Webinar and Viewing Party: “Returning to Campus: Key Strategies to Address Knowledge Gaps, Academic Stamina and Resiliency” April 14 2-3 pm
Webinar Date and Time: Thursday, April 14 2-3 pm
Location: LI 124 in the Faculty Development Center Viewing Party with Snacks
OR attend online (Note, you must register first to get a unique log-in here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Tw4lO_VoRRyYp6yidW8rnA
Presentation Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oxO6DbQOjCE4QRl-9gd2XMH_jE6Be0fG?usp=sharing
The last two years have had a significant impact on student learning. The pandemic has created a situation where students have increased challenges resulting from various factors such as gaps in content area knowledge, loss of academic stamina, increases in depression and anxiety, and learned helplessness. How can today’s faculty adapt their courses to meet students’ learning needs better?
First, the key is to develop a clear understanding of how COVID and online learning have impacted today’s students. In addition to simply learning less content due to educational upheavals, many students are challenged to sustain their focus for extended study periods or adequately prepare for tests requiring higher-level thinking. According to Ann Denon (Best Colleges, April 2021), studies indicate that the shift to online learning damaged students’ focus and motivation. Many students have performed worse academically since the transition to remote learning. Many college students struggle with utilizing study skills and sustaining effective academic habits that may have been more fully developed if the pandemic hadn’t interrupted their learning.
At the same time, the social and emotional challenges of learning in isolation and dealing with health, financial and family stressors have further exacerbated a growing mental health crisis for college students. New college students may have had minimal opportunities to self-advocate or seek help outside their families.
This session will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID on student learning. We will discuss several key strategies that faculty can adopt in their teaching, including scaffolding learning, academic recovery approaches, and focusing on the lessons that mindset research has taught us about how people learn. Faculty are in the position to support this learning and to foster student success.
Objectives
Reflect on the impacts of COVID on students’ academic performance and challenges created by recent years’ online and hybrid learning.
Look at K-12 literature on re-entry into face-to-face learning and how it can inform higher education practices and programs
Develop an understanding of strategies to address knowledge gaps in learning
Discuss strategies for assisting students in developing their academic skills and stamina, including study habits and sustaining focus
Understand the concepts of learned helplessness and resilience, along with approaches to addressing these in the college classroom