end.
Encourage learning through audio-visual medium
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, now more than ever, students have become well acquainted with digital devices, internet and video conferencing platforms, such as Google Meet and Zoom. So, as part of the hybrid mode, teachers can often conduct classes through pre-recorded video lectures, educational videos and documentaries. These will help the learners stay hooked to the screen, all the while learning something. For example, in case of science, showing virtual experiments and sharing application-based videos can be helpful. In fact, such visual tools often increase engagement among students and even boost their retention.
Introduce digitised textbooks with reading assistants
The move from physical textbooks to digital ones have had both pros and cons. While some students have adapted well, others find them challenging. Keeping these in mind, teachers can now use of learning apps that provide digitised textbooks pre-installed with reading assistants. These are multi-sensory tools to keep students engaged in the learning process during the hybrid mode. The technology ensures that students learn the concepts interactively as the screen reads out all the information with a plethora of tools to support it.
Focus on vernacular content
As proven time and again, students tend to learn faster and more effectively if it’s done in their vernacular languages. This also makes learning more comprehensive. This is why, learning apps, video content and more such study resources for hybrid model of learning should be made available in students’ mother tongues. Introducing content in regional languages will also enhance student participation and involvement in the process of learning.